But I knew well–that fondness was never pure.
This marriage was not only concern about me, but also the 800,000 Asterian souls behind me.
Gaining me meant gaining their hearts.
Thus, the king had long decreed: the man I chose as my fiancé would be the future crown prince.
The princes laddled together, whispering among themselves.
“Everyone in the palace knows Princess Claire admires Prince Orion. Today’s Bacchus Festival is just a formality for announcing him as her chosen Liancé.”
“Honestly, Orion’s one lucky bastard. Not the best pedigree, lools, or brains among the princes, yet somehow he’s got Princess Claire wrapped around his finger–even the crown practically fell into his lap.”
“But he still moped around all day like Claire owes him something…
All eyes turned expectantly to me, waiting for me to name Orion
I cast a glance in his direction.
His face was expressionless, his back straight, lips tightly pressed but his gaze had already slipped past the crowd, landing on Serena beneath the platform.
Sensing my look, he quickly turned away, and a flicker of disgust flashed through his eyes.
I sneered inwardly.
Orion, if a woman means more to you than power and status..
Then I won’t force you
Chapter 1
This time, I simply won’t marry you.
Smiling, I leaned close and whispered in the king’s ear.
His expression brightened. He nodded repeatedly, then turned and glanced at Orion.
Orion’s face immediately changed. He shoved through the crowd, dropped to his knees with a heavy thud, and kowtowed deeply.
“Father, I am honored by Princess Claire’s affection. I understand well that this marriage concerns the future of the nation and the expectations of its people. I am willing to marry her. However…”
“My heart belongs to Miss Waverly. I cannot bear to wrong her. I beg you to allow me to marry both, to make them equal wives.”
“Nonsense!”
Before Orion could finish, the king roared in fury,
His brow furrowed, his face turned red, and his chest heaved with rage,
“That girl from the Waverly family dares to think herself equal to the princess? Have you lost your mind?”
Orion clenched his jaw, as if making some grave decision.
“Serena may not be as noble as the princess, but that is exactly why I must protect her. If I can’t even shield the woman I love, how could I ever protect the people of Helios?”
