The Lead Elder stated firmly, though he avoided looking directly at the glowing violet eyes of the Reaper. "If you refuse to adopt a legitimate, blood-verified heir from the collateral branches... you must produce one yourself."
Seraphina stopped dead in her tracks in the center of the room.
Her jaw literally dropped.
'Produce one?' Seraphina's brain screeched to a halt. 'Are they... are they telling him to reproduce? Are they mandating a political marriage?!'
Count Valerius reached forward, flipping the velvet portfolio open.
Inside were dozens of high-quality, magically enhanced painted portraits of beautiful, simpering noblewomen.
