Since the ball had ended and we weren't heading home yet, Loki and I spent more and more of our time outside in the garden.
I was getting a bit sick of our house in the capital and I waited for the time we could leave for the time being. I knew I would need to come back here for school but even so, I missed the place that felt like home.
Like children, Loki and I walked hand in hand. It felt natural to me and even to Loki but Loki still looked around with slight worry. We both knew that if Gerald saw this, we could both get a long scolding and that was the last thing we wanted.
But we both couldn't help but want to hold hands and touch in the most Innocent of ways. It was a way we showed our affection.
Though we didn't do this anywhere other than in private because we both knew what problems this could cause.
We were usually more careful than today but I hadn't seen anyone in the garden for days and Loki had made sure that the gardener would be there that day.
In the Ashington mansion back in our fiefdom the servants would not speak a word of this but here, it was a bit different so we still had to be careful.
Feelinf the serenity of the scene I felt myself sigh. Hand in hand with Loki I was calm and happy but still, there was a feeling of distance.
I needed to tell him my secret... if anyone would accept me it would be Loki. I knew this.
"Hey... Loki, I have something to tell you." I said with a shaky voice.
Loki's eyes shifted to me.
I paused gathering my strength but I didn't get to say what I wanted to say to him because suddenly, a voice called.
"Loki." Gerald said coldly.
Both Loki and I turned toward him.
Looking at us, Gerald sighed hard. He then gestured to the both of us to let each other go.
I was reluctant but by Loki's insistence, I did so.
"Young miss, your father wishes to see you in his office." Gerald said in a low tone. He didn't dare put any impertinence in it.
Then, he walked over to Loki and put his hand on his shoulder.
"I'll talk to you later." Gerald said to Loki.
Loki nodded.
***
"The king wants you to be the bride of the first prince..." Duke Ashington said, his voice low and hollow but deep down, containing a certain pain.
Meanwhile, beside him, Shahira was quiet but I could see worry in her eyes.
Seeing their dread, I almost laughed bitterly.
This should have been a joyous occasion. The prince who will eventually become the emperor as a son in law would bring out family status sky heigh. But it seemed that Duke Ashington and Shahira were not those kinds of nobles or parents.
I could almost head Shahira say, "you don't have to if you don't want to. Even if he's the king, we can find a way to refuse!"
The thought made me almost want to laugh even more, but I pushed that feeling aside and decided to concentrate on the matter at hand.
"Why?" I asked with fake shock. I knew this was going to happen. I just didn't expect it to be so soon.
"The prince has taken a liking to you." Duke Ashington said with a sigh.
Hearing this, I didn't react in any way. All in all it was something that I doubt I could have avoided.
The game never mentioned how Prince Rudo and Cecilia had gotten engaged but for now, I thought it was not such a bad situation considering how we both know each other a bit better than we did in the game. At least I hoped.
"Okay then." I said simply.
Hearing this both Shahira and Duke Ashington's eyes widened.
Shahira moves closer to me and took my hand. "You don't need to do this."
I smiled and placed my hand on hers. "It's okay."
Shahira was a kind person. I knew this well and I knew she loved her daughter but this was the only way. There was no rejecting the king. At this point I needed to play a game of recon and prevention and this was the best way to go about it.
Seeing my determination Shahira let go of me.
"Will they be announcing this soon?" I said simply.
"The first prince is currently away and he won't show his face in a long time but the news will be spread amongst the nobles." Duke Ashington grumbled. "That boy is strange. So you won't see him much... are you sure you want to do this?"
I nodded. "It's the best option for me."
Hearing this, Shahira's eyes turned dark. Like remembering something she didn't want to.
But she didn't speak of it.
From the corner of my eye I saw Duke Ashington look her way, a strange expression appearing on her face.
None of them mentioned anything and I didn't ask.
***
Once I was done speaking to my father and mother, I left the room allowed the two to talk between themselves.
There near the door, Loki stood alert.
Walking up to him, I smiled as per usual and then I put my hand on Loki's shoulder.
"How was the scolding?" I said jokingly.
Seeing me, he didn't answer. Instead he said, "it's best you refrain from touching me so intimately."
I laughed. "That bad, huh?"
Loki shrugged, putting his body at ease. "Not really. Just as per usual."
With that said, Loki and I started walking down the halls. There was a strange lack of maids today but Loki and I didn't question it. We just walked until we reached the entrance of my room. There, I walked in and invited Loki in.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Gerald walking down the hall and so did Loki, yet Loki walked in without shame.
"I'm shocked that he's not complaining about this." I said a bit perplexed. I remembered back when I was in my other world, my mother would always tell me to keep the door open if I invited boys over.
Loki shrugged.
"I'm indebted to you and your father. I wouldn't cross the line... and at this point, many people just consider me your shadow. There are rumours that I'm a eunuch." Loki said.
"Are you?" I said jokingly.
He opened his mouth as if to retort but then he didn't speak at all.
"Speak your mind Loki, it's only you and I here." I said, taunting him with all my might.
Hearing this, Loki frowned. "I'm not a eunuch."
After saying this, Loki began to sulk and he wouldn't give in to any of my taunting.
It was boring having a one sided conversation, so I accidentally blurted out, "The first prince asked for my hand in marriage."
From the corner of my eye I saw Loki stiffen.
Loki: "You're getting married..."
"No. I won't be." I said simply.
Loki's eyes shone red and saw no lie in my words.
"The prince asked for your hand in marriage. There is no denying that." Loki said.
"Maybe... but despite that I'm sure that I won't get married to him." I said even more simply that before.
Loki paused.
"Why are you so sure of that?" He asked.
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should even say it but feeling as if I couldn't keep this from him anymore. So I said, "Because I should be dead by then."
Loki's eyes turned completely blood red and his face twisted.
"What are you talking about?" Loki roared.