Fredrick's announcement brought uproar in the room. Even Everett gave him a shocking look. As a princess, nothing could be more insulting than being a princess. She knew it too well. But did she have another choice? No! She was already grateful that Fredrick hadn't killed her father yet.
King Lucerys roared this time, his eyes turning red in anger,
" NEVER! MY DAUGHTER WILL NEVER BE A MISTRESS! EITHER YOU MARRY HER OR LEAVE HER!!"
His roaring voice brought laughter to Fredrick. He let out a mocking laugh before spatting disgracefully,
" It is already your honor that I am letting her live. Do you want to know why? I want to torture you to death until you wish for your death. Marry? Even if she is the last woman on earth, I will never marry Lucerys's daughter."
Lucerys wanted to say something but the Lycans suddenly snapped at them, forcing Lucerys to stay silent. Tears continued to fall from Everett's eyes.
Why did she always have poor luck? Why wasn't she happy ever?
Fredrick smirked at Everett, his eyes watching her intently,
" Do you have any objections, Princess Everett?"
Everett was silent all the while. Even Lucerys felt bad for his daughter. From the other side of the court, Elenor muttered sarcastically,
" Just say yes! Your life isn't so worthy anymore. Why do you bother to deny the offer?"
Her other sister added in a shrill voice, secretly in relief to think that they weren't asked to sacrifice their lives to save their kingdom,
" Right! No one wants your stupid face anyways. Agree to go with him."
Everett clenched her fists tight. Tears continued to fall from her eyes subconsciously. Today was supposed to be her wedding day. She was supposed to be someone's wife, having her own family just like she wished. Why was her fate so cruel to her? Why couldn't she have happiness like normal girls?
Only the girls felt sympathy for the princess. After all, she would have no prestige in the state if she becomes Fredrick's mistress. The humans from their kingdom consider someone a prostitute if she becomes a mistress. Her dry lips trembled to suppress her cry. She looked down at her feet and then t her father, reminding herself of all the duties that she had as a princess. After taking a deep breath, she blurted in a choking voice, her eyes meeting the red carpet below,
" I..I...I am willing.."
Her answer brought a malicious grin to Fredrick's face. Finally, it was his payback time. The suffering that he went through all these years, he was going to give her all. Fredrick replied half-jokingly, sitting up from the throne,
" Sweet! See Lucerys! Your daughter is smart and knows how to not provoke a beast. You are no longer the king, Lucerys. You are simply a countenance that is breathing on my mercy. My men will be here soon. From this day, your kingdom will follow my rules, my words. If you think about rebellion, all of your daughter's heads will be at your feet."
He climbed down from the stage calmly. But the intimidating aura was so powerful that everyone subconsciously put a distance from him. Fredrick stopped to stare at Everett, her cheeks and face were swollen because of her crying,
" You... come with me outside...NOW.."
Fredrick left the courtroom eventually. As soon as he was gone, Everett collapsed onto the floor, bursting into tears. No one came to help her. Even King Lucerys sneered at his daughter, walking out hatefully,
" Serves you right! You brought this on yourself."
Everett was once again heartbroken. She gave her father a blank stare. She did everything to keep them alive yet he was blaming her?
Her sisters threw tantrums as well, walking inside to mock her condition,
" Poor thing! Look at her! She wanted to be a princess but now she became a mistress. Tsk...At least, you will have food for yourself."
Everett couldn't tolerate it anymore. She squeezed her palms together to smile bitterly. Yes, it was better for her to leave this castle. At least, she won't get hurt by her people. Getting hurt by a stranger was better than getting hurt by her own family.
Everett stumbled on her feet as she stood up. The chief guards rushed to tell her sadly,
" Princess! You shouldn't have agreed to this. How can you go with a beast? She will kill you today or tomorrow."
Everett was grateful for his concern. At least one soul from this castle was worried about his state. She replied in a choking voice,
" At least, they are safe. Please take care of my father and...for once, bring Ophelia to me."
The chief followed her order. He went into the living quarters and came back with little Ophelia in his arms. Everett's eyes welled up to see her little sister. Of her whole family, she loved Ophelia the most. Ophelia was still muttering something. Everett took her from the chief and kissed her many times. Behind him, she saw her maid Sitama. Her eyes were red from crying. Everett said to Sitama emotionally, hugging little Ophelia in her arms,
" Take care of her, Saitama. Take it as my last order to you. I don't know whether I will see you again or not."
Before passing Ophelia to Sitama, her little sister said something again incoherently,
" Roses... yours.. throne..yours..."
Everett couldn't stand it anymore. Swallowing the pain, her feet made her way outside to embrace her cruel fate. No one came to farewell her. Even her father left in fury, not appreciating her sacrifice at all. Only the chief of guard followed her outside. He had a look in his eyes that was indescribable. It was never seen before but he wished to keep the princess tied here, not giving it to the monster.
A carriage was already parked outside. Fredrick was standing at the gate as if he was waiting for her. Just when Everett attempted to climb on the carriage, Fredrick growled with a sneer,
" Do you think that you deserve to ride with me? You will come with me by walking."