He approached me with two glasses and handed one to me. I looked at him, thinking of my next move. I knew that saying the wrong words may land me in deep trouble. I sipped a bit of the wine, savoring the taste. Then, I raised my head and smiled.

[Lucia]: Of course, Your Highness. I would be honored.

[Cesar]: Thank you. I never knew you were this stunning.

[Lucia]: Please, you flatter me.

[Cesar]: Are you enjoying the ball so far?

[Lucia]: Indeed. It’s so lively.

He drew closer to me, as if backing me into a corner. I saw through to his intentions, so I played along with his game. Stepping back a bit, I gazed at him with submissive eyes. Seeing me so willing, he smiled. Then, I raised my voice.

[Lucia]: Your Majesty, do you need something from me?

[Cesar]: What do you mean by that? I barely know your name.

[Lucia]: Forgive me for my impoliteness. Please, call me Lucia.

He took my hand and lightly kissed it. Then, he tilted his head up and smiled.

[Cesar]: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Lucia.

[Lucia]: The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness.

[Cesar]: Tell me, what did my brother say?

[Lucia]: I told him to leave me alone, then he suddenly started to laugh.

[Cesar]: Please excuse his behavior. My brother is a brute with no common manners. I hope my future fiancée can be understanding.

As he said that, a shadow appeared behind him. With an expressionless face, Edmond appeared calm as he rested his arm on Cesar's shoulder. In shock, Cesar quickly turned around and faced him, but Edmond was stronger and more intimidating. Cesar’s face changed expressions, from frowning in anger to disgust.

[Cesar]: So, my brother decided to show himself.

[Edmond]: I did not permit you to call me your brother. Only people who fought with me may call me so.

[Cesar]: You’re grumpy as always, Brother.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

[Edmond]: Cesar, please leave. Before you showed up, I was speaking to her.

[Cesar]: Clearly, the barbarians never taught you good manners. She is my future fiancée and Queen. Bow down.

Edmond then shifted his gaze towards me to ask in confirmation.

[Edmond]: Is this true?

I did not know the right answer to this. If I confirm, then he may leave me. If I deny, Mother and Father will surely scold me. The queen might also detest me. The social circles will dirty my name. Is this price I’ll have to pay for freedom? I never wanted to be used, and my life will otherwise never be mine to live. If this is the price, I will gladly pay it.

[Lucia]: I never agreed to be your fiancée. I am sure the crown prince has misplaced his memory.

Cesar's face turned to me, puzzled.

[Cesar]: Are saying that the queen is a liar?

[Lucia]: Please, Your Highness. Don’t decide these sorts of things for others. Please, forgive me for the miscommunication.

[Edmond]: You heard her. Now scram.

Cesar’s face lit up in anger, as he glared at me with gritted teeth. Then, he looked at Edmond who had a frightful smile. He stormed off back to the ball while yelling.

[Cesar]: YOU WILL BOTH PAY FOR THIS HUMILATION!!!

Edmond laughed at that in satisfaction. Then, he looked at me with delight in his eyes. He approached me, then lifted me off the ground.

[Edmond]: You never told me your name.

[Lucia]: Please, call me Lucia.

[Edmond]: I found a use for you.

[Lucia]: What may that be?

[Edmond]: Now, you have stirred the hornet’s nest. They will target you.

[Lucia]: I don’t regret my decision. This is the path I have chosen.

[Edmond]: You will become my wife. I have never met such an amusing woman. Well, you may also decline, but, if you do, no one will protect you.

[Lucia]: In that case, I have no other choice. Also, please let me down.

[Edmond]: I declare you saved.

We stared at each other’s eyes. Then, he suddenly lowered me back to the ground and turned around. I was confused by his actions, but then I understood and my cheeks turned red in embarrassment.

[Edmond]: In two weeks, I will visit you and formally declare our engagement.

[Lucia]: What if they don’t accept?

He mischievously smiled and answered.

[Edmond]: I will give them a reason to accept.

He walked away and disappeared back into the ball, once again alone.

The next day, Edmond sat inside the office, reminiscing on the night before.

What an amusing woman.

Standing up, he walked towards the window and stared outside.

[Edmond]: Bring me all information about the Gremory family.

[????]: As you wish, Master.

Like a ghost, he disappeared. Edmond looked outside and smiled

[Edmond]: Finally, something fun.

Meanwhile, Cesar angrily raced toward the queen’s quarters. Since he entered the room without knocking, he found the queen sitting at a desk, reading documents. Hearing him enter so abruptly, she glanced at her son and asked.

[Elena]: What is the matter?

[Cesar]: That bastard and that bitch are conspiring against us.

[Elena]: What do you mean?

[Cesar]: Yesterday, Lucia flat out rejected our engagement. I even saw Edmond flirt with her.

[Elena]: Dammit, that bloodless dares to mock me!!! Don’t worry, my son. You will get your revenge.

She quickly pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a letter. As soon as she finished writing, she called the butler. Then, she folded the letter into an orange envelope and gave it to the butler. The butler bowed and left the room.

[Elena]: Don’t you worry my son they will all end up on our feet begging for their lives.

Then, she started laughing together with Cesar, both full of satisfaction