Chapter 5 The Prince's Offer
- AURETTE EVIGHEDEN ROOSEVELT
- “We hope the journey from the Kingdom of Vulon was smooth, King Korigo and Queen Yun. You are most welcome in our palace,” my father said with a smile, his hands resting on the dining table as he clasped them together.
- We were currently in the dining hall having lunch with King Korigo and Queen Yun along with their two children — a prince who looked to be about my age and a princess who seemed to be only around fifteen years old.
- See? These people really have gone mad! I’m going to have a child who’s the same age as me?!
- “We are honored by your hospitality, King Gunter. The roads were kind, and the welcome was still warm,” King Korigo said.
- My mom chuckled beside me. “We’ve spared no detail for this visit. The banquet tomorrow shall be one of elegance and purpose — a celebration of our ties,” she said.
- Queen Yun politely smiled. “I’m sure it will be beautiful, Your Grace. Ruilux is known for its refinement.”
- I couldn’t help but be amazed by the Queen of Vulon. Her every movement was so refined, as if every gesture had been calculated. Everything she did seemed well thought-out. She was so calm, and her voice so soft, that it was never tiring to listen to.
- What on earth was King Korigo thinking, wanting another woman? I feel like Queen Yun already embodies everything he could possibly seek. Is this really what hunger for power does to a person?
- I know that concubinage is normal in Yaunus. It is the king's decision if he wishes to take another wife. Even if the Queen opposes it, if the King desires it, she can do nothing to stop him. In this world, men hold more power than women.
- You would only be fortunate if you found a husband who shares your mindset and values, because then you wouldn’t struggle in making decisions together, and you would know that he would never make a choice that goes against your principles.
- “We hope it will also serve as the beginning of a deeper understanding between our kingdoms,” King Korigo said, looking around at everyone seated at the long table.
- His gaze settled on me while he smiled, but I quickly averted my eyes and focused instead on my plate, which was now being filled by one of our servants making rounds.
- “Our daughter, Princess Aurette, is prepared to fulfill her duty to the Kingdom of Vulon, King Korigo,” my father said. I forced myself to smile at them even though I was itching to leave.
- My gaze fell upon King Korigo’s son, who was silently staring at me, a look of clear disgust on his face. I quickly looked away. I understood his feelings; after all, who wouldn’t be angry if their father was about to take another wife while their mother was still alive?
- “I believe Princess Aurette has been given ample time to reflect on… the path that has been laid before her?” Queen Yun said softly, but the way she spoke seemed like she was gauging my reaction.
- “Of course. We have ensured that she understands the great honor being offered to her,” my mom said calmly yet firmly.
- Queen Yun smiled and looked at Queen Althea. “Yes... a duty we are bound to, whether or not our hearts are fully in agreement.”
- I don’t know if it was just me, but I could feel the tension rising at the table after Queen Yun said that. Their smiles seemed to carry hidden meanings.
- I bit my lower lip. I tightly clasped my hands under the table, forcing myself to stay quiet instead of blurting out that I was not in agreement with their plans.
- “Behave yourself, Aurette. I don’t care if you’re my daughter—you will face punishment by my own hands if you do anything improper in front of our guests.”
- My father's voice echoed in my mind. I wanted to laugh. He truly didn’t care about me. He would rather strike me than allow their plans to be ruined.
- King Korigo cleared his throat and chuckled lightly, trying to ease the evolving tension. “Let us not burden the table with heavy matters. Tomorrow shall be a day of celebration, not hesitation.”
- “Well said, Your Majesty. Let us drink to unity and to the future we are about to forge.”
- ༺。° .ᘛ𓆩♡𓆪ᘚ. °。༻
- “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be inside enjoying yourself and getting to know King Korigo better?”
- I froze where I stood when I heard that unfamiliar voice, though I knew exactly to whom it belonged.
- Slowly, I turned toward the Prince of Vulon — the eldest son of King Korigo Kyrarax Cosux and Queen Yun Kleftogiannis-Cosux — Prince Maedric Valdric Cosux.
- He formally stood beside me, finding me here deep in thought in the royal garden. It was already dark outside, and only the lights from the palace and small garden lanterns illuminated the surroundings.
- “I’m not interested, Your Highness,” I said blankly.
- I didn’t know what he was doing here, but one thing I knew for sure—he didn’t like me nor the idea of me becoming his father’s concubine. We’re on the same page about that; I’d hate myself too if I went through with this.
- Neither of us said a word after that. We simply stared into the emptiness of the garden. The only sounds were the lively chirping of the crickets at night.
- “Can I ask, Princess Aurette?” Prince Maedric broke the suffocating silence.
- I glanced at him and nodded. “Sure, go on.”
- “Do you truly wish to be a concubine? To smile for a crown that sees you as nothing more than a decoration? Or are you just too afraid to speak up?” he asked seriously.
- I couldn’t immediately answer. Perhaps I hadn’t expected him to ask so straightforwardly, without hesitation.
- I gulped and answered honestly, “Of course not. But what choice do I have?”
- “You have one. If you truly don’t want this… I’ll help you. Not because I care, but because I won’t let my family fall into ruin because of your silence. I also don’t want my mother and younger sibling to get hurt.”
- I gasped at what he said. I looked at him in disbelief.
- “What do you mean?”
- My heart raced. A sliver of hope ignited within me because of his offer.
- “I’ll help you get out of here. I’ll help you escape and prevent the ceremony tomorrow.”
- My eyes widened. “Are you serious, or have you lost your mind? I understand where you’re coming from, but do you realize you could get in serious trouble for helping me?!”
- “That’s not your concern anymore, Princess Aurette. Just remember, I’m not your ally. I’m just not your enemy today.”
- Author’s Note:
- Pronunciation guide
- Gunter Reiss Roosevelt VI — Gan-ter Ris Rus-velt the Sixth
- Althea Elevit Beecker - Roosevelt — Al-te-ya E-le-vit Bee-ker Rus-velt
- Yun Kleftogiannis-Cosux — Yoon Klef-tog-ya-nis Ko-suks
- Maedric Valdric Cosux — May-drik Val-drik Ko-suks