Goddamn it!
The food is so delicious. The meat was juicier than any juice in this entire universe. I could feel the gaze of men on me. But honestly, who cares.
I've never had a meal this good in my previous life. It's worth being stared upon as if I'm crazy.
The clinking of silverware was the only sound in the dining hall, apart from the loud staring of the two men.
I, however, was fully focused on the roasted pheasant in front of me. Juicy, flavorful, and seasoned to perfection—it was practically a religious experience.
No compromise when it comes to food. Sadly, not even my baby Kael can compare to food for a starved person like me.
"Evelina," the Duke said, his tone laced with warning.
"Mm?" I mumbled through a mouthful of heaven.
"Would you mind explaining why you're eating like a starved wolf? Do I not feed you enough?"
I swallowed dramatically, dabbing my mouth with a napkin. "Because, dear Father, this is art. If I'm going to die via corset, for the sake of looking beautiful to you and Mr Uninvited Guest. I might as well drop dead after enjoying my last meal."
God! Please help me control this tongue of mine. Or, I'll die sooner one way or another.
The Duke's eye twitched, but before he could respond, Kael interrupted him.
"Let her eat, Duke. Is the corset too tight, My Lady? If you want you can change into something comfortable, have breakfast first. The Duke and I can wait in his study."
I dropped the fork onto the plate as my head snapped in my baby's direction.
Black hair. Glowing Red Ruby Eyes.
"My Lady? Are you okay?"
I can't believe Evelina shot my baby with an arrow. And, she was ready to be Adrian's mistress.
Maybe something is wrong with me because I wrote her that way. Who knows? Who cares?
I leaned back in my chair, my appetite momentarily forgotten as I stared at Kael like he had just suggested method for me to return home and cut off Wei's d**k.
"Wait, wait, wait," I said, holding up a hand to silence whatever nonsense the Duke was about to spew.
"You're telling me you of all people—The one I tried to kill... The crazy warlord— is offering me comfort? Change? Have breakfast? What's next, Your Highness? You're going to suggest we hold hands and sing lullabies to our children?"
Kael's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his crimson eyes.
"If that's what it takes to keep you from glaring at me like I personally designed that corset, My Lady, I'll consider it."
Whaaaa... MY BABY KAEL REPLIED TO MY FLIRTING WITH FLIRTING!? F**K!
I narrowed my eyes, ignoring the way my cheeks burned.
Damn him and his too-perfect face. Damn that smirk. Damn that velvet voice of his. How could anyone label this cutie as a monster?
"Don't act like a hero just because you survived an arrow," I snapped, reaching for my goblet of wine. "I was being merciful. I could've aimed lower."
Kael laughed softly, and I hated how the sound felt like velvet wrapping around me.
The Duke cleared his throat, the sound sharp and icy. "Evelina, enough. We are here to discuss the consequences of your actions, not to engage in your childish banter."
I rolled my eyes, taking another sip. "Oh yes, let's discuss the consequences of declaring war that never ended since I was 10."
Kael leaned forward, cutting me off with a lazy grin. "I didn't even draw my sword, yet you are always so eager to declare war, My Lady."
I sputtered, choking on my wine. "Do you want me to easily forgive you for what you did when I was 10, Your Highness!?"
"What did I do to you when you were 10, My Lady?"
Wait... F**k! This wasn't the part of the plan. How would I know what happened when Evelina was 10!? I wrote the story from ball!
I slammed my goblet down, glaring at both him and the Duke. "This is why I shot him. See? This exact nonsense right here."
Kael chuckled again, leaning back in his chair with infuriating ease. "Duke, I think your daughter's spirit is… refreshing."
"Refreshing?" The Duke rubbed his temples, looking like he was deeply regretting every life decision that had led to this moment. "She's insufferable, is what she is. And now I have to deal with the fallout of her reckless actions."
Kael shrugged, his gaze sliding back to me. "I'm not here to punish her, Your Grace. I'm here to propose a solution."
I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth. "A solution?"
"Marriage," Kael said, his smile widening as if he had just suggested something as casual as tea. "To me. Lady Evelina will be the Duchess of North. In return, I'll not let Adrian take advantage of this matter and completely suppress it. No harm will fall on East."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words suffocating. Even the Duke looked momentarily stunned.
I, however, found my voice quickly enough. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Perhaps," Kael said smoothly. "But it's the best way to ensure peace between our sides, don't you think? Besides…" He leaned forward again, his gaze locking onto mine. "I rather enjoy your company, My Lady. You're… entertaining. Or, would you rather Crown Prince wipes out your entire family and you."
"Entertaining?!" I sputtered, my grip tightening on the silverware. "I shot you!"
"And you missed anything vital," he said with a small smile.
My jaw dropped. "You are impossible!"
The Duke slammed his fist on the table, his patience clearly at its end. "Enough! Evelina, you will behave. This matter is serious. The Crown Prince is hostile towards me. He doesn't love you. Will you wake up!? I'm tired of it! You're 21! How long must I wait for your eyes to open!?"
That expression on the Duke's face reminded me of someone as my vision grew blurry.
That voice... Did the Duke really hate Evelina? Or, did he just not know how to express his worry.
"Father..."
Dad...