The next day, walking through the palace corridors felt like walking on nails. I tried to walk tall beside my father, whose 'Touch my daughter and I will obliterate you' aura emanated so strongly that passing nobles immediately lowered their gaze or pretended to be deeply interested in the potted plants in the corner.
Their stares were like burning sunlight, full of scorn, curiosity, and a little bit of amusement. But one cold glance from my father made all those eyes immediately look away, making our path feel slightly clearer if not for the burning shame still hot on my cheeks.
We were led to a bright garden pavilion, a beautiful sight that only added to my stress. And there, under the shadow of a weeping willow, sat the two people I least wanted to face: King Edmund with his friendly smile that still radiated an authority that made me want to hide, and... Crown Prince Sebastian Julian Von Asteria.
Sebastian's face was a beautiful painting.
His cheeks were flushed red, his mouth was twisted into a perfect sneer, like a child sulking because his toy was taken, and his eyebrows met in a perfect 'V', creating an expression of such deep confusion and disbelief it was almost comical. He looked like a cherished Angora cat who had just been sprayed with water for scratching the sofa.
In my head: "Yeah, that glare might melt Lady Genevieve's heart, but to me now, it just looks like the expression of someone who just realized his favorite pudding is finished."
"Liliane," the King greeted me with a voice so cheerful it made me even more suspicious. "Please, sit down."
I curtsied quickly, nearly losing my balance, and immediately took the designated seat. A servant quickly poured tea into the beautiful porcelain cup in front of me.
"Hands, don't shake now. You're embarrassing me," I silently ordered my own hands. But it was useless.
As I tried to lift the cup, a soft clinking sound was heard. *Kring, kring, kring*. Clearly audible, my teacup trembled as if experiencing a small earthquake that only happened in my hands. Even the spoon on the side started dancing.
"God, can the ground just split open and swallow me now? Or at least, could this cup suddenly vaporize or I turn into the cup?"
"So, Liliane," the King began, his eyes twinkling as if enjoying my discomfort. "Tell me again, in your own words, what is your true reason for canceling this engagement that has been planned since childhood?"
I swallowed, trying to wet my suddenly dry throat.
"Okay, Lily, you can do this. Just pretend you're ranting to your friends about why you broke up with your boyfriend. Except... your 'friend' is the King, and your 'boyfriend' is the Crown Prince. Don't think about that."
"Y-Your Majesty," I started, my voice slightly hoarse. I cleared my throat. "My principle... is simple. I don't like... being treated as a second choice. I believe a person should love and be loved equally. I am not merely a decoration to be ignored." And, add a little bitter truth, Lily. "And... and who would want to be a noble number two? No one, everyone wants to be the FIRST," I said passionately while showing the number one with my finger. Not forgetting the explosive and overly enthusiastic emotion.
"Ahem," my father said, snapping me back to reality.
King Edmund simply stared, then raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. Sebastian beside him sighed loudly, his face shifting from annoyed to disgusted.
His expression now was like someone who had just found a caterpillar in his salad.
"But didn't you always praise my son's handsome face?" the King asked, seemingly teasing. "And you even said you didn't mind his close 'friendship' with the Marquess's daughter?"
I took a deep breath. This was the moment.
"Just say it. What's the worst that can happen? Besides exile, imprisonment, or execution?"
"Forgive my honesty, Your Majesty," I said, trying to meet his eyes. "But after last night's incident, the Crown Prince's handsomeness has... faded in my eyes. A handsome face becomes meaningless, and..." I looked at the King, whose face seemed to speak.
"So what, tell me something clear."
"And... and he looks like a potato."
Oh my God, my mouth.
I immediately clamped it shut, realizing what I'd said.
I looked forward, where King Edmund seemed silent and shocked. Then...
"Hahaha....." He burst into laughter. Not just a polite chuckle, but a hearty laugh that genuinely made his shoulders shake. Sebastian and I both stared at him, equally confused, though for different reasons.
As for Father? Father was calmly sipping his tea again.
"Finally!" the King exclaimed, wiping the corner of his eye. "Finally, someone dared to say that in front of him! I approve this annulment."
I could only stare at him, my mouth slightly open.
"What?"
He turned to my father, who sat quietly throughout the whole thing with his flower tea. Honestly, I don't know what flower it was.
"I always felt a little guilty, my friend. Allowing your brilliant daughter to be promised to my son, who is... the way he is." His casual hand gesture towards Sebastian, whose face was crimson, made me want to smile, but I restrained myself.
"Father, look, the King is on our side!" I looked at my father, hoping to see a glimmer of triumph or at least relief on his face.
But his face remained like a cold, perfectly sculpted stone mask. There was only a slight flicker in his deep eyes, which I took as silent approval.
After that, there was only silence between us. It felt very, very suffocating.
Yet the King was still smiling cheerfully. And my father was just silent, and Sebastian?
He was the only one who looked like a raging bull here.
"If... if there is nothing else," I said, my voice still slightly trembling, "may I be excused?"
"Of course, Liliane," the King said warmly.
I turned my gaze to my father. "Father?"
"You may go home first, Lily," my father said in a flat tone. "The King and I still have matters to discuss."
Hearing that, the relief I felt was overwhelming. I bowed quickly once more and nearly ran out of the pavilion, leaving behind the lingering tension between the three most powerful men in the kingdom.
But, I was too quick to feel relieved.