“Damn it!” Marquis Preibus cursed as somber thoughts infiltrated his mind.
What if… the King of Arundell truly sought the princess’s hand in marriage, only to later become enraged at the sight of Rihannan? All the pent-up anger would be directed towards his own niece. No, he would not allow it. He could not; he would not.
“Rihannan is ill-suited for this task. She is a delicate and fragile soul, plagued by nightmares to this day. She will not be able to bear the weight of the title of Queen. I implore you to reconsider,” the marquis pleaded.
“So you would rather see my sister, my only sibling, suffer?” The crown prince’s golden eyes turned icy.
The noblemen nearby, witnessing the steel-hardened expression on his face, held their breath.
“That’s…” Marquis Preibus attempted to conjure a defense, but found himself at a loss for words. In the end, he closed his mouth, knowing that further resistance would only invite greater consequences for him and his family.
“Do not worry excessively, marquis. Your niece once resided in Arundell during her childhood. She is familiar with their customs. I assure you, she will not face difficulties adjusting,” a nobleman interjected, attempting to console the marquis.
“Yes, this is the best outcome we could hope for. Rihannan is both a Chrichton and an Arundell. This fact cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, I have heard that many of the Arundell nobles appreciate beauty. I am certain their king will be pleased with Rihannan’s appearance. Do not fret. She will live a comfortable life,” another nobleman added.
These words, meant to offer solace to the marquis, only stirred his anger. Could they speak so casually if their own daughters were being sent to Arundell as hostages, tools, and pawns?
“Then let us proceed with the plan to send her to Arundell,” the crown prince declared.
With the crown prince’s proclamation, the marquis could do nothing but remain silent, watching his niece become the unwilling bride of Arundell’s king, all without her consent or knowledge.
***
Upon returning to the mansion from the royal palace, Rihannan discovered that Marquis Dimitri had already returned and settled in the study room for a discussion. They had yet to dine. Rihannan’s mind buzzed with questions regarding the sudden marriage between the princess and Igor, but she refrained from intruding and instead waited outside, reminiscing about her conversation with Helena.
“Arundell has demanded a political marriage, using the princess as a bargaining chip…”
As the old nanny delivered this unsettling news, Helena staggered backward. Rihannan and the nanny rushed to support her, offering a glass of cold water to calm her frayed nerves.
Amidst tears, Helena sobbed, “Rih… Rihannan, what do I do? Will I be sent to Arundell as a hostage?”
“No, princess. That will not happen,” Rihannan swiftly consoled her. “There must be another way.”
Hours later, as she finally returned to the mansion, Rihannan yearned to confirm the truth of the old nanny’s words from Marquis Dimitri. However, he had yet to emerge from the study room. Restless and unable to keep still, Rihannan had never anticipated such a turn of events.
Igor, what a cruel man he was. By marrying the princess of Chrichton, he had calculated that Chrichton would be rendered impotent to take any action against him. If Chrichton dared to make any foolish moves, he would surely sever ties with his own wife. Rihannan was certain of this. He would not hesitate to discard Helena, just as he had done to her.
Rihannan heaved a heavy sigh, overwhelmed by guilt. The future had changed, and now it was the princess who would bear the brunt of suffering. If only she could find a way…
“Miss, shouldn’t the marquis and Mr. Dimitri have their dinner?” Mary looked at Rihannan with concern.
“Mary, prepare something simple. I will bring their meals myself.”
“Yes.” Mary nodded and hurried off.
A while later, Rihannan stood before the door, holding bread, soup, and a modest meat dish. She knocked, but there was no response. Sighing, she decided to enter without waiting for permission.
At that very moment, Dimitri’s voice echoed forcefully. “Does this make any sense?! Why should Rihannan be sent to Arundell as a hostage instead of the princess?!”
Bang!
The tray Rihannan held slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor. Both the marquis and Dimitri turned their heads simultaneously, their gazes landing upon Rihannan standing at the threshold.
“Rihannan…”
The crashing plates and the resounding noise of the fallen tray summoned the maids, including Mary, who hurried into the room. They saw Rihannan amidst the shattered glass, her figure tense.
“Miss, it’s dangerous. Let us help you,” Mary said urgently.
Rihannan raised her hand and gestured for Mary to stop. “No, it’s fine. You need not worry about me.”
“But…”
“The mess can be cleaned up later. Everyone, leave. Now.”
Mary and the other maids exchanged glances. It was rare for Rihannan to issue such an order, but they obeyed and left, gently closing the door behind them.
Rihannan took a step forward towards Dimitri and her uncle.
“What did you say? I am to go to Arundell instead of the princess?”
“Ah… Rhia…” Dimitri hurriedly approached her, enveloping her in an embrace. He tenderly stroked her silver hair, a gesture of love. “Do not worry. You will never go to Arundell. I promise.”
Despite Dimitri’s reassurance, the marquis wore an anguished expression. No matter how hard he tried to conceal his frustration, Rihannan could see through the facade.
Rihannan patted Dimitri’s back before locking eyes with him. He stepped back, allowing her to address her uncle.
“Explain in detail, uncle, how this came to be.”
The marquis proceeded to provide a thorough account of the emergency state affairs meeting held hours ago. Arundell had managed to corner Crichton’s naval fleet, officially conveying the king’s intentions through an envoy. Arundell sought peace and harmony, not antagonism with Crichton. As proof, they demanded a royal member of Chrichton to join him—a queen.
Rihannan listened attentively, her expression unyielding.
Finally, the marquis concluded the tale, saying, “Initially, there was great anger among all, as it seemed Helena would become a pawn of Arundell. However, after reaching a consensus that a royal lady could be anyone, you, Rihannan, were chosen… I am sorry that I could not be of more assistance.”
Guilt flashed across the marquis’s face, and he hung his head in shame. Rihannan possessed beauty, but history had shown that beauty often led to a nation’s downfall. He believed that there would come a time when he would abandon her…
“Do you wish to send Rihannan to Arundell, to her death? Are you incapable of helping, so you simply give up? Do you not comprehend the perils she will face in that state? Do you truly believe those shameless royals will treat her well? And what of Crichton? They will undoubtedly plan their revenge. Rihannan will become a mere pawn, facing death in Arundell. And you would allow her to go knowing all this?!” Dimitri’s voice erupted in anger.
The marquis lost his temper. “Then what will you do? Will you commit acts of infidelity against the royal family and condemn us all as traitors, leading to our demise?!”
“Now you fear death?” Dimitri scoffed. “I never imagined my own father would be a coward!”
“You…!”
The marquis, unable to contain his anger, slapped Dimitri across the cheek. Rihannan gasped in surprise. Until now, the marquis had never laid a hand on his son, except for disciplinary purposes.
Dimitri swallowed his anger, his gaze icy as he stared at his father. “It would be better for us to die together. At least that way, I would not be betraying Rihannan.”
“You still…!”
“Uncle!” As the marquis’s hand rose once more, Rihannan swiftly intervened, placing herself between the two men. “Stop! Both of you, cease this. You are overwhelmed by your emotions.”
After a moment, the marquis slowly lowered his raised arm, held back by Rihannan. His cheeks trembled, revealing the strain of his emotions, and he uttered a mournful lament. “Do you think I desire this? Rihannan is the last remaining connection I have to my sister. Dimi, do you not realize how much I love my sister and her daughter, my niece? I am powerless… I cannot do anything. If I could, I would prevent this from happening… but I see no way… How can I…”
His voice faltered at the end, on the verge of tears. The gray-haired nobleman crumbled under the weight of grief and shame. In contrast, Dimitri could no longer contain his anger and struck the desk with his fist. Rihannan’s eyes filled with melancholy. The room was suffocated by an eerie silence, a silence that seemed poised to erupt into chaos at any given moment.
“Damn it!” Marquis Preibus cursed as somber thoughts infiltrated his mind.
What if… the King of Arundell truly sought the princess’s hand in marriage, only to later become enraged at the sight of Rihannan? All the pent-up anger would be directed towards his own niece. No, he would not allow it. He could not; he would not.
“Rihannan is ill-suited for this task. She is a delicate and fragile soul, plagued by nightmares to this day. She will not be able to bear the weight of the title of Queen. I implore you to reconsider,” the marquis pleaded.
“So you would rather see my sister, my only sibling, suffer?” The crown prince’s golden eyes turned icy.
The noblemen nearby, witnessing the steel-hardened expression on his face, held their breath.
“That’s…” Marquis Preibus attempted to conjure a defense, but found himself at a loss for words. In the end, he closed his mouth, knowing that further resistance would only invite greater consequences for him and his family.
“Do not worry excessively, marquis. Your niece once resided in Arundell during her childhood. She is familiar with their customs. I assure you, she will not face difficulties adjusting,” a nobleman interjected, attempting to console the marquis.
“Yes, this is the best outcome we could hope for. Rihannan is both a Chrichton and an Arundell. This fact cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, I have heard that many of the Arundell nobles appreciate beauty. I am certain their king will be pleased with Rihannan’s appearance. Do not fret. She will live a comfortable life,” another nobleman added.
These words, meant to offer solace to the marquis, only stirred his anger. Could they speak so casually if their own daughters were being sent to Arundell as hostages, tools, and pawns?
“Then let us proceed with the plan to send her to Arundell,” the crown prince declared.
With the crown prince’s proclamation, the marquis could do nothing but remain silent, watching his niece become the unwilling bride of Arundell’s king, all without her consent or knowledge.
***
Upon returning to the mansion from the royal palace, Rihannan discovered that Marquis Dimitri had already returned and settled in the study room for a discussion. They had yet to dine. Rihannan’s mind buzzed with questions regarding the sudden marriage between the princess and Igor, but she refrained from intruding and instead waited outside, reminiscing about her conversation with Helena.
“Arundell has demanded a political marriage, using the princess as a bargaining chip…”
As the old nanny delivered this unsettling news, Helena staggered backward. Rihannan and the nanny rushed to support her, offering a glass of cold water to calm her frayed nerves.
Amidst tears, Helena sobbed, “Rih… Rihannan, what do I do? Will I be sent to Arundell as a hostage?”
“No, princess. That will not happen,” Rihannan swiftly consoled her. “There must be another way.”
Hours later, as she finally returned to the mansion, Rihannan yearned to confirm the truth of the old nanny’s words from Marquis Dimitri. However, he had yet to emerge from the study room. Restless and unable to keep still, Rihannan had never anticipated such a turn of events.
Igor, what a cruel man he was. By marrying the princess of Chrichton, he had calculated that Chrichton would be rendered impotent to take any action against him. If Chrichton dared to make any foolish moves, he would surely sever ties with his own wife. Rihannan was certain of this. He would not hesitate to discard Helena, just as he had done to her.
Rihannan heaved a heavy sigh, overwhelmed by guilt. The future had changed, and now it was the princess who would bear the brunt of suffering. If only she could find a way…
“Miss, shouldn’t the marquis and Mr. Dimitri have their dinner?” Mary looked at Rihannan with concern.
“Mary, prepare something simple. I will bring their meals myself.”
“Yes.” Mary nodded and hurried off.
A while later, Rihannan stood before the door, holding bread, soup, and a modest meat dish. She knocked, but there was no response. Sighing, she decided to enter without waiting for permission.
At that very moment, Dimitri’s voice echoed forcefully. “Does this make any sense?! Why should Rihannan be sent to Arundell as a hostage instead of the princess?!”
Bang!
The tray Rihannan held slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor. Both the marquis and Dimitri turned their heads simultaneously, their gazes landing upon Rihannan standing at the threshold.
“Rihannan…”
The crashing plates and the resounding noise of the fallen tray summoned the maids, including Mary, who hurried into the room. They saw Rihannan amidst the shattered glass, her figure tense.
“Miss, it’s dangerous. Let us help you,” Mary said urgently.
Rihannan raised her hand and gestured for Mary to stop. “No, it’s fine. You need not worry about me.”
“But…”
“The mess can be cleaned up later. Everyone, leave. Now.”
Mary and the other maids exchanged glances. It was rare for Rihannan to issue such an order, but they obeyed and left, gently closing the door behind them.
Rihannan took a step forward towards Dimitri and her uncle.
“What did you say? I am to go to Arundell instead of the princess?”
“Ah… Rhia…” Dimitri hurriedly approached her, enveloping her in an embrace. He tenderly stroked her silver hair, a gesture of love. “Do not worry. You will never go to Arundell. I promise.”
Despite Dimitri’s reassurance, the marquis wore an anguished expression. No matter how hard he tried to conceal his frustration, Rihannan could see through the facade.
Rihannan patted Dimitri’s back before locking eyes with him. He stepped back, allowing her to address her uncle.
“Explain in detail, uncle, how this came to be.”
The marquis proceeded to provide a thorough account of the emergency state affairs meeting held hours ago. Arundell had managed to corner Crichton’s naval fleet, officially conveying the king’s intentions through an envoy. Arundell sought peace and harmony, not antagonism with Crichton. As proof, they demanded a royal member of Chrichton to join him—a queen.
Rihannan listened attentively, her expression unyielding.
Finally, the marquis concluded the tale, saying, “Initially, there was great anger among all, as it seemed Helena would become a pawn of Arundell. However, after reaching a consensus that a royal lady could be anyone, you, Rihannan, were chosen… I am sorry that I could not be of more assistance.”
Guilt flashed across the marquis’s face, and he hung his head in shame. Rihannan possessed beauty, but history had shown that beauty often led to a nation’s downfall. He believed that there would come a time when he would abandon her…
“Do you wish to send Rihannan to Arundell, to her death? Are you incapable of helping, so you simply give up? Do you not comprehend the perils she will face in that state? Do you truly believe those shameless royals will treat her well? And what of Crichton? They will undoubtedly plan their revenge. Rihannan will become a mere pawn, facing death in Arundell. And you would allow her to go knowing all this?!” Dimitri’s voice erupted in anger.
The marquis lost his temper. “Then what will you do? Will you commit acts of infidelity against the royal family and condemn us all as traitors, leading to our demise?!”
“Now you fear death?” Dimitri scoffed. “I never imagined my own father would be a coward!”
“You…!”
The marquis, unable to contain his anger, slapped Dimitri across the cheek. Rihannan gasped in surprise. Until now, the marquis had never laid a hand on his son, except for disciplinary purposes.
Dimitri swallowed his anger, his gaze icy as he stared at his father. “It would be better for us to die together. At least that way, I would not be betraying Rihannan.”
“You still…!”
“Uncle!” As the marquis’s hand rose once more, Rihannan swiftly intervened, placing herself between the two men. “Stop! Both of you, cease this. You are overwhelmed by your emotions.”
After a moment, the marquis slowly lowered his raised arm, held back by Rihannan. His cheeks trembled, revealing the strain of his emotions, and he uttered a mournful lament. “Do you think I desire this? Rihannan is the last remaining connection I have to my sister. Dimi, do you not realize how much I love my sister and her daughter, my niece? I am powerless… I cannot do anything. If I could, I would prevent this from happening… but I see no way… How can I…”
His voice faltered at the end, on the verge of tears. The gray-haired nobleman crumbled under the weight of grief and shame. In contrast, Dimitri could no longer contain his anger and struck the desk with his fist. Rihannan’s eyes filled with melancholy. The room was suffocated by an eerie silence, a silence that seemed poised to erupt into chaos at any given moment.
