I don't want to be loved

Chapter 36: Suffer The Same Fate

(♡)

-

"Damn it!" Marquis Preibus cursed as somber thoughts pervaded his mind.

What if... Arundell's king truly sought the princess's hand in marriage and later grew enraged at the sight of Lalisa? All the pent up anger would be placed on his niece. No, he would not allow it. He could not; he would not.

"Lalisa is incompetent for the task. She's a weak and fragile person who suffers from nightmares to this very day. She won't be able to bear the title of Queen. Please think again," the marquis begged.

"So you'd rather that my sister, my only sibling, suffer?" The crown prince's golden-colored eyes chilled.

The nearby noblemen who saw his steel-hardened face breathed quietly.

"That's..." Marquis Preibus tried to concoct words of defense, but he was at a loss. In the end, he shut his mouth for he knew further resistance would only lead to greater consequences for him and his family.

"Don't worry too much, marquis. Your niece once lived in Arundell when she was child. She's used to their culture. She'll not have a difficult time adjusting."

"Yes, this is the best situation we could hope for. Lalisa is both a Chrichton and an Arundell. This fact can't be absolved. And moreover, I've heard that many of the Arundell's nobles have a thing for beauty. I'm sure their king will be pleased with Lalisa's appearance. Don't worry. She'll live well."

The words brought forth by the noblemen with means to console the marquis only drew out his ire. If their daughter was taken to Arundell as hostage, a tool, and a mere pawn, would they be able to say such things casually?

"Then let's proceed with the thoughts of sending her to Arundell," the crown prince said.

With the crown prince's declaration, there was nothing more the marquis could do but remain silent and watch his niece become the king of Arundell's bride without her consent and knowledge.

***

When Lalisa returned to the mansion from the royal palace, Marquis Preibus and Vincent had long returned and settled in the study room to talk. They'd yet to eat dinner. Lalisa had a mind full of questions regarding the princess's sudden marriage to Jungkook but she could simply could barge in, so she waited outside and reminisced the conversation she had with Jennie.

"Arundell has demanded a national marriage with the princess as stake for defeating Chrichton's naval warships..."

Hearing the old nanny's brooding announcement, Jennie staggered back in shock. Lalisa and the old nanny helped her up and had her down a glass of cold water to calm her nerves.

Bursting in tears, Jennie said, "La... Lalisa, what do I do? Will I have to go to Arundell as a hostage?"

"No, princess. It won't happen." Lalisa quickly consoled the princess. "There must be another way."

Hours later, she returned to the mansion. And soon as she arrived she had wanted to confirm if what the old nanny said was true from her uncle, but he had not come out of the study room with Vincent as of yet.

She was fidgeting and had trouble staying still.

Lalisa had never expected this.

Jungkook, what a cruel man he was. He had calculated that Chrichton would not be able to do anything behind his back should he tie the knot with the princess of Chrichton.

If Chrichton we're to do anything foolish, he'll surely chop off his wife. Lalisa was confident of this. He'd not care to drop Jennie in a heartbeat for he had done the same to her.

Lalisa sighed heavily. She felt guilty. The future had changed and the princess would be the one to meet the fate of suffering instead. If only she could find a way...

"Miss, won't the Marquis and Mr. Vincent have dinner?" Mary looked at Lalisa worriedly.

"Mary, give me something simple. I'll take their meals inside myself."

"Yes." Mary nodded and walked away.

A while later, Lalisa stood at the door with a tray full bread, soup, and simple meat prepared. She knocked but there was no answer. Sighing, she opened the door without permission.

At that moment, Vincent's voice rang out loud. "Does this make sense?! Why should Lalisa go to Arundell as hostage instead of the princess?!"

Bang!

The tray Lalisa was holding fell to the floor. The Marquis and Vincent turned their heads at the same time and saw Lalisa's figure standing by the doorway.

"Lalisa..." the marquis's voice trailed.

The plates and the tray's loud clamor sent the maids running in, Mary included. She saw Lalisa standing in between the broken pieces of glass and said hurriedly, "Miss, it's dangerous. Let's go this way."

Lalisa raised her hand and gestured to Mary. "No, it's alright. You don't have to. I'm fine."

"But..."

"The mess can be cleaned up later. Everyone, out. Now."

Mary and the other maids exchanged glances. It was rare for Lalisa to order them. But they did as she instructed and left and quietly closed the door behind them.

Lalisa took a step forward towards Vincent and her uncle.

"What did you say? I'm going Arundell instead of the princess?"

"Ah... Lali..." Vincent quickly approached her and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. He stroked her silver hair, a gesture of love. "Don't worry. You'll never go to Arundell. I'll make sure of that."

Unlike Vincent's assurance, his uncle had a face full of agony. No matter how hard he hid his frustrations, Lalisa could see it.

Lalisa patted Vincent's back and looked at him; he stepped back.

She turned her gaze to her uncle and said, "Explain in detail, uncle, how this happened."

🍀