Orion stood frozen in place, I his face locked in a rigid expression that made him look like a clown.
“Father… what do you mean by this?”
The king Ipsored him completely. Instead, he looked at Rowan with warmth in his eyes and gestured to the servants.
“Read the decice.”
The servant Tradtn royal decrees in succession.
The first was a royal marriage granted between Rowan and me.
The second proclaimed Rowan’s true identity as a prince and declared him the heir apparent.
Years ago, Rowan’s birth mother and the king had pledged themselves to each other in secret. But the late king had ordered her to marry the old Duke Ford Instead Less than eight months after the wedding, Rowan was born. The king had known from the beginning that Rowan was his son by blood. To protect the reputation of both the royal family and the Fords, he had kept the truth hidden.
Originally, if the other princes had proved capable and worthy of shouldering responsibility, Rowan would have lived out his life quietly as Duke Ford, never interfering in politics.
But who could have prodicted that Orion, rather than compromise his love for a woman, would willingly give up power and position?
In my previous life, Orion had somehow learned of Rowan’s true identity. He lured him back to Helios using me as bait, then eliminated him because he was a threat to the throne.
Rowan, what are you waiting for? Don’t waste any more time,” the king said, squinting his eyes with a kindly smile.
Towan gave a quiet reply, “Yes, Father.”
He adjusted my crown with care, then gently helped me into the ceremonial carriage.
It wasn’t until the music began that Orion snapped out of his daze He rushed forward and grabbed the carriage curtain, refusing to let go. “Claire, don’t marry him. You know you love me!”
“I know you’re angry because I hurt you over Serena. You’re only marrying him to get back at me. But once you cool down, you’ll regret it!”
“If you’re unwilling to share equal status with Serena, I’ll go to Father right now and ask him to let me marry you instead. Serena is soft–tempered. Let her be my mistress–she won’t even complain. Would that be alright?
ilowan, seeing the displeasure on my face, simply licked Orion to the ground.
With the boat of drums and trumpets, I was carried into the royal palace.
The white candles burned hot and bright through the night. Rowan’s muffled groans didn’t subside until dawn.
The next morning, I rose with aching hubs and rubbed my sore waist, pouting in silent protest at Howall’s cruelty.
I couldn’t understand it. He always seemed so composed and reserved, yet in bed, he was like a beast
Rowan clearly noticed my complaints. He let out a low chuckle and came forward to massage my waist.
Then, with his own hands, he helped me choose a gown. From a velvet box, he took out a diamond brooch and pinned it to my gown
“I wanted to give this to you on your coming–of–age ceremony.
His voice was unexpectedly tender, and each word struck my heart like a blow.
I thought of how he had died so tragically in
in my previous lite because of me, yet now, here he was–alive and standing before me.
My nose stung, and I burst into trans as I threw myself into his arms, holding him tightly.
When we stepped outside the room, I looked at the palace where I had spent so many years in my previous life. My emotions were all over the place–but sething felt different this time
Behind me, Alice stifled a piggly with her hand.
*Duchess—no, I mean, Princess, Prince Rowan is so devoted to you. All these flowers and plants were grown from seeds he personally brought back from Asteria and planted himself. He wanted you to feel less homesick”
D
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Isoddenly turned to look at Rowan beside me, and tears welled up again, catching him completely off guard.
Outside the palace, carriages walted to take us to the throne room to express our gratitude
Just as we reached the pathway near the throne room, we ran into Orion and Serena, who had also come to see the king.
Orion was dressed in formal tails, but his greenish stubble and the dark circles under his eyes were unmistakable.
Serena, on the other hand, was clearly dressed to impress, abandoning her usual delicate simplicity. Her crown sparked brightly, but it couldn’t hide the exhaustion on her face.
Seeing my radiant complexion and glowing sinile, Serena shot me a sharp glare.
Alice Immediately leaned in to whisper gleefully in my ear.
“Princess, you wouldn’t believe what happened last night…”
D
