Chapter 203

Chapter 203 – Model Couple

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

“Don’t worry. I won’t die without you.”

Annette never intended to leave this lonely man behind again. Her eyes filled with determination as his hand steadied in her grip, and a smile spread across his face.

“Then let’s go,” he murmured. Annette took his arm, beaming.

“Gladly.”

“Look, over there! Isn’t that the Marquis Carnesis and his wife? He looks so young to be a Master of Swords. How remarkable.”

“Goodness, they look well together, dressed to match.”

“I’ve never seen the Marquise in anything like that before, doesn’t she look like a different person? That new style suits her so well, I would love to wear a gown like that.”

Whispers followed them as they entered the palace together, looking as if they were a model couple, stepping out of a portrait. A few ladies blushed at the sight of Raphael.

It was surprising to see cold Raphael, so much larger than dainty Annette, giving his full attention to escorting her. His deep blue eyes were riveted solely on her, with a devotion any woman would envy.

Ignoring the whispers of the crowd, they walked on, eyes forward. The crush of people automatically parted before them, giving way on either side so that they could see the great throne ahead of them. Only one person in Deltium could sit there, and King Selgratis looked down on them from high, a false smile fixed to his lips.

“Here you are, son of Deltium,” he said. “Such an exceptional man honors us all. Come closer and let me have a better look at you.”

Raphael’s hand tensed in Annette’s as resentment filled him, remembering all the horrible things the King had done. Gently, Annette’s thumb stroked over the back of his hand, moving forward to the place where the King was waiting. Together, they bowed before him.

“All glory belongs to Your Majesty, after all your generosity,” said Annette. “Great Sun of Deltium, I hope you will always remember this moment with price.”

Well-trained by the Bavaria family, Annette’s face showed no sign of her thoughts. Her voice was as mild as a spring breeze. The King regarded her with a dry eye.

“I am very glad you are my son’s wife,” he said kindly. “I am sure he owes part of his great accomplishment to having you at his side, supporting him.”

“I am grateful for the compliment, Your Majesty.”

Annette’s smile was as harmless as a flower. The King was as happy to have her a daughter-in-law as he would be to push her off a cliff.

The King watched her as if he were confirming something, then turned his head to his son.

“Of course I would enjoy speaking with you all day, but I must give my attention to today’s hero. Come here, Raphael.”

As they expected, the King separated Raphael from her at once. Having become the Master of Swords, the King would handle him with greatest caution. Raphael glanced at Annette before he obeyed, loath to do anything at the King’s request.

“I will see you later, Raphael,” Annette said, forcing a small smile. “I will just go and say hello to everyone.”

She could not remain when the King was so explicit in his desire that she leave, but she felt Raphael’s eyes follow her as she turned away.

The real war had just begun.