“Damn it!” Marquis Preibus cursed as somber thoughts pervaded his mind.
What if… Arundell’s king truly sought the princess’s hand in marriage and later grew enraged at the sight of Rihannan? All the pent up anger would be placed on his niece. No, he would not allow it. He could not; he would not.
“Rihannan is incompetent for the task. She’s a weak and fragile person who suffers from nightmares to this very day. She won’t be able to bear the title of Queen. Please think again,” the marquis begged.
“So you’d rather that my sister, my only sibling, suffer?” The crown prince’s golden-colored eyes chilled.
The nearby noblemen who saw his steel-hardened face breathed quietly.
“That’s…” Marquis Preibus tried to concoct words of defense, but he was at a loss. In the end, he shut his mouth for he knew further resistance would only lead to greater consequences for him and his family.
“Don’t worry too much, marquis. Your niece once lived in Arundell when she was child. She’s used to their culture. She’ll not have a difficult time adjusting.”
“Yes, this is the best situation we could hope for. Rihannan is both a Chrichton and an Arundell. This fact can’t be absolved. And moreover, I’ve heard that many of the Arundell’s nobles have a thing for beauty. I’m sure their king will be pleased with Rihannan’s appearance. Don’t worry. She’ll live well.”
The words brought forth by the noblemen with means to console the marquis only drew out his ire. If their daughter was taken to Arundell as hostage, a tool, and a mere pawn, would they be able to say such things casually?
“Then let’s proceed with the thoughts of sending her to Arundell,” the crown prince said.
With the crown prince’s declaration, there was nothing more the marquis could do but remain silent and watch his niece become the king of Arundell’s bride without her consent and knowledge.
***
When Rihannan returned to the mansion from the royal palace, Marquis Preibus and Dimitri had long returned and settled in the study room to talk. They’d yet to eat dinner. Rihannan had a mind full of questions regarding the princess’s sudden marriage to Igor but she could simply could barge in, so she waited outside and reminisced the conversation she had with Helena.
“Arundell has demanded a national marriage with the princess as stake for defeating Chrichton’s naval warships…”
Hearing the old nanny’s brooding announcement, Helena staggered back in shock. Rihannan and the old nanny helped her up and had her down a glass of cold water to calm her nerves.
Bursting in tears, Helena said, “Rih… Rihannan, what do I do? Will I have to go to Arundell as a hostage?”
“No, princess. It won’t happen.” Rihannan quickly consoled the princess. “There must be another way.”
Hours later, she returned to the mansion. And soon as she arrived she had wanted to confirm if what the old nanny said was true from her uncle, but he had not come out of the study room with Dimitri as of yet.
She was fidgeting and had trouble staying still.
Rihannan had never expected this.
Igor, what a cruel man he was. He had calculated that Chrichton would not be able to do anything behind his back should he tie the knot with the princess of Chrichton.
If Chrichton we’re to do anything foolish, he’ll surely chop off his wife. Rihannan was confident of this. He’d not care to drop Helena in a heartbeat for he had done the same to her.
Rihannan sighed heavily. She felt guilty. The future had changed and the princess would be the one to meet the fate of suffering instead. If only she could find a way…
“Miss, won’t the Marquis and Mr. Dimitri have dinner?” Mary looked at Rihannan worriedly.
“Mary, give me something simple. I’ll take their meals inside myself.”
“Yes.” Mary nodded and walked away.
A while later, Rihannan stood at the door with a tray full bread, soup, and simple meat prepared. She knocked but there was no answer. Sighing, she opened the door without permission.
At that moment, Dimitri’s voice rang out loud. “Does this make sense?! Why should Rihannan go to Arundell as hostage instead of the princess?!”
Bang!
The tray Rihannan was holding fell to the floor. The Marquis and Dimitri turned their heads at the same time and saw Rihannan’s figure standing by the doorway.
“Rihannan…” the marquis’s voice trailed.
The plates and the tray’s loud clamor sent the maids running in, Mary included. She saw Rihannan standing in between the broken pieces of glass and said hurriedly, “Miss, it’s dangerous. Let’s go this way.”
Rihannan raised her hand and gestured to Mary. “No, it’s alright. You don’t have to. I’m fine.”
“But…”
“The mess can be cleaned up later. Everyone, out. Now.”
Mary and the other maids exchanged glances. It was rare for Rihannan to order them. But they did as she instructed and left and quietly closed the door behind them.
Rihannan took a step forward towards Dimitri and her uncle.
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“What did you say? I’m going Arundell instead of the princess?”
“Ah… Rhia…” Dimitri quickly approached her and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. He stroked her silver hair, a gesture of love. “Don’t worry. You’ll never go to Arundell. I’ll make sure of that.”
Unlike Dimitri’s assurance, his uncle had a face full of agony. No matter how hard he hid his frustrations, Rihannan could see it.
Rihannan patted Dimitri’s back and looked at him; he stepped back.
She turned her gaze to her uncle and said, “Explain in detail, uncle, how this happened.”