But who could have predicted that Orion, rather than compromise his love for a woman, would willingly give up power and position?
In my previous life, Orion had somehow learned of Rowan’s true identity. He lured him back to Helios using me as bait, then eliminated him because he was a threat to the throne.
“Rowan, what are you waiting for? Don’t waste any more time,” the king said, squinting his eyes with a kindly smile.
Rowan gave a quiet reply. “Yes, Father.”
He adjusted my crown with care, then gently helped me into the ceremonial carriage.
It wasn’t until the music began that Orion snapped out of his daze. He rushed forward and grabbed the carriage curtain, refusing to let go. “Claire, don’t marry him… You know you love me!”
“I know you’re angry because I hurt you over Serena. You’re only marrying him to get back at me. But once you cool down, you’ll regret it!”
“If you’re unwilling to share equal status with Serena, I’ll go to Father right now and ask him to let me marry you instead. Serena is soft–tempered. Let her be my mistress–she won’t even complain. Would that be alright?”
Rowan, seeing the displeasure on my face, simply kicked Orion to the ground.
With the beat of drums and trumpets, I was carried into the royal palace.
The white candles burned hot and bright through the night. Rowan’s muffled groans didn’t subside until dawn.
The next morning, I rose with aching limbs and rubbed my sore waist, pouting in silent protest at Rowan’s cruelty.
1
I couldn’t understand it. He always seemed so composed and reserved, yet in bed, he was like a beast.
Rowan clearly noticed my complaints. He let out a low chuckle and came forward to massage my waist.
Then, with his own hands, he helped me choose a gown. From a velvet box, he took out a diamond brooch and pinned it to my gown.
“I wanted to give this to you on your coming–of–age ceremony.”
His voice was unexpectedly tender, and each word struck my heart like a blow.
I thought of how he had died so tragically in my previous life because of me, yet now, here he was–alive and standing before me.
My nose stung, and I burst into tears as I threw myself into his arms, holding him tightly.
When we stepped outside the room, I looked at the palace where I had spent so many years in my previous life. My emotions were all over the place–but something felt different this time.
Behind me, Alice stifled a giggle with her hand.
Duchess—no, I mean, Princess, Prince Rowan is so devoted to you. All shear
I suddenly turned to look at Rowan beside me, and tears welled up again, catching him completely off guard.
Outside the palace, carriages waited to take us to the throne room to express our gratitude.
Just as we reached the pathway near the throne room, we ran into Orion and Serena, who had also come to see the king.
Orion was dressed in formal tails, but his greenish stubble and the dark circles under his eyes were unmistakable.
Serena, on the other hand, was clearly dressed to impress, abandoning her usual delicate simplicity. Her crown sparkled brightly, but it couldn’t hide the exhaustion on her face.
Seeing my radiant complexion and glowing smile, Serena shot me a sharp glare.
Alice immediately leaned in to whisper gleefully in my ear.
“Princess, you wouldn’t believe what happened last night…”
