The Princess Room.
"What did uncle say?" Benedict asked as soon as Jessica walked into the room. Her mother had told her that if she wanted her father's approval, she needed to think of a way to become Jessica's replacement and marry the second prince of Gousho.
According to her mother, this marriage will help their family become stronger, and her father would no longer have the power to punish her. So on the surface, she acted like she was sacrificing herself for Jessica's happiness, while in reality, she was just helping herself.
Benedict trusted her mother, so she was confident that marrying the second prince would be a blessing. If the person who gave her these instructions was her father, she would have suspected that he was just trying to push her to her death.
"Father refused; as a king, he can not go back on his words," Jessica said.
Benedict took a deep breath; she knew from the beginning that her uncle would reject it. "What if the mistake of the bride is the second prince's fault?" She asked.
"How do you mean?" Jessica looked at her.
"During the marriage rite, you would be covered as the bride. According to the tradition, two maidens from the family will follow you. All three would have their face covered, and he would require to choose his wife. What if we deliberately make him choose me? As long as it is his mistake and you are standing there, it would be his fault for not recognising his wife. Even if he knows deep down that he was fooled, a proud man like him would not want to show any weakness, right?" Benedict said.
Jessica thought about the suggestion and felt that it was good. "I can even act disappointed and embarrassed; this will make him doubt the truth," she said.
"As expected, my cousin is smart," Benedict breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Jessica supported her, she could marry the second prince and become free from her father.
"Thank you for doing this for me," Jessica was very grateful; she was blinded by her emotions and did not notice the mischievous smile playing on her cousin's lips.
Jessica was not stupid; if she had not trusted Benedict blindly, she would have realised she had been used. "We must keep the plan between us; I will continue to resist father for some time, so he does not get suspicious," Jessica said. Since she turned fifteen, her father has been disapproving of her relationship with Benedict. However, Jessica felt that he was overthinking; of course, she knew her uncle Benedict's father did not agree to allow her to sit on the throne after her father, but she had no reason to doubt Benedict.
She knew for a fact that Benedict and her father did not get along. Benedict's relationship is even worse when it comes to her brother, who her uncle was trying to make King after her father. So she trusted Benedict, even if her father warned her against it.
"As my Princess wish," Benefit readily agree.
General Daiz residence
"How was it? Lady Daiz asked.
" mother, I was able to convince her; as long as she believes I am helping her, she would agree to it; after all, she loves Ramsey so much," Benedict rolled her eyes.
"I know you like Ramsey too, but the second prince of Gousho is the man that can protect you from your father and make you a respected daughter of this family," lady Daiz said.
"I know this, mother; when have I not listened to you," Benedict smiled.
"I know you listen to me, but sometimes when people think with their hearts, they miss out on all the benefits," Lady Daiz warn.
"Of course, mother, besides, even if I like Ramsey, he is also blinded to be with the Princess, mother you have nothing to worry about," Benedict assured her mother. She bit her lips and hid the viciousness in her heart. She used to think that her mother loved her very much, but only at this point did she realise that the woman only needed her for benefits.
How could her life be so different from that of Jessica? Her uncle was a king. In a world where male children are more favoured to become successors, her uncle should have looked down on Jessica the way her father looked down on her. But the King has even announced her the next queen and trained her into a capable woman.
Benedict did not believe she was below Jessica, so why should Jessica have the love of her father and the love of Ramsey. She hated Jessica for always being the mirror that reflected her mistake. On a few occasions, her father, who looks down on female children, had even been impressed by Jessica.
"Benedict," her mother's call finally snapped her out of her daze. "Mother," Benedict faked a smile.
"Where was your mind? Did you even hear anything I have been saying to you?" Lady Daiz asked. As a mother, she knew the true nature of her daughter even if her Benedict tried to hide it from her.
"I am sorry, my mind wandered off," Benedict replied. She did not dare pretend to have heard her mother, afraid she would miss necessary instruction and land herself in more trouble. Lady Daiz shook her head; as a mother, she loved her daughter, but she had seen the world, so she knew the importance of a woman marrying a strong husband.
Although she did not know much about the second prince, she knew the King was an old fox; if he was willing to marry his precious daughter to the man, it meant he must be capable and Someone the King could trust to take care of his daughter.
A man loyal to his wife was the best blessing a woman can ask for. "Don't go daydreaming; you must marry the second prince if you want a bright future. Think about it, given the way your uncle loves the Princess, do you think he would allow her to marry a bad man? " lady Daiz asked.
"No," Benedict shook her head. She realised that she must have misunderstood her mother just now.
"Good, so you must be grateful for this opportunity; also, be careful, your uncle can not easily be fooled," lady Daiz warned. Lady Daiz knew the king could not be easily fooled by the princess and her daughter, so she warmed her.
"I have heard you, mother; I would put that in mind and ensure the plan is successful," Benedict replied. Lady Daiz was delighted with this replied and patted her daughter's hair lovingly.