Shit. This was the novel.
It only meant that my life here is in danger.
"Milady, His Highness has come to talk to you." Maria came to my chambers to deliver me the news of Jaeger's arrival. "Tell him I'm not in a good state to meet him right now and for another two weeks," I said as I stared at the huge window of my room, there, I can see the garden of our estate.
"Milady, you already used that excuse yesterday. I'm afraid, His Highness and his Excellency will not believe your alibi anymore." She told me, I brushed my hands to my face in frustration. "Tell him to leave, I don't want to talk to him," I repeated.
"Y-yes Milady." She said, she knew that she will get scolded but she knew as well that I won't be able to be persuaded anymore.
It has been three days since the palace ball. I left immediately upon realizing that this is the novel that I'm scared of. I'm going to die if I don't interfere with the plot.
During these three days, I have been trying to formulate plans for my survival but nothing has come to mind at all. Well, there's the plan of engagement cancellation but because of that hellish law, I'm so close to throwing it in the trash.
"Milady, His Excellency was summoning you in his study room," Maria called me again, I sighed in frustration. "About His Highness? Did he leave already?" I asked again.
"Yes, Milady." She answered.
I sighed as I stoop up from my chair and went after Maria, on her way to the Duke's study room.
I knocked a few times when I arrived in front of the room's door. "Father, It is I," I said.
"You may come in." He responded from inside.
The room was lit by a huge window in the middle back. From there, I can see the silhouette of a man, he was facing his back at the door but I can see the golden hair. It only meant he was my father, Duke Percival Landerborne.
"Greetings, father," I said as I did a curtsy.
"Frieda. What do you think you're doing?" I can hear the anger in his voice. He's didn't specified his topic but I was sure that he was talking about my issue with Jaeger. "I was merely doing what I want to do," I said.
"He is part of the Royal Family. Making him go back and forth for three consecutive days was an offence in his Royal Majesty!" My father shouted at me, I kept my head low, trying to collect my thoughts so I can speak right.
"You're thinking of the Royal Family, father? He was disgracing the name of our house by cheating on your daughter openly with a mere baron's daughter. Are you alright with that humiliation?" I asked calmly. I no longer care if I have to throw my angelic reputation if it meant, saving my life.
And after all, it was just my father who hearing me right now.
"But that was against the law. How can you explain that? No matter what his reputation maybe, he still shares the same blood as the King." He told me.
"But even so---"
"I thought you love that prince? Then why are treating him like this now?" He asked again. I stopped talking for a moment.
That's right. I can't just tell him that I just fell out of love. I can't say that I will die if I indulge myself in this unhealthy love as well.
"I snapped back to my senses. Father, even if it was the Royal Family, no one can embarrass the Ducal House of Landerborne. You know that more than anyone else, right, Father?" I told him.
"That's true. But if you want to cancel this engagement, how are you going to surpass the reputation of his Highness?" He asked again as he sat on his chair.
"That... I'm still working on that... Father." I said hesitantly.
"You're making a thoughtless move? What if your plan was late? And everything becomes worst?"
"I assured you that I will make things work out, father. I assure you." I said.
"Fine then, I will give you a week to think this through. If you weren't able to present me with any plan before your time runs out, you have to continue with your engagement with His Highness."
What the heck!? One week!?
"I'm afraid one week was too short----"
"It is either a week-long, or you have to commence with the current plans." He said.
I calmed myself down.
"I see... But can I have a request father?" I said.
"Go on."
"Can I visit the market? I want to see the people, incognito." I said. He sighed as he massaged his temple. "Do what you want." I smiled brightly.
I might be able to grasp something if I went outside.
"Do you need anything else?" He asked. "Nothing else father," I said as I smiled. "If that's the case, then you may leave." He said as I paid him another obeisance before leaving his study room with a huge smile on my face.
"Milady! Are you hurt?" Maria approached me as soon as I get out, she looked anxious. Does the Duke hit, even his daughter?
"I am," I responded with a grin.
I noticed unsettlement on Maria's face as I walked along the hallways.
She must have thought that father reprimanded me for my misbehaviour--- which is true, but it didn't get through me since we made a deal.
That's right! The deal! I have no time to waste. I only have a week to plan for my survival!
"Maria, we will be visiting the market place," I said as I walked happily. "Huh? Milady, why all of a sudden?" She asked in wonder.
"No time for explaining. Can you lend me some clothes so we can observe around the marketplace incognito?" I asked her. "I understand."
I smirked.
I will make sure to survive in this situation.
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