Kalix Noah's POV
All of us, the citizens and the royal family, were surprised by what General Escalante confessed.
The country had thought that the survived Escalante was the oldest child but the youngest and the only girl in her generation. Wait a minute! Did she just choose me to be her husband?!
My male siblings laughed a bit after they heard her explanation. "I'm sorry, General. I know the second and third princes are engaged, but I think the fourth prince is more suitable for you. The seventh prince was known for having bad luck. Are you not afraid of being jinxed?" the crown prince stated.
I know my older brother. The crown princes will mock me. My father might have given me the title of grand duke, but I know they never respected me as one.
"Crown prince! Behave yourself," our royal mother warns.
He shrugged his shoulders and simply smiled. I turn around. I don't want to stay and become the laughingstock of this conversation.
"Wait!" she screams.
I stopped before taking my second step. I turn around a little bit and look down on her. No, I showed her how mad I am. General Escalante walks forward.
"Your majesty, the grand duke, will you marry me?"
She kneels in front of us, two paces away. She kneels and offers her sword. I was taken aback. I look around. The citizens were surprised because of what the general did.
Her soldiers suddenly kneels on the ground. I think they're supporting their leader's request.
"I have no time for this joke, General Escalante. You must marry any of my older brothers who are engaged yet. Don't make me laugh."
I look down on her. She raises her head, and yet her nonchalant expression is the only thing that I saw. Damn!
"Your Majesty, did someone tell you that you have the prettiest but saddest icy blue eyes? Also, you are King of Unluckiness, and they said I'm the Queen of Luck, so... we're perfect for each other, right?" she says.
I was taken aback by what she said. She pouted and deeply sighed. Now, what?!
"They said rejecting a woman's proposal would bring misfortunes to your life. How about you say yes, Prince Kalix Noah? This lady here was struggling, kneeling to the ground full of fire ants," she says.
I looked at the ground and saw the ants that she's talking about. I look at my father and mother. I need their help here!
"Are you sure? If you're the youngest child of Guillermo, you're 22 years old. The seventh prince was 21 years old. Are you not afraid of being mocked?" Father asks instead. That is not the question that I needed here! My older brother chuckled.
General Escalante looks at me from head to toe. "Your majesty, the prince is still taller than me. He seems to have a good physique, and I think he can give me beautiful children," she answered.
My jaw dropped because of her answer. I glared at her and decided to walk out.
I don't want to be humiliated even more. I don't have time for whatever reason she had.
I was startled when someone pulled my clothes from behind. I was about to fall when warm hands wrapped around me. Our eyes meet.
General Escalante claimed my lips without even asking! My eyes dilated. I pushed her away and stood on my own. I covered my lips with the back of my palm. She made her curtsy.
"I, Kassandra Escalante, pledging my love and faithfulness to Prince Kalix Noah El Greco," she stated. She bows her head. I look at my dad and mom. I need their help here!
"Then, a royal wedding will be held the next day from now! I, the king of this country, declare my 7th child's wedding ceremony with General Kassandra Escalante!" our dad declares.
Her soldier roars, and the citizens end up clapping and shouting as well. What the fuck! What kind of joke is this?!
I look at Kassandra, and her sweet smile is the only thing that I see in her face. This woman, she's getting on my nerves! I want to punch his or her face!
…
After that meeting with the Escalante army, they left the palace. I heard that they'd be celebrating in the red district, which I find disturbing.
I am now on my way to the royal hall. I want to speak with my parents regarding my engagement with her.
I know my siblings were laughing at me because the only woman who seems to be interested in me is a man!
That general who has the physique and looks of a man! I stopped walking and closed my eyes.
Kassandra Escalante… her voice sounded like a man. She has porcelain skin, cognac eyes, thick, soft arch brows, long and thick dark lashes, a sharp nose, a heart-shaped face and lips.
I can't describe her body because she's wearing her armor. Those metals might be covering her true size and shape.
"Your majesty, I think you should head back to your manor instead of speaking with the king and queen. You know your father. What he said will happen," my confidant says.
I look at him. He is just three years older than me. He's not only my butler. Enrique was also my bodyguard. I shook my head.
"I will speak with them. I have no time for that woman's actions. I will never—"
I stopped talking when I heard their laugh behind me.
I turned around and saw my older brothers. I know they're mocking me. My younger sisters were also looking down on me.
I know they're laughing at me. The door opens. My dad's confidant opens it. I know he heard the commotion outside.
Our parents were sitting on their thrones, waiting for us. They bump into me and get inside first. I sighed and entered the hall too.
I bow my head and look at them.
"Mom, dad, I want to appeal regarding my engagement with Lady Kassandra."
He raised his palm. "The decision is final, seventh prince. The king's verdict shouldn't be taken lightly. Noah, you have to marry her. This will help the kingdom. You know that the Escalante army consisted of 260,000 soldiers."
"They are all elite and good at their jobs. We need them just in case the neighboring kingdom continues to attack us," dad added.
I knew it. This is nothing but a political strategy! I guess I have no choice but to accept my fate. I have no choice anyway.
"At least, there's a single woman who even agreed to marry a man like you," he says.