Chapter 1066 I Refuse âYou knew what was going on between Helma and me?â Bastien certainly hadnât expected this. âI do.
Thatâs why I never wanted to get myself involved,â Natalie stated icily. âNatalie.â
The woman pursed her lips and ignored Bastien. At that very moment, a five-star servant appeared before Natalie, blocking her path.
âGreetings, Miss. His Majesty would like to speak to you and the prince.â This servant was the kingâs most trusted aide, and despite the smile on his face, he gave off an air of intimidation to those around him.
Natalie was speechless. I just canât get away. She could only make her way toward the king alongside Bastien. Following Loang customs, the woman gave Mikhail the most supreme form of greeting, rising back to her feet only after gaining the latterâs permission.
âWhat is your name?â the king asked while fiddling with a ringâone with the image of a dragon, signifying his absolute authorityâon his middle finger.
âNatalie Nichols.â
âWhere are you from?â
âDellmoor, Chanaea.â
âSo, youâre not a noble?â
âIâm not. Iâm just a businesswoman stopping by in Loang,â Natalie answered candidly.
Friedaâs expression clouded over as she listened. She only wanted Helma as her future daughter-in-
law, not this woman standing before her who had nothing to do with Loang.
I wonât let him marry her!
âYour Majesty, this lady here may not understand the significance of that dance since sheâs not from here. That said, I think we should just leave this matter as it is. Letâs not delve any further into it,â she advised with a smile.
Yet, Cynthia couldnât resist fanning the flames. âEven if she doesnât understand it, it doesnât change the fact that she danced. Besides, itâs not like Bastien isnât aware of the significance behind this waltz, no?â
âCynthia! Youââ
âCynthia didnât say anything wrong, Frieda,â Shirley chimed in.
Disregarding the little drama going on between his fatherâs wives, Bastien stepped forward and declared earnestly, âFather, Iâm well aware of the meaning behind that dance, so Iâve absolutely made my choice.â
Mikhailâs eyes left Bastien and fell on Natalie once again.
She looks just like her twenty years ago!
When he was young, Mikhail used to be hopelessly in love with a woman who had unfortunately lived a short life. Now, looking at a woman who reminded him of her made him develop a favorable impression of Natalie.
Logically speaking, he wouldnât have allowed Bastien to choose a commoner as a bride.
Yet, the man seemed especially fond of Natalie merely because she resembled someone he once adored.
âIf this is what he wants, then it shall be,â Mikhail responded with a chuckle.
Having initially thought his father would make things difficult for him, Bastien was especially surprised to see him looking so carefree. However, the woman next to him wasnât having it.
âI refuse, Your Majesty,â Natalie announced.
All the royalsâ expressions took a turn.
Cynthia and Shirley stared at Natalie in bewilderment.
Meanwhile, Frieda sighed internally, relieved that this woman had said no.
Bastien turned to Natalie with a conflicted look in his eyes. I know I tricked her, but I really like her. I want to look after her for the rest of our lives, but sheâs turning me down in front of everyone?
âNatalie, youââ
The woman shot him a frosty glance. âThereâs no denying that you helped me, but how much do you truly understand me?â
Then, she turned to face Mikhailâs inexplicable gaze and explained frankly, âMy reason for saying no is simple, Your Majesty. Iâm already married and have five children. I believe I pass none of the requirements for marrying into the royal family of Loang now. Am I right?â
A smirk played on Natalieâs lips as everyone became filled with shock.
âThatâs impossible!â Bastien furrowed his brows.
âYou couldnât find out anything else about me, but that doesnât mean what Iâm saying isnât true,â the woman replied, blinking. âYou should know that a lot of my details are encrypted. Sure, you managed to find out that I came to Loang for business, but how sure can you be that you know everything?â
Bastien was unable to respond.
There was indeed nothing else to the information Joseph had dug up.
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.
Cynthia covered her mouth, failing to stifle a laugh. âWell, just when I thought she was just a commoner, it turns out sheâs even married with kids! What a stir youâve caused this time around, Prince Jonathan.â