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

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

Rihannan is incompetent for the task. Shes a weak and fragile person who suffers from nightmares to this very day. She wont be able to bear the title of Queen. Please think again, the marquis begged.

So youd rather that my sister, my only sibling, suffer? The crown princes golden-colored eyes chilled.

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

Thats 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.

Dont worry too much, marquis. Your niece once lived in Arundell when she was child. Shes used to their culture. Shell not have a difficult time adjusting.

Yes, this is the best situation we could hope for. Rihannan is both a Chrichton and an Arundell. This fact cant be absolved. And moreover, Ive heard that many of the Arundells nobles have a thing for beauty. Im sure their king will be pleased with Rihannans appearance. Dont worry. Shell 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 lets proceed with the thoughts of sending her to Arundell, the crown prince said.

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

***

When Rihannan returned to the mansion from the royal palace, Marquis Preibus and Dimitri had long returned and settled in the study room to talk. Theyd yet to eat dinner. Rihannan had a mind full of questions regarding the princesss sudden marriage to Igor but she could simply could barge in, so she waited outside and reminisced the conversation she had with Helena.

Arundell has demanded a national marriage with the princess as stake for defeating Chrichtons naval warships

Hearing the old nannys brooding announcement, Helena staggered back in shock. Rihannan and the old nanny helped her up and had her down a glass of cold water to calm her nerves.

Bursting in tears, Helena said, Rih Rihannan, what do I do? Will I have to go to Arundell as a hostage?

No, princess. It wont happen. Rihannan 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 Dimitri as of yet.

She was fidgeting and had trouble staying still.

Rihannan had never expected this.

Igor, 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 were to do anything foolish, hell surely chop off his wife. Rihannan was confident of this. Hed not care to drop Helena in a heartbeat for he had done the same to her.

Rihannan 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, wont the Marquis and Mr. Dimitri have dinner? Mary looked at Rihannan worriedly.

Mary, give me something simple. Ill take their meals inside myself.

Yes. Mary nodded and walked away.

A while later, Rihannan 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, Dimitris voice rang out loud. Does this make sense?! Why should Rihannan go to Arundell as hostage instead of the princess?!

Bang!

The tray Rihannan was holding fell to the floor. The Marquis and Dimitri turned their heads at the same time and saw Rihannans figure standing by the doorway.

Rihannan the marquiss voice trailed.

The plates and the trays loud clamor sent the maids running in, Mary included. She saw Rihannan standing in between the broken pieces of glass and said hurriedly, Miss, its dangerous. Lets go this way.

Rihannan raised her hand and gestured to Mary. No, its alright. You dont have to. Im fine.

But

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

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

Rihannan took a step forward towards Dimitri and her uncle.

What did you say? Im going Arundell instead of the princess?

Ah Rhia Dimitri quickly approached her and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. He stroked her silver hair, a gesture of love. Dont worry. Youll never go to Arundell. Ill make sure of that.

Unlike Dimitris assurance, his uncle had a face full of agony. No matter how hard he hid his frustrations, Rihannan could see it.

Rihannan patted Dimitris back and looked at him; he stepped back.

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