The following morning at Rochefort Manor, Lady Celestia sat alone in her library, surrounded by towering bookshelves and dim candlelight. It was her sanctuary—the only place where she could let down her guard, even just a little, and ponder the absurd twist her life had taken.
She traced a finger along the spine of a book on court politics, her mind racing with schemes and counter-schemes. The memory of Prince Adrian's infuriatingly smug smile from the day before played over in her mind, making her clench her jaw. The mere thought of marrying him was a nightmare in itself, but the idea of losing her freedom entirely? Unthinkable.
Her peace was soon interrupted by a light knock on the library door.
"Come in," she said, her voice steady.
In stepped Hugo Lennox, her closest friend and confidant—a charming rake with a sharp wit, notorious in society for his penchant for trouble. His blonde hair was slightly disheveled, and he wore the perpetual grin of someone who saw the world as one large, entertaining game.
"Ah, the infamous villainess, hiding in her lair," he teased, sauntering over to her with a dramatic bow. "I heard you made quite the impression at the palace yesterday."
Celestia narrowed her eyes. "If by 'impression' you mean I refused the prince in front of half the court, then yes, I suppose I did."
Hugo grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, how I wish I could have been there. I imagine the shock on their faces was priceless. But tell me, Celestia—are you really planning to go through with this ridiculous engagement?"
She sighed, slumping back into her chair. "Absolutely not. But I need a plan, Hugo. Something brilliant enough to extricate me from this disaster without turning the entire court against me."
Hugo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "So, what's the plan, darling? Seduce the prince, then break his heart? Or perhaps convince him you're unsuitable by embarrassing yourself at every royal function?"
Celestia rolled her eyes. "I'd rather set fire to the palace than attend every royal function. But embarrassing myself might not be a bad start. If I can somehow convince Adrian that I'm completely unsuited for royal life, he might lose interest."
Hugo chuckled. "Oh, you're certainly unsuited for royal life, but I doubt the prince will be so easily fooled. He's persistent—if the rumors about him are true. Charming, too, I hear."
Celestia scoffed. "Please. Prince Adrian is just like the rest of them—a self-important, spoiled noble with no appreciation for independence. I have no doubt he's used to getting what he wants, but this time he'll meet his match."
"Consider me intrigued," Hugo said, lounging on the sofa opposite her. "I take it you need my help with this?"
Celestia smirked. "Why else would I tolerate your company?"
Hugo feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically on his chest. "Your words wound me, my dear. But very well—let's begin. What's the first step in making a prince hate his future bride?"
The Palace Strategy
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Prince Adrian sat in his study, a bemused smile playing on his lips as he sifted through various documents. The events of the previous day had left an indelible impression on him. Lady Celestia de Rochefort, with her frosty demeanor and withering stare, had made it clear she had no intention of being tamed—or charmed. Yet that only seemed to make her more intriguing.
His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of his closest friend, Sir Edmund Bellamy, a young nobleman with a serious, almost solemn expression. Edmund, like Adrian, was composed and loyal, yet he viewed the world with a grounded perspective that Adrian lacked.
"I heard about the incident in the great hall," Edmund said, a faint smirk breaking through his serious expression. "Word travels fast."
Adrian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Did you now? Yes, it seems my intended fiancée has a strong will."
"Or perhaps a strong distaste for you, my friend," Edmund replied, unable to hide his amusement. "Which begs the question: will you actually go through with this engagement?"
Adrian's smirk widened. "Of course. I've never backed down from a challenge, and Lady Celestia seems like one worth accepting. She may think she doesn't want this engagement, but I think it's a matter of...persuasion."
"Persuasion?" Edmund looked at him skeptically. "And what exactly does that entail?"
Adrian raised an eyebrow, a glint of mischief in his eye. "I'll start by getting to know her—and giving her a chance to get to know me. I suspect there's more to Lady Celestia than what she lets on. Besides, it's not every day I meet someone willing to challenge me so openly."
Celestia's Scheme Begins
Back at Rochefort Manor, Celestia had already begun her counter-plans. She'd sent word through a network of informants that she would be "ill" for the next several royal events—an unfortunate condition that required solitude and rest, far from the prying eyes of the court. But she knew she couldn't rely on avoidance alone. She would need to make it clear to Prince Adrian himself that she was the least suitable person for him to marry.
Hugo, eager to help, suggested a more hands-on approach. "Why not invite the prince here? Give him a taste of life with you—the real you. If he's half as stuffy as you think, he'll be running back to the palace in no time."
Celestia's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Not a terrible idea, Hugo. I'll send him a formal invitation. But I won't change a thing about my routine. If he wants to see who I truly am, then he'll see."
And so, two days later, Prince Adrian arrived at Rochefort Manor, his curiosity piqued. He was greeted by Celestia herself, who wore an expression of feigned indifference as she led him through the grand but gloomy halls of her home.
"Welcome to Rochefort Manor, Your Highness," she said, her voice laced with an icy courtesy. "I trust your journey was tolerable?"
Adrian chuckled, noting her tone. "Quite tolerable, thank you. And I appreciate the invitation."
She gave him a tight smile. "I thought it only polite, since we are to be... engaged."
"Of course," he replied, his gaze lingering on her as they entered the grand library. He noticed how her eyes seemed to light up as she glanced at the shelves, her posture relaxing slightly.
"Books are a rather constant companion of mine," she said, somewhat stiffly, but he could tell it was a subject she cared for deeply. "I find them far more reliable than people."
Adrian looked around, impressed by the collection. "A woman of intellect. I admire that."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Admire it all you like, Your Highness, but I'm afraid you won't find much use for me beyond this room."
"Is that so?" he asked, intrigued. "You think I'd be deterred by a love of books?"
"I think you'd be deterred by my utter lack of interest in royal life," she said with a faint smile. "I find it dull and stifling."
He laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. "It doesn't have to be, you know."
She tilted her head. "If you intend to change my mind, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I have no intention of abandoning my life here for a place in the palace."
They continued their tour, with Celestia making no effort to hide her dislike for the idea of marriage. She showed him her gardens, her stables, and even her prized library, all while dropping carefully crafted hints about her unsuitability for royal life. Adrian, however, remained amused, undeterred by her remarks and seemingly fascinated by her every word.
By the time he left that evening, Celestia was convinced that her plan had failed miserably. Not only had Adrian seemed unfazed by her attempts to push him away, but he seemed even more intrigued.
As he bid her goodbye, he smiled, a glint of determination in his eye. "Thank you for a delightful day, Lady Celestia. I look forward to our next meeting."
Celestia watched as he rode away, frustration bubbling within her. It was clear that if she wanted to avoid this engagement, she would need to try harder—and perhaps come up with an even more drastic plan.
But Prince Adrian had made one thing abundantly clear: he was not someone who gave up easily.