This was a problem. A massive, potentially lethal problem.
What would Askin’s reaction be when he heard the announcement of our marriage?
Option one: He kills me on the spot.
Option two: He ruins my reputation so thoroughly I’ll wish I were dead.
Option three: He breaks off the engagement in front of the entire Empire and dies of a heart attack from pure rage.
'Wow, those are all fantastic options,' I thought, my head dropping. 'Truly. I’m delighted.'
I looked up at my grandfather, trying to sound as timid as possible. "Grandfather, don't you think an announcement like that should be made... I don't know, with the groom’s knowledge?"
I pursed my lips, acting as if his decision was a minor annoyance rather than a death sentence.
"If you do this, it’ll look like I’m desperate, like I can't secure him on my own. You’re going to make me a laughingstock."
I didn't care about being a laughingstock. I could handle being the "Foolish Princess" for a year if it meant I stayed alive. But in the current situation, a marriage announcement would only accelerate my demise.
"Just leave me alone, Grandfather. Why do you think I can't handle him by myself?"
"Because you haven't done anything right so far," he snapped.
"I have a plan! Just let me win him over completely first, then I’ll make the announcement myself."
"Enough. I’ve made up my mind."
"Grandfather!"
"Are you telling me to believe you’ll suddenly succeed where you’ve failed for years? Don't be ridiculous. I’m giving you a chance to secure your future. Don't waste it."
'This old man...' I thought, fuming. 'He has no idea. If it were the old Charlize, they’d be lucky if they weren't at each other’s throats, let alone talking about marriage!'
"Just stay quiet," he continued, a thin, predatory smile on his face. "I’ll take care of everything."
He looked like a classic villain, and in many ways, he was. He was the one who had raised Charlize to be the way she was, and his "affection" was nothing more than the love a collector has for a beautiful doll. He didn't want me to have a choice; he just wanted me to be part of his collection.
"Grandfather, if you do this... Duke Lemut will do something to dishonor the Altsbeit family. I’m sure of it."
"Tsk, my dear granddaughter. You’re still so young and immature." He stroked his beard, his eyes devoid of any real warmth. "There is nothing in this world that cannot be accomplished with enough money."
'Money can't move a man like Askin Lemut,' I wanted to scream. But I could see the warning in his eyes. If I pushed any further, he’d probably have me locked in my room until the banquet started.
"I expect you to follow my lead, as always," he said. It wasn't a request; it was a threat.
I forced a smile and bowed. "As you wish, Grandfather."
* * *
Grandfather left for the palace early, wanting to mingle with the guests before the main event. He’d even commissioned a new carriage for me, which was waiting outside, but I wasn't in the mood to appreciate it.
I stormed back to my room, my mind racing.
'What am I going to do? Education really is important... if only Charlize hadn't been raised by that man!'
But regretting the past wouldn't help me now. I had to find a way to survive the night.
'Askin is going to be furious. When he hears that announcement... my poor heart!'
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. When I reached my room, my maids were waiting.
"Leave me," I ordered. "I need an hour to myself."
They looked surprised, but they bowed and left. Only Beth, Susan, and Anna lingered for a second, their faces full of concern.
"Princess, are you... are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale."
"If you're sick, we can bring you some medicine right away."
Their genuine worry actually helped calm my nerves for a moment. I gave them a small smile. "I just need time to think. Go on."
Once they were gone, my smile vanished. I paced the floor, my hands in my hair.
'What do I do? I can't go into that banquet without some kind of plan!'
I was just starting to have real conversations with Askin. He’d even asked me to be his partner. I couldn't let it all be destroyed by my grandfather’s greed.
"Maybe I should just run away," I murmured to myself.
"And where would you go?" a voice asked.
I spun around, my heart nearly jumping out of my chest. A familiar black tear in space had appeared in the corner of the room.
'Noah?'
Sure enough, a man with water-colored hair stepped out of the void.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you murmuring."
The black space vanished behind him. I stared at him, half-furious and half-terrified.
"What are you doing in my room?!" I hissed. "Has Loxdian finally lost his mind?"
"No, not exactly."
"Did you come to kidnap me again?"
"I didn't come to take you to the palace, Princess."
"Then why are you here? Do you have any idea what would have happened if I’d been changing my clothes?"
Noah’s ears turned bright red. He quickly waved his hands. "No! I... I would never... I only move when I’m certain it’s safe!"
'So the Imperial spies are giving him real-time reports on my every move,' I realized. 'Great. Just great.'
"So why are your ears so red then?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"With all due respect to His Majesty, I am not that kind of man! I’m here because the Emperor ordered me to bring you something."
I frowned. 'Loxdian? Now I’m really worried.'
Noah reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, square box. He knelt down and held it out to me. Inside was a necklace.
'Another one?'
Loxdian had already sent a magnificent necklace with the dress he’d "gifted" me. This one was different—simpler, more elegant. It was made of white-silver diamonds, densely packed together like a field of mist flowers.
It was beautiful, but it wasn't the kind of thing the old Charlize would have ever liked. It was too subtle, too refined for her tastes.
'Why would he send me something like this?' I wondered, staring at the delicate silver chain.