The victory celebration for The Griffon Knights and their commander, Carden Vissarion, had finally arrived. I stood beside the king, dressed in an exquisite pastel green ball gown. The gown was adorned with delicate floral appliqués and featured an off-the-shoulder neckline with sheer, puffed sleeves that gracefully draped down my arms. The bodice was intricately detailed with floral patterns, and the full skirt flared out dramatically, sparkling with glittering elements and more flower appliqués scattered throughout.
The gown was a marvel of luxury, far beyond anything I had ever imagined. Despite the surreal nature of my situation, I had to maintain my composure. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm the unease that churned within me. The king remained cold and indifferent, barely acknowledging my presence. I had learned that Livine's family were real villains—especially the crown prince, Lazlo, who wasn't present at the celebration. I had no intention of delving into why; it was none of my concern. If Livine was merely an extra character in the novel, then Lazlo was an SSS-class villain. Best to keep my distance.
"The King of Vortigra and the Princess enter the room!" The royal knight's voice echoed through the hall as the massive double doors swung open, bathing us in dazzling light.
The king extended his hand, and I took it, stepping into the grand banquet room. The sight was overwhelming—an ocean of nobles bowing before us. My gaze quickly shifted to the side, where a line of well-dressed knights stood out. Their rugged appearance marked them as The Griffon Knights, making them easy to identify.
As the king moved toward the railings, I instinctively took a step back. The murmurs that had filled the hall fell silent as the king began to speak.
"I congratulate our pride, The Griffon Knights, for achieving victory on the western border. Of course, all the glory they bring will be rewarded in kind." The king's voice commanded the room's attention. I listened, but my eyes were scanning the crowd, searching for the male lead. The sheer number of people made it difficult.
Then, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stepped forward, commanding the room's focus. He knelt before us, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. Dark brown hair, tanned skin, and though I was at a distance, I could almost feel the intensity of his ash-gray eyes. This was Carden Vissarion, Commander of The Griffon Knights and the male lead of this cursed novel.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. He was even more handsome than I had ever imagined. As described in the novel, he exuded an aura that sent shivers of awe and fear through those around him, but to me, he was the embodiment of everything I admired in a character.
I was so engrossed in watching him that the king's voice became a blur. My entire focus was on Carden until I felt the king's hand on my lower back, urging me forward.
"Of all the gifts I have given for this victory, the most precious gem of this kingdom, I will present my only daughter to the lord," the king announced.
I froze. The nobles looked up, stunned, before whispers began to spread through the room. What was happening?
"The wedding will be held soon," the king declared, a smirk playing on his lips. My gaze followed his, and I saw Carden still kneeling, his expression darkened. Even from a distance, I could sense the tension radiating from him, but it seemed my father was reveling in it.
Marriage? What?
.・..・゜✭・.・✫・゜・..
I couldn't understand why Carden didn't resist or object, but the fact that he agreed to the marriage was terrifying in itself. Now, in a private room, the king stood before Carden, who seemed even taller and more imposing up close. His presence was overwhelming—his handsomeness almost distracting—but I had to focus. Something ominous was unfolding.
"Livine, greet your future husband," the king instructed, gesturing toward Carden. My heart pounded as Carden's eyes locked onto mine. Although he remained calm, I noticed his clenched jaw and tightly balled fists.
I curtsied as best I could, my hands trembling as they gripped my dress. "Good evening, my Lord. I am Livine Isadora De Vortigra, the princess of this kingdom. I greet you."
Silence fell over the room, the air thick with tension. I cursed myself inwardly. Was this the wrong approach? The anxiety was almost unbearable.
The king chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Carden's lack of response. It was as if he derived some perverse pleasure from the tension.
"I can see you must be confused as to why I announced your marriage to my daughter so suddenly, without asking first," the king said, smiling at Carden. "But please understand, it's for the best alliance, and I am certain, my Lord, that no complaints will escape your lips."
He then lifted my chin, forcing me to meet Carden's gaze. "Look at her; she is beautiful. She will be a great gift for you. So please, humble yourself."
My eyes remained fixed on Carden, the tension in the room unbearable as the king moved his finger from my chin, watching for Carden's reaction.
"No complaints," Carden finally spoke, his deep voice resonating not just in my ears but in my very soul.
He offered his hand to me, and I took it. With a grace that seemed out of place in this tense moment, he brought my hand to his lips and knelt before me. "In front of the sun and the moon, and to every god that bears witness, I, Carden Vissarion, vow to take Livine Isadora De Vortigra as my wife."
His words echoed through the room, sealing a fate that felt both inevitable and ominous. My heart raced as I realized that from this moment on, there was no turning back.