In the days that followed the fruitless meeting between Prince Henry and Nimrod, Prince Henry found himself immersed in a series of gatherings with religious leaders from various faiths. Their common goal was to search for any potential loopholes that could halt the impending marriage between Princess Helena and Beelzebub. They prayed together, each according to their respective beliefs, and worked tirelessly to safeguard the kingdom from a demonic invasion. They also scoured the land for women with fertile wombs. Despite their efforts, as Princess Helena's 17th birthday drew near with only six hours remaining, their endeavors had yet to yield any results. Their hopes were diminishing.
Instead of a breakthrough, news arrived that a group of demons resembling humans had appeared at the palace, ready to partake in Princess Helena and Prince Beelzebub's wedding procession. Surprisingly, it was King Alexander himself who welcomed these unearthly visitors.
Meanwhile, in her chamber, Princess Helena's condition remained deeply troubling. Ever since her father had delivered the distressing news of her union with Beelzebub, the demon's heir, she hadn't ceased weeping. Her last glimmer of hope rested with her older brother, Prince Henry.
"Colin, please fetch my brother!" Princess Helena implored.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness," Colin replied before swiftly exiting the room.
A few moments later, Colin returned with unsettling news: Prince Henry had not been seen at the palace for several days, and no one, including Hugo, knew his whereabouts. Hugo speculated that Prince Henry might be spending his days and nights in prayer at the church, seeking divine intervention.
Princess Helena's gaze turned vacant, yet it hinted at profound contemplation. She fixed her eyes on Colin, who stared back at her. Slowly, she approached Colin, turned away from him, and spoke softly, "Help me undress..."
Colin blinked rapidly and cleared his throat softly. He was uncertain about what he had just heard. "I beg your pardon? Did I mishear, Your Royal Highness?"
"Assist me in undressing, Colin," Princess Helena said, her tone markedly firmer.
Colin remained flabbergasted by Princess Helena's request. He attempted to discern her expression through her curly blonde hair. "Would you prefer I summon your maid, Your Royal Highness?"
Princess Helena swiftly turned to face Colin. "No, I want you to assist me in undressing. Is my directive not clear to your ears, Colin?"
"I'm uncertain if this is appropriate, Your Royal Highness. You are a princess—"
Princess Helena turned once more. "Unzip my dress, for God's sake, Colin!"
"I apologize, Your Royal Highness. I—" Colin began to stammer.
"Colin, if you do not help me undress, I will scream and accuse you of dishonoring me!"
"Your Ro—"
"Would you kindly cease your objections and comply?" Princess Helena's voice carried an edge.
Colin reluctantly turned his attention to the zipper on Princess Helena's back. Ordinarily, commoners were strictly forbidden from touching a princess's body, particularly a male attendant. Colin was acutely aware of the potential consequences if Prince Henry were to discover this situation. He swiftly ran through various scenarios in his mind. What would happen to his wife upon learning of this? Nevertheless, he was resolute that nothing untoward would occur between him and Princess Helena.
"Colin?" Princess Helena snapped, jolting Colin from his reverie.
With trembling hands, Colin grasped the lower end of the zipper and the zipper hook. He gingerly lowered the zipper, revealing the smooth expanse of Princess Helena's back. She then turned and slowly removed her dress before Colin, who kept his gaze averted. Doubts swirled in Colin's mind as Princess Helena's hand gently guided his face to look at her bared form. Their breaths mingled, and Colin struggled to resist the allure of what he saw. As a man, he undeniably appreciated the sight before him, but his commitment to his wife and his duty to safeguard the princess held steadfast.
Princess Helena drew closer to Colin. "Take my innocence, Colin."
Colin remained dumbfounded.
"Please," Princess Helena whimpered. "Please, Colin."
"Princess Helena, this is not the right course of action. We should not—" Colin started but halted when he realized the direction they were heading.
"Please!" Princess Helena implored once more.
"I apologize, but—" Colin's voice wavered.
"I do not seek your apologies, Colin. I refuse to surrender what I have held dear my entire life to the devil. I would rather entrust it to you, the one I trust. Please?"
Colin continued to struggle with his decision.
"Please?" Princess Helena pleaded again.
"Princess Helena, Prince Henry is working diligently to secure the best outcome for you. We must have faith that your father's plans will be canceled. It would be highly inappropriate for someone like me to engage in such an act with you, Princess," Colin replied, as he retrieved Princess Helena's discarded dress and wrapped it around her.
"Am I not alluring enough?"
"It is not about that, Your Royal Highness. You are a princess, and I am a married man with—"
"Enough! Leave my sight, Colin! I never wish to see you again!"
"I apologize, Your Royal Highness," Colin said, head bowed, before exiting and standing guard outside Princess Helena's room.