Chapter 17

Chapter 17

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dress was of the same shade as her hair, making me chuckle. I remember her looking like this when she went to the palace. She’s not exactly the kind of child that was spoiled. She was pampered but she was disciplined.

And then I noticed the mirror standing next to the shelf, reflecting Henrietta in the back looking for something on her father’s desk. I swallowed hard as she bent down, exposing more skin on her chest.

Whatever my father put in that alcohol, it’s not going away soon. I should have known. I should have known this was going to happen. I never thought of my father to be this kind of scheming but I was wrong. I did not see this coming at all.

“Here,” Henrietta announced, making me almost jump. I faced her and she was instantly in front of me, her smell penetrating my nose. It seems that my senses are getting more and more sensitive. I tried not to breathe too much as I might start breathing hard the more I smelled her.

With almost trembling hands, I reached to take a piece of paper from her hand. I gingerly opened it and started

reading everything.

Even as my head was spinning, the words I read on the piece of paper could not be a product of my drunkenness. I looked at her with wide eyes and she was just staring at me, waiting for me to say something.

“This is… you–”

She nodded. There was nothing but pure seriousness on her face. She started pacing back and forth in front of me, clearly anxious. I understand how she feels. She wanted to keep this hidden as a sign of her good intentions towards her new family but now she’s going to use it as a weapon against them.

I’d say it was quite powerful.

“Did you perhaps tell anyone about this?”

She looked at me and shook her head. Her hands went to grab the sides of her dress so she could walk faster towards me. “You’re the only one who knows about this.”

I angled my head, smiling. “Does this mean you trust me enough to tell me the existence of such a crucial document?”

She looked at me straight in the eye and said, “You’re my future husband. It’s only natural for me to confide in you. We’re in this together. I use you and you use me, right?”

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I muttered a silent curse and Aiden gave me a wicked grin. I reminded myself to wallop him later once we got

home.

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My head spun the moment I stepped onto the ground. I had never felt this drunk before and I did not even drink much. I was relieved that we did not have to stay in the Palace because I didn’t know what this alcohol would drive me to do but now Henrietta is inviting me inside her house with just the two of us. I don’t know which one

is worse.

She led the way to the house and I followed silently, trying to keep my balance. Niana stood by the door and bowed before stealing a glance in my directional gave her a curt nod before she walked away and left us alone.

“Did you drink the liquor?” I asked. She gave me a look over her shoulder and I could not help but notice how the exposed length of her neck. I shook the thought away.

That go ddam ned wine.

I should have known better. I should have not agreed to come along.

But before I could even tell her that, she stopped in front of a door. She pulled it open and I realized it was some sort of a library.

“I hope I won’t see some of my books here,” I said and she gave me an incredulous look.

“I did not take any of your books. I returned them where I took them–” she stopped, realizing what she just said. I leaned by the door frame and crossed my arms, grinning at her admission. On second thought, maybe it was a good idea that I came with her here.

I saw how she blinked and swallowed hard before clearing her throat and walking towards the table to find something. I took that chance to divert my gaze somewhere else other than her in that dress.

It was indeed some sort of library and an office at the same time. When I looked at one particular wall, I saw a picture of her and a man. The portrait took my attention and I walked closer to it.

Henrietta’s father, Giordan Silvana was a prominent man. Even as a human, he created a name for himself in a place swarming with wolves. He eventually became the second richest man in the Kingdom next to the Royal family just with his brains.

My eyes went to the little girl sitting on Giordan Silvana’s lap. Henrietta Silvana’s emerald green eyes were still the same as it is now. Her gaze which seemed to penetrate to one’s soul made me stare at her more. Her red

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There was something in that da mned liquor. I knew it the moment I tasted it. It was definitely my father’s doing, making this Ritual harder than it already was. Henrietta, with her cascading auburn locks, entered the carriage, her subtle floral perfume lingering in the air and it took all of my strength not to look in her direction and just watch her — the way her hair softly glid across the tender skin of her neck and how she looks at me with that

arrogant gaze.

Thankfully, we arrived at her manor and I was still able to think properly and have not done anything stu pid.

Aiden was the one who helped her get off the carriage, giving me a questioning look.

I thought Henrietta was just going to walk away. However, much to my surprise and dread, she stayed outside the carriage and looked at me with such wonder.

“Aren’t you going to get out?” she asked.

“Do you want me to escort you inside your house?”

Her brow rose and then she rolled her eyes. “I have something to show you. I figured right now is the perfect opportunity since Yvette and Myrna are not here.”

I heard Aiden clear his throat while glancing in my direction. I don’t know what exactly is he trying to imply but I personally think this is a bad idea–

“But if you don’t feel like coming down, then I suppose I’ll have to show you next time we see each other.”

She turned to walk away but Aiden was quick to stop her. “Lady Henrietta,” he called and the woman stopped to look at us. “Apologies. It seems that Lord Andreas is a bit drunk. He’ll come down with you.”

She angled her head in my direction and I gave Aiden a look. What on earth?

Henrietta crossed her arms. That dam ned dress is exposing too much of her chest.

“We don’t have all night, Andreas.”

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Chapter 16

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest.

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“We did not spend much time but you were here in the castle almost every day and eventually, I got familiar with you. It’s natural for me to protect even strangers. It’s what I am doing with you. I will protect you and you do your thing. Your softness won’t do you any good, especially with Philip.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat because deep down, I knew he was right. Deep down, I relished the fact that Philip was into me again. He realized he had made a mistake. But here is Andreas again, reminding me of what I

am supposed to be doing.

And that is to make everyone who wronged me kneel.

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“You can be rude to him, you know,” he started.

I gave him an incredulous. “And have my head hanged?”

He chuckled. “He’ll come after you. You’re doing a great job.” I hinted the sarcasm in his voice.

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I scowled at him. His easy laughter grated on my nerves, and the way he held me so possessively only fueled my anger. How dare he act like he had won some sort of victory over Philip?

“I don’t see what’s so amusing,” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. “And I highly doubt Philip will appreciate your interference. I could have handled it.”

Andreas smirked, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “Oh, I think he’ll appreciate it just fine,” he retorted, his voice dripping with arrogance. “After all, it’s not every day that someone steals his spotlight and wins over the woman he thought he had.”

I glared at him, my blood boiling with anger. “This is not a game, Andreas,” I hissed. “I’m not some prize for you

to win.”

His smirk widened, and he took a step closer, invading my personal space. “Perhaps not,” he whispered, his tone laced with a hint of something dangerous. “But we have revealed our growing feelings for each other with our little spectacle, Henrietta. You even told them you had feelings for me when we were younger. And now, it’s clear’ that Philip is nothing more than an obstacle in our path.”

“We did that for show. If Philip comes for me, then let him. I can handle him just fine and I don’t need your help

with him.”

His eyes darkened. “Perhaps you still hold feelings for him. Is that right?” His voice dripped with ice. “Do you enjoy having Philip come to you like a hungry dog? Does that satisfy you? You’re doing great. Don’t jeopardize it.”

“Are you telling me that I am weak and I would accept him back into my life?”

He shrugged. “That’s what it looks like to me.”

I shook my head. “You saw how he ruined me,” I started. “You saw how I barely stopped my tears that night. And you think I would go back to that?”

His face softened slightly, but there was still a fire burning behind his gaze. “That’s why you don’t handle him alone, Henrietta. It might be strange to say this but I don’t want you to go back to that, either.”

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“Aren’t you supposed to be in the ritual, Your Highness? Where is Yvette?”

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A crease formed in his brow but it was gone in an instant. “Well, she’s in the room and is waiting for me to come

back.”

I bowed. “Then I shouldn’t hold you.for too long. Have a good night.” I turned and walked away when he grabbed my hand again.

“I still have not dismissed you. Is this what you learned from spending time with my brother?”

It ticked a nerve. “No, Your Highness. I just did not want to delay you from your fiance.”

“Stop this.”

I looked at him, wondering what he meant to say. “Pardon me?”

“I…I realized what I did the night of our engagement was an indecent conduct. I–”

“It’s good that you realize that brother,” said a voice behind Philip. Before I could even blink, Andreas was already next to me, grabbing my hand and placing his hand on my waist. “But thanks to that indecent conduct, I ended up marrying the most beautiful woman in this Kingdom. For that, I am grateful.”

I did not mind his hand on my waist. My eyes went to Philip who was looking at Andreas’ hand with furrowed

brows.

“How the hell did you get here?” asked Philip.

“Well, if you’re not aware, this is my Ritual too–”

“How did you come behind me undetected?” Philip pressed. I had the same question but then again, I was too stunned for what Philip said that I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings.

“You were too caught up flirting with my woman that’s why you didn’t notice.” Andreas smiled and turned to look at me. He smiled wider and squeezed my waist tighter before looking at Philip once again. “Enjoy the night

brother.”

And then he led me away from Philip and back to our room.

I was silent the whole walk to the room and the moment we were already inside, he let go of me.

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“I’ll go with you,” he said.

“I’m fine. I’m not going to leave. Besides, I need your carriage to get home.”

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He looked at the hallway and then his gaze went back to me as if contemplating whether to let me go alone or

not.

I pulled my hand from his grasp and did not wait for him to say something more and I walked down the hallway. As soon as I turned the corner, I pressed my back against the wall and clutched my chest. My heartbeat has been going wild ever since our very close proximity incident.

I took another deep breath before I started walking again. Yes, this is good. I just have to take a breath and go back. I’ll be fine once I go back.

The way to where the water was easy to find. The servers noticed my presence and immediately tended to my needs. I down two glasses of water before I decided to go back. It should be time for me to go home.

As I traversed my way back to the room, a familiar figure stood ahead, leaning against the wall, waiting for

something. Or someone.

Philip’s gaze landed in my direction and he straightened. Turns out, I am the one he was waiting for. As he is the Crown Prince, I held my dress and did a curtsy before I took the side and walked straight ahead. Before I could even take ten steps, his hand grabbed my wrist.

“Henny,” he called and I flinched at the nickname. He started calling me that when we were kids. Yvette decided to call me that nickname too. I remember she told us it sounded weird that only Philip calls me by that name. In hindsight, I realized it was because she did not want anything special between me and Philip.

“Yes, Your Highness.” I turned to face him, my face down.

“Come now. You can look at me.”

I know. I just don’t want to look at you.

I raised my head and met his gaze, wearing that practiced smile. He smiled back and I suddenly wanted to disappear. I did not want to be there and see the same smile he wore when he announced Yvette as his fiance.

“How have you been?” he asked.

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But just as I was about to feel her lips on mine, a sudden realization flashed across her eyes. She swiftly stepped back, regaining her composure. Her cheeks were flushed and her hands straightened the front of her dress. “It’s late, Andreas. I think it’s better if we part ways this time.”

I blinked, the spell broken. My eyes went to her hands, nervously fidgeting in front of her. A small smile played on my lips, relishing the discovery that I had such an effect on her.

I straightened the lapel on my coat and stuffed my hands inside my pocket. “Indeed.”

She let out a shuddering breath and just when I was about to open the door, I gave her a look over my shoulder and added, “The next time you wear that dress, it’s going to be the death of me. That’s my little secret.”

I saw the shock on her face before I walked out of the room, grinning.

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“I can’t,” I said then sighed as my fingers traced the length of her neck. “Or rather, I don’t want to.”

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Our proximity was palpable and my heart was beating too fast I could almost not believe it. The dim light in the room cast a soft glow on her features, highlighting the determination in her eyes. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to her, the alcohol acting as a catalyst for emotions I hadn’t anticipated. This is not supposed to be happening. I know it shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t do something but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. Her scent lingered in my nostrils and I had the insane urge to smell her more. To bury my face in her skin and inhale her scent.

Henrietta’s voice cut through the silence, “You’re not going to let this information slip, are you?”

I smirked, my inhibitions loosened by the alcohol as I found myself staring at her lips, wondering how they

would taste in this dark room. “Your pretty little secret is safe with me.”

She eyed me with a mix of skepticism and amusement. My hand remained on her neck and she was not doing anything to remove it. She met my gaze and I knew the look she had. She was accepting the challenge. She’s

seeing this as a challenge.

I took a step closer, his gaze fixed on her. “You know, you have a way of making even the most dire situations intriguing.”

Her expressions shifted, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of vulnerability. I reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face, my touch lingering longer than necessary. In this state, I am strangely addicted to the feel of her skin on my hand that I want to have more. With her not refusing is even making it harder for me. I know it will be over once I cross the line and with this situation, I am in danger.

“You’re a puzzle, Lady Henrietta,” I murmured, my voice taking dropping, finally accepting the effect of the liquor that would surely fuck me up tonight. “I know you see this as a challenge and I want to let you know that I do enjoy a good challenge.”

Her breath caught, and the tension in the room escalated. The allure of the forbidden danced between us.

The room seemed to shrink as we stood closer, my hand on her neck and her eyes on me, looking at me as though he was waiting for what I was about to do next. The air was thick with anticipation. Henrietta’s eyes darted between my gaze and his lips, uncertainty mingling with a hint of desire. I knew that look on her face. I knew she wanted me to lean closer and claim her lips right then and there.

Emboldened by the alcohol–induced courage, I gave in. I leaned in slightly, my lips dangerously close to hers. “Perhaps, Lady Henrietta, this could be our little secret,” I whispered, peering down at her lips, begging to be

kissed.

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I nodded and handed her back the paper. “What do you want me to do with it?”

“I don’t know much about the rules. I don’t want to meet with my father’s personal advisor as it would raise suspicions from Yvette and Myrna. As much as possible, I want to do this quietly.”

“And how can I help with that, Lady Henrietta?”

“I want you to confirm its validity. I can’t just talk to the Palace’s Chief Advisor about something like this. I need you to do it for me.”

She has thought this through, I couldn’t help but muse to myself. “And if we confirm its validity?”

I could have sworn her eyes looked a darker shade of green for a split second. “Then I am taking back what is rightfully mine.”

As I stared at her, I could not help but think how Myrna and Yvette made the wrong move in getting on

Henrietta’s bad side. She’s kind but she turns into a completely different person when pushed through her

limits.

“You’re the only one who knows about this. If this gets out, you’re the only one I’m blaming,” she said as she

turned her back and placed the piece of paper back to where she took it.

I faced her as she looked at me. “And yet here you are, showing me the paper and where you hid it.”

She narrowed her eyes in my direction. “Oh, don’t be mistaken. It’s laid with traps and I would know instantly if

someone tries to break in.”

In an instant, I was in front of her, cornering her once again. The scene back at the palace replayed inside my head. She looked surprised at the sudden speed and then her cheeks flushed when she realized I was too close.

“You wouldn’t be able to do anything when I decide to break in like this,” I said, peering down at her. But despite the flush on her cheeks, she bravely met my gaze and I could have sworn the air was knocked out of my system.

Just how the hell does she even do that?

As if my hand had its mind, I reached to touch the stray hairs. She flinched and my eyes once again met her. “I don’t know what I am doing,” I admitted.

Her eyes were round and she cleared her throat before saying, “Then step back.”