Short chapter.

The marquis explained in detail what occurred at the emergency meeting of state affairs hours ago. Arundell managed to surround Crichton in the sea and officially conveyed the kings intentions through an envoy. Arundell wished for peace and harmony, never the antagonizing of Crichton. As proof, he asked to send a royal member of Chrichton to him. She will be his queen.

Rihannan listened to the story intently, her countenance stiff.

And at last, the marquis ended the story saying, At first, everyone was furious for they thought Helenad become Arundells tool, but after a consensus that aroyal ladycould be anyone, you, Rihannan, was chosen Im sorry I could not be of any help.

The marquis face flushed with bouts of guilt and drooped his head. Rihannan was beautiful, but oftentimes beauty was the cause of a nations downfall. He believed therell come a time when hell abandon her

So you want to send Rihannan to Arundell, to death? You cant be of help so you give up? What do you think will happen if she goes there in this state? Do you think those shameless royals will treat her well? And Chrichton too! Theyll certainly plan their revenge. Rihannnan will become a pawn. Death awaits her in Arundell! Youll let her go knowing this?! Dimitri shouted angrily.

The marquis lost his temper. So what will you do? Youll commit crimes of infidelity against the royal family and let us all be traitors and die?!

Youre afraid of death now? Dimitri scoffed. I never pegged my father to be a coward!

You bastard!

The marquis could not contain his anger and slapped Dimitri on the cheek. Rihannan covered her mouth in surprise. Until now, the marquis had never been one to touch his son except for corporal punishment for his wrongdoings.

Dimitri swallowed his anger and stared at his fathers eyes coldly. Its much better to die together. At least I wont be betraying Rihannan.

You still!

Uncle!

As the marquis hand rose again, Rihannan hastily cut in between them. Dont do that. Both you, stop and calm down. Youre filled with too many emotions right now.

After a while, the marquis slowly lowered his arm that had been held and blocked by Rihannan. His cheeks trembled and twitched and soon uttered a lamentable remark, Do you think I want this? Rihannans the only blood connection I have left of my sister. Dimi, dont you know how much love I have for my sister and her daughter, my niece? I cant do anything, Im not powerful enough if I could, Id prevent this from happening but, I dont see a way how can I

His voice croaked at the end, almost tearful. The gray-haired nobleman was crumbling with grief and shame. In return, Dimitri could not contain his anger and punched the desk. Rihannans eyes lowered in melancholy. The room was filled with near silence that seemed to explode at any moment.