Chapter 3

Chapter 3

It was a surprise I was not trembling.

My hands were calm as I held the tray with the tea Yvette had requested. My head was swimming with thoughts! did not want to entertain but insisted on staying to torment me.

The realization hit me harder this time. Philip wants to marry a pureblooded wolf. He’s the Crown Prince, soon be the Alpha King. He would not want to soil his lineage with my blood. How blinded was I before that I did not even consider it? What Sir Andreas told me last night made more sense.

Of course, between me and Yvette, Yvette is a much wiser choice should he seek. power.

When my father married Myrna, it automatically made her the Lady of the Manor. I was still a minor then. She became my legal guardian as well.

My father, against his better judgment, left most of his properties under Myrna. It did not matter to me then because I loved Myrna as my second mother. I thought we would be alright even without my father.

Turns out, she’s been hiding her fangs all this time. My father fell victim just like I did. But that will change today.

I placed the tray as I listened to them talk. Yvette deliberately chuckles louder than she usually does and it looks like it pleases Philip when she does that.

I cleared my throat to get their attention and Yvette smiled. “I did not notice you there, Henny.” She stood in front of me and held my hands. I resisted the urge to pull them away.

“You’re not… mad at me, right?” She pouted. The usual thing she does when she wants something. “I know you love Philip that’s why you would understand why he wants to marry me, instead, right?”

She turned to look at Philip. “Did you tell her the reason-”

“There will be no need for that, Yvette. I don’t understand how all of this happened but I guess I can never

understand how miscreants think.”

“M-Miscreants?” She stared at me as though she could not believe I just said it. All my life, I’ve been the girl who never disobeys. I’ve always been the one who understands people. I’m done with it.

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I gave her a saccharine smile. “You two are a good match.”

Yvette’s smile faltered for a split second, her eyes widening imperceptibly before she composed herself before walking back to where Philip was seated. She did not expect that reaction from me.

“We were just discussing the wedding ceremony-”

“My love, I told you we can discuss that later on when I solve the matter I have at the moment.”

My love. That’s what he used to call me. So it was this easy for him to call another woman like that.

Yvette looked disheartened but she flashed another smile and said, “Of course! I understand that. I was just going to tell Henny that we’re planning to have it as soon as possible but your responsibilities should come first. After all, you’re the Crown Prince. The future Alpha King.” She turned to me. “Did he tell you that he’s been handling a lot of rogues lately? They’re increasing inside the Kingdom, brainwashing the people. He’s very hands-on with matters in the Kingdom. Unlike Sir Andreas, Philip is loved by the people. He’s going to be a good

Alpha King.”

Then she gasped. “Sir Andreas is a good warrior, Henny. I’m sure he’ll take care of you. How about we have a double wedding

I sat on the sofa next to them and poured myself some tea. As if on cue, Mother Myrna stormed inside the room, narrowing her eyes at me. I stared at her over the rim of my cup.

“Henrietta-‘

I

I gave Myrna a cold stare before I looked at the two beside me. “How long has this been going on?” I asked, thankful my voice was not trembling. “How long ago did you two start meeting behind my back? I deserve the right to know, don’t you agree?”

Yvette looked surprised at first but she let out a smile. “Come on, Henny. We did not see each other behind your

back-”

“So how did you decide you’re going to marry her, Your Highness? You’ve met each other without me knowing?”

“We merely talked during those visits we did before. I found Yvette to be a suitable bride. She agrees to everything I say and never challenges my decision. She’s going to be a good Luna of this Kingdom. That’s how I

decided.”

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Chapter 3

“So it’s not all about my family’s influence?”

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Philip’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tensing as if my words offended him deeply. “The Royal Family is powerful enough. We don’t need your family’s influence-”

“So, if this family goes bankrupt, it won’t matter to you?”

my

Philip went quiet. I may be a coddled girl when I was young but I know how influential my family is to the Kingdom. We are a large house. My ancestors have fought for this Kingdom. Other than that, father is a famous merchant who mainly deals with expensive gems. My family is rich enough to fund the entire Kingdom on its own. Myrna sought for that. But there is something my father did that they did not know. Even though he. left almost all his assets to Myrna, they did not know he left something to me too, as his daughter.

“What on earth are you talking about, you useless brat?” Myrna stormed to where I was and grabbed my hair, forcing me to stand. She then pushed me hard enough that I stumbled and hit my head on the side of the table. Droplets of blood fell to the floor.

The whole room went quiet and my head was throbbing. I got up and faced them. I could feel the blood trickling down from my temple to my face. Philip looked at me with wide eyes and Yvette was the same.

“You might be the Lady of the House now but that will change soon, Mother.” I slowly walked towards the table to get a napkin before I wiped it on the blood on my face. “Savor the moment you have because I will take everything back.”

Yvette stood. “Henny–”

“Shut your mouth, Yvette.” I faced her and the surprised look on her face told me he was not expecting to hear.

those words from me.

As if on cue, one of the maidservants came knocking into the sitting room. The door opened, revealing Sir Andreas Marfori. His eyes went to my face and then to the blood on my temple. I could have sworn I saw his jaw clenched. He looked around, assessing the situation. Perhaps he realized I needed help. Perhaps he realized I was so close to breaking down that he stepped inside and stood next to me. His dominating presence filled the room and strangely gave me comfort.

“It’s strange to see outsiders hurting the only daughter of the former Lord of the House Silvana,” he said. His voice was cold and I could have sworn the temperature dropped. Philip glared in Sir Andreas’ direction. He was not even hiding it with his pretentious smile. Everyone in the Kingdom knows the two of them don’t have a good relationship with each other.

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Chapter 3

“What are you doing here, Andreas?” asked Philip.

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To my surprise, Sir Andreas’ hand wrapped around mine as he said, “You’re here to court your fiance. I am here to court mine. I am quite upset to see her still wearing this hideous dress and in addition, injured. If not for you, brother, I would have had their heads for doing this.”

Mother gasped and Yvette paled. “You do not threaten my subjects, Andreas.”

“How dare you threaten the Lady of this House–” Mother Myrna froze as a dagger now pointed under her chin.

“The next time you lay a hand on my bride, you shall pay with your life.”

Mother fearfully glanced in Philip’s direction, hoping the latter would interfere, but Philip was just staring at Sir Andreas, frustration visible in his eyes as though he could not do anything to stop the ruthless warrior.

Sir Andreas dropped his dagger and dragged me out of the room. I did not object as I wanted to get out of the

house too.

We reached the carriage and he the coachman I met last night night gave me a curt nod. When Sir Andreas finally closed the carriage door, I wiped the tears that had started to fall the moment I got out.

“Let’s get you treated–” He paused when I grabbed his arm. I know it would have meant the same thing as signing my death warrant but I can’t let them tr ample on me like this and I need this man’s help.

I met his gaze and it took a lot of effort to keep staring into his eyes.

“Don’t cancel the engagement. Marry me, Sir Andreas,” I blurted out.

He stared at me, silent for a moment. Then he finally said, “Are you certain?”

I nodded. “I want to marry you because I want to use you. Let me use you. I am going to make them pay.”

A hint of a smile curved his lips. He leaned back and crossed his arms looking at me like I suddenly became very

interesting in his eyes.

He turned to the coachman.

“Take us back to the house,” he said, “I believe the Lady and I have a lot to discuss.”

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