Chapter 1
I was a gift from the Kingdom of Asteria to the royal family of Helios. From a young age, I was raised alongside the princes to cultivate relationship
between us.
Whichever prince married me would secure the support of Asteria’s people.
By royal decree, the king of Helios had declared that the fiancé I chose would become the future heir to the throne.
In my previous life, I chose Prince Orion, the one I had admired for years. I even used Asteria’s forbidden magic to alter his fate and infused him with
Mana.
Yet the first thing he did after taking the throne was to have my bones shattered, my limbs severed, and my body sealed alive in a coffin with dark incantations.
Then he ordered the border troops to slaughter Asteria–not a single soul survived. Eighty thousands of my people, wiped from the earth.
“Who the hell wants to be king? If you hadn’t shamelessly insisted on marrying me, I would have long been with Serena and found true happiness!” “You drove Serena to her death in sorrow. Now it’s your turn to suffer and wait helplessly for death!”
After being reborn, I returned to this very day–the Bacchus Festival. This time, I was determined to fulfill their love story.
Seven days later, the king issued two proclamations.
Qne granted a marriage.
The other named the crown prince.
Neither had anything to do with Orion.
So why did he now kneel before me, eyes rimmed red, begging me to marry him?
The King of Helios said with warm affection, his eyes full of hope. “Claire, take a good look–do any of these useless sons of mine have the makings of a future king? Or the luck to call you their wife?”
The royal marriage alliance between Helios and Asteria had lasted a hundred years. In my generation, I was the only princess of Asteria.
I grew up in the royal palace, childhood companions with the princes. The king treated me with great fondness.
But I knew well–that fondness was never pure.
This marriage was not only concern about me, but also the 800,000 Asterian souls behind me.
Gaining me meant gaining their hearts.
Thus, the king had long decreed: the man I chose as my fiancé would be the future crown prince.
The princes huddled together, whispering among themselves.
“Everyone in the palace knows Princess Claire admires Prince Orion. Today’s Bacchus Festival is just a formality for announcing him as her chosen fiancé.”
“Honestly, Orion’s one lucky bastard. Not the best pedigree, looks, or brains among the princes, yet somehow he’s got Princess Claire wrapped around his finger–even the crown practically fell into his lap.”
“But he still moped around all day like Claire owes him something…”
All
eyes
turned expectantly to me, waiting for me to name Orion.
I cast a glance in his direction,
His face was expressionless, his back straight, lips tightly pressed. But his gaze had already slipped past the crowd, landing on Serena beneath the platform.
Sensing my look, he quickly turned away, and a flicker of disgust flashed through his eyes.
Isneered inwardly.
Orion, if a woman means more to you than power and status…
Then I won’t force you.
This time, I simply won’t marry you.
Smiling, I leaned close and whispered in the king’s ear.
His expression brightened. He nodded repeatedly, then turned and glanced at Orion.
Orion’s face immediately changed. He shoved through the crowd, dropped to his knees with a heavy thud, and kowtowed deeply.
“Father, I am honored by Princess Claire’s affection. I understand well that this marriage concerns the future of the nation and the expectations of its people. I am willing to marry her. However…”
“My heart belongs to Miss Waverly. I cannot bear to wrong her. I beg you to allow me to marry both, to make them equal wives…” “Nonsense!”
Before Orion could finish, the king roared in fury.
His brow furrowed, his face turned red, and his chest heaved with rage.
“That girl from the Waverly family dares to think herself equal to the princess? Have you lost your mind?”
Orion clenched his jaw, as if making some grave decision.
“Serena may not be as noble as the princess, but that is exactly why I must protect her. If I can’t even shield the woman I love, how could I ever protect the people of Helios?”
At these words, disappointment clouded the king’s face, and sighs echoed from the ministers below.
“I once thought Prince Orion merely lacked talent, but it turns out he also lacks judgment. Does he truly believe the unwavering loyalty of 800,000 Asterians and a kingdom within reach are worth less than one girl?”
“He must think Princess Claire will marry him no matter what–otherwise, how would he dare say something so outrageous?”
The king let out a long sigh, then confirmed one last time.
“Orion, is your heart truly set on marrying the Waverly girl?”
Orion slowly nodded.
“Please, Father, grant my wish.”
Seeing his obstinance, the king looked at me with guilt, then waved his hand and spoke in a heavy voice.
“That’s enough. The wedding will be held in seven days. Prepare yourselves.”
