"What was that, Elijah?"
Elijah gave the unknown man in front of him a cold-eyed gaze. It took him a second before he even breathe a word. "What do you mean?"
"That," the man muttered, trying to emphasize something. "What was that? You looked so lovey-dovey with that princess. What was that mean? It didn't look like you're using that lady as a pawn."
"I still do," Elijah responded. "Have you forgotten? I am married to that princess. I should like a loving husband in front of everyone, in front of her. If I want to be successful infiltrating Lucien's business, I need to let that foolish princess fall for me deeper and she'll lead the way towards the couple at ease. If that moment comes, I'll get rid of her in an instant."
The man hummed and nodded. "That's right. Focus on your goal to become the king, Elijah."
The grand prince smirked at him. "And when that happens, I'll definitely get rid of them, especially Ariah."
Siiiiigh.
This is the nth time I sipped the tea that I'm holding but I couldn't even enjoy it. The calming ambiance of the grand prince's palace's greenhouse wasn't even helping to soothe me. After what happened last night—the encounter that I've had with those ladies talking shit about Arabella and the fact that Ariah even did tell them nasty things about Arabella behind the latter's back which weren't even true, to begin with, made me feel a bit angry but guilty at the same time. I am angry over the fact that Arabella is my favorite character in this novel and she did talk shit behind her sister's back but at the same time, I felt guilty. I may not be the one who said those things to this girl, the fact that I am Princess Ariah in this world… it somehow felt like it's still my doing.
Sigh.
"Your Highness, is the tea not your liking? Shall I make another one?" I snapped back to reality when I heard the maid's voice who's currently serving me right now asked. "You kept on sighing so I am worried that you disliked the tea that I made."
"Oh." I looked up the teacup that I am holding and immediately shook my head along with my free hand waving at her. "Oh no, it's not. I… I am sighing because I am so relaxed and this tastes so good. Thank you very much."
"I am glad that you liked it, Your Highness," the maid responded as she smiled at me then she continued arranging the plates with fancy desserts that I haven't had in my life when I am still alive in real life.
I couldn't help but bit my lower lip, trying my best not to flaunt my sadness on my face. Even though I did desire for a luxurious life like this or even living a life like a princess—though it's unfortunate that I am an actual villain's pawn in this life. Even so, it still made me think about my family and how I missed them… and that somehow made me sad.
"Greetings, Your Royal Highness."
My gaze immediately went on the greenhouse's door and there I saw Princess Arabella smiling at the grand prince's servants. As always, she looked so beautiful with her casual blue gown. I immediately shot up from my seat the moment her eyes went on me
"Greetings, Your Royal Highness," I immediately said as I bowed my head.
"Dear sister!" she called me, squealing as she walked towards me and hugged me.
"Hi," I muttered softly and as she pulled away from the hug, I spoke. "You should've told me you'll visit so I could prepare your favorite food or anything that you like."
"Oh, you don't really have to, Ariah," she said and then she looked around. "Oh, I heard you did prepare for a small tea party with your friends—Duchess Dimitri, Countess Rosè and the daughter of Marquis Roberts, Lorelei. Are they here now? So I could greet them."
I tried my best not to look confused at her. So, those backstabbing girls are actually my—I mean Ariah's—friends and they legit even have a tea party? That was not written in my memo!
"Oh, uh, yes, Your Highness but I think they're running late so uh…" I immediately offered the seat in front of me. "You should sit down, Your Highness. I will make you some tea. What would you like to eat?"
"You don't really have to, my sister. I just dropped by here after I went with Lucien from the other nation. I just wanted to pay you a visit before returning to the palace," she responded while smiling at me.
That somehow made my chest feel warm. It makes me want to give her all the happiness and love or even the world for her.
"And oh, I will accompany you first while waiting for your friends."
I even prefer you being here than those backstabbing socialites.
I couldn't help but smile as I offered her a tea. "Thank you so much, Your Highness. It's so nice to have you here with me."
"Only for my sister."
As we were about to enjoy our tea, two servants suddenly barged in the greenhouse. "Your Highness—" when they spotted Princess Arabella, they immediately bowed their heads. "G-Greeting, Your Royal Highness."
With my eyebrows creased, I got up my seat and looked at the servants. "What's happening?"
"Your Highness," the servant called, shooting his gaze on me. "The duchess… your friends. They… they got caught in an accident and they all died."
"What…?" I muttered out of shock the moment I heard such news. I could even feel how Princess Arabella held me but my mind went blank in utter shock.
I may not like those women but I still couldn't deny the fact that they're still Ariah's friends and they died just like that.
"What is happening?" I could hear Grand Prince Elijah's voice but I felt my breath starting to get heavy due to the news. I may not be the one who got affected but I could tell how Ariah's body reacts especially that now, her friends are dead.
"They said someone did something to their carriage and—"
Someone did something to their carriage…
Could it be…
My eyes slowly went at Grand Prince Elijah who's looking at the servant telling us the news about the accident. He then turned his head towards me and looked at me.
"Your Highness," he called.
I could feel the chilly feeling behind my spine.
"Are you okay?"
"You…" I couldn't help but mutter under my breath.
No shit, Sherlock… is this all his doing?