Lord Fairybug's eyes flicked towards King Aric before returning to Alita. "Oh my! I thought the engagement was a concluded matter. Forgive me for jumping into conclusions, my princess."
Alita's voice was firm. "No offense charge! It is not that I don't want to marry Philippe, I am just not ready to marry anyone."
Philippe, who had been silent, took Alita's hand gently. "You break my heart, my love. You do not know how I long for you. Every day, my heart sings for you, aching to see you my princess."
Alita recoiled, a look of disgust crossing her face. "Do not touch me. You disgust me. You spit lies as if it is water, I don't want to have anything to do with you." she said sharply, standing up abruptly.
King Aric's voice was a low growl. "Sit down, Alita."
Alita glared at her father, defiance in her eyes, and walked away in anger. The doors to the dining room closed behind her with a resounding thud.
Charlotte wanted to laugh but she held herself, Alita wasn't a fool after all. She was able to see the truth behind her brother's lies. "Good for her!"
The king sipped his wine, his knuckles white around the goblet, his anger barely contained. Philippe watched Alita leave, a smirk playing on his lips. Though he spoke of longing, the truth was different. To him, even with Alita's beauty tonight, she was still a half-blood, unworthy of his pure lineage.
Lord Fairybug, sensing the dangerous turn in the room's mood, slyly added. "I think we should obey the princess's wishes. She is now a grown lady and can think for herself."
King Aric's eyes blazed as he looked at Lord Fairybug. "No. The princess will marry Philippe. I don't care if she likes it or not."
Lady Fairybug and Lord Fairybug exchanged a secretive smile. Even with the princess's defiance, their plans were going as smooth as ever.
Later that evening, as the guests began to retire, King Aric and the Fairybugs gathered in the king's private study.
King Aric's voice was a low growl. "We cannot let Alita's whims disrupt this union. This marriage is crucial for the stability of the kingdom."
Lord Fairybug nodded. "We understand, Your Majesty. But we must approach this delicately. The princess's consent, even if reluctant, will ensure smoother acceptance by the populace."
Lady Fairybug added, "And a willing bride will be far easier to manage than one coerced."
King Aric's eyes narrowed. "She will come around. I will see to it personally. Philippe, you must play your part. Show her kindness, win her over. Make her know that you are what she needs."
Philippe nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will do whatever it takes." A cunning smile appeared on his face, 'To cause her pain and tears, my king,' he added in his mind.
As the night deepened, the Fairybugs returned to their manor. High Lord fairybug retired with his wife to their chambers, lord Fairybug poured himself a glass of brandy, his eyes gleaming.
"This is perfect," he said to his wife. "The king's insistence on this marriage will only strengthen our position. Alita's defiance gives us leverage. The more she resists, the more desperate the king will become."
Lady Fairybug smiled, sipping her own drink. "And Philippe will play his part perfectly. Once we secure this union, our influence will extend far beyond what we ever imagined."
Lord Fairybug raised his glass. "To the future, and to our family's ascendancy to the throne."
They clinked glasses, the sound a soft chime in the night.
In his chambers, King Aric stood by the window, staring out into the night. His mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more troubling than the last. He knew Alita's spirit was strong, but he also knew the stakes were too high to let her whims dictate the kingdom's future.
He thought of his late wife, Alita's mother, and the promise he had made to her on her deathbed: to ensure their daughter's happiness. But could happiness be found in a world where duty and sacrifice were the essence of their existence?
He didn't go through all that sacrifices just for Alita's defiance to ruin everything, "Alita must marry Philippe!"
King Aric clenched his fists. "I will not fail," he whispered to the night. "Alita will understand, in time, that this is for the greater good."