Chapter 1176:

After her conversation, Elyse quickly made her exit, steering clear of Garret.

Garret propped himself against the doorframe, smirking as he watched her swift departure. “Her reaction clearly shows she’s got a thing for Jayden.”

Louise’s voice emerged from behind him. “Give her a break. She’s really confused at the moment. Even if you confronted her about her feelings for Jayden, she wouldn’t be able to give you an answer.”

Garret closed the door and turned back to the room. Louise sat ensconced in her silk robe, her legs and arms crossed, exuding an effortless regality.

Garret walked over and cradled her face gently in his hands, tilting it to meet his gaze.

“What were you and Elyse discussing?” he inquired. “She’s been notably somber since then.”

Louise met his eyes and posed her question. “She believes I would be a superior ruler compared to both of my brothers. What are your thoughts on that?”

Garret hesitated, then responded, “Is ruling something you actually aspire to?”

“I’m unsure,” Louise admitted. She then continued, “What I am sure of is that I have no desire to abide by Chesney’s command to marry Edward.”

“Why oppose marrying him?” Garret pressed. “He is a man of promise, competence, and responsibility. Being his wife could bring you happiness.”

Louise looked intently at Garret. “Have you ever entertained the idea of us getting married?”

Garret stiffened, then released her face. “That’s not an option for us.”

Louise persisted, her gaze unwavering. “But wouldn’t you like to see me happy?”noveldrama

Garret sidestepped her question, shifting the focus. “You’ve expressed fondness for Edward before. Why not consider him?”

With a soft chuckle, Louise remarked, “It seems you care for me too, yet you’re fixated on pushing me away.” Frustration colored Garret’s tone. “I’m not the right match for you. If we were to marry, how would we face the world?”

Louise’s voice was calm but firm. “You are merely avoiding the truth.” Garret fell silent then.

Silence engulfed them. Louise watched his back as he moved away, feeling a deep ache in her heart.

She had misled Elyse earlier; her affection for Garret ran much deeper than she admitted.

Despite this, Garret was not ready to sacrifice for their love, and she knew she must not let herself grow bitter over it as a princess.

Louise decided it was time to take control of her destiny. “I’m off to bed,” she announced, rising and heading towards the door.

Garret felt the urge to call her back but realized he had relinquished that right when he had drawn a line between them.

Outside the room, Louise leaned against the door, sighing deeply.

Making her way back to her room, Louise encountered Elyse just as she was leaving hers. Their paths crossed.

Curious, Elyse asked, “Where are you headed?”

Feeling unexpectedly flustered, Louise replied, “Just taking a stroll. I’m not familiar with this place, and it’s quite unsettling.”

Elyse accepted the explanation without further question and continued, “I was hoping to get your help. Edward plans to take me back tomorrow, but I’m not ready to go. Could you help me out? I asked Garret, but he was evasive, so I thought I’d ask you.”

After a moment of consideration, Louise said, “I can delay him for a few days, but I can’t completely stop him.”

Elyse’s face lit up. “That’s fantastic. You’re amazing.” She paused, then asked cautiously, “How will you manage it? Are you really able to delay Edward?”

With a proud lift of her eyebrow, Louise confidently responded, “Absolutely. I know him well enough to know exactly how to preoccupy him.”

Admiration filled Elyse’s eyes. “You’re incredibly capable. If it weren’t for Garret tipping off Edward, he wouldn’t even suspect you were helping me.”

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