Episode 9

I glared at him as I heard his words. I stared at him for a long time, and I don't know why, but I felt like he knew something.

I cleared my throat. I clasped Yvan's shirt and turned to him. “Lower your sword, Yvan.” I ordered. He obeyed immediately. Luis was just watching us.

He was staring, as if he was assessing everything I was going to do. I looked at the High Priest. “I'm fine. Stop these check-ups. It's annoying,” I said softly. He nodded silently, but I didn't expect him to say anything after that.

“You think I like doing this too? You assume. I just can't defy, since this is the Crown Prince's order,” he said. I smiled wickedly. “That's not my problem anymore,” I said intently.

He ignored me and turned to Yvan, who was now beside me. He was eyeing my Yvan with a cold, deadly stare. While my man wasn't even moving. Or even fazed by the High Priest's stares.

I smiled. They really are the definition of mortal enemies.

“You will have your last day of suspension tomorrow. This order was issued yesterday by your fiancée. Still, the Crown Prince's orders.” He said finally before leaving the room.

At least he didn't really insist on checking me up! But I don't know why he was more annoying than our family Doctor.

I don't know. Maybe because he was more dangerous than Sean, or maybe because I thought he knew something about... me.

“Yvan,” I called. “Yes, Master?” he asked softly. “Find out what High Priest Luis is doing. I think he's hiding something that might be related to me. Give me detailed reports when I ask you to. Be careful,” I whispered to him softly.

He bowed his head as he always does, nodding at me as a sign of approval. I once again, touched his head and ruffled his hair softly. He was more like a dog than a bird to me.

“And don't forget about our plan for the next two days, okay?” I reminded him. He nodded again. He vanished in front of me when I told him he could go now.

I was left alone again in my boring confinement. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled evilly.

I won't do anything bad. But Innocence's coming of age will be a big hiatus. And like what they always do, they'll point their fingers at me as if I'm the culprit. I smirked.

I was stroking down my short ginger hair as I clasped a black phoenix clip on top of it. I wore a black silky dress that seemed unusual for the nobles to wear.

I had my dark makeup. And yes, I really looked like a villain. The ginger hair, the fair skin, and the black cloth that covered me were undeniably gorgeous. Malaya's curves were in the right places, unlike the other nobles who preferred their bodies to be slender.

The locked door opened. I smiled at them humorlessly. Duke Eléftheros, Doctor Sean, together with two knights on their side, were silently staring at me.

I walked slowly. Slaying the time and emitting the aura that they should have known for a long time.

That Malaya is not weak and will not always be obedient. That this girl right here will not be ruled, but will be the ruler of all. They can't overpower me.

“I'm sure you have self-reflected these past two months?” Duke Eléftheros formally asked me. I smiled at him hastily. You guess. I wanted to say that, but I remained silent.

I saw Sean glaring at me like I did something that offended him so much that he gave me those stares. I rolled my eyes at him. His lips parted when he saw me do that.

We weren't close. He was delusional.

“So before we get into their premises, let me remind you, that you'll be standing in front of the Highest Ranked People in the main palace. Including of course... ” Duke Eléftheros cleared his throat. We were in the carriage heading to the palace.

“Your fiancé, the Crown Prince Carter.” He said softly.

I furrowed my brow. I already told them clearly that I wouldn't be marrying that man! What was this? Carter loved Innocence so much that he would k-ll me if I laid a finger on his girl!

What was this about him being my fiancé? He could refuse if he really insisted on marrying the latter! I wonder how Innocence would feel if she heard this!

“I told you I won't marry that man.” I said bitterly. He shook his head. He seemed to be pushing his opinion. I looked at Sean who was behind him. He wasn't saying anything. He had been silent since earlier.

“Malaya, he agreed to me when I asked him only once! That means he had something with you!” the old man said again.

I hissed. “It's because he doesn't have a choice! You all know he likes Innocence, why are you forcing this?” I said angrily.

We were just on our way, but I already felt tired, as if I needed to go home. “I will cancel the engagement.” I said intently.

“Malaya, why the sudden change? Everyone clearly knows how obsessed you are with that man—

“If you want to marry the name, then marry that Crown Prince. Not me. I won't marry that man.” I said coldly before getting out. I adjusted my dress and immediately entered the large gate.

“All rise for Duke Eléftheros and his daughter, Malaya Eléftheros!”

I have problems with me. Luis, the run-away-plan, this day, and of course! They couldn't add anymore! They should be thankful that Malaya's face is resistant to stress and pressure!

Whispers immediately greeted me. I wasn't escorted by the Crown Prince, because well, later, he would escort Innocence. Which, of course, was only justifiable. It was Innocence's birthday after all.

I sat in the last but grandest seat. I smiled sweetly when I saw Luis. He was sipping his tea while glaring at me like a hawk. I crossed my legs while facing him.

His eyes followed my movement, but none of it even expressed an emotion. I smirked. Ah, a dignified man, but not dignified enough.

He cleared his throat. “Why are you wearing that?” he asked, glancing at me. I smirked again. “Because I want to wear this? Why? Are you affected?” I teased him.

He didn't answer, so I stayed silent too. I sensed Sean's superior aura behind me. Luis was staring at him. The Doctor sat next to me. I sighed.

Being surrounded by the most annoying men in this world. Duke Eléftheros also joined them in his seat. I fell silent.

Not until the gossip started to sound loud and clear. As if they were doing it purposely for me to hear. For me to know.

“They really suit each other! If Innocence was still a noble lady, I knew for sure that they would end up together,” the one who said that even turned to look at me.

I scoffed. They thought I was affected? Yuck, ew.

“All rise for the Crown Prince Carter Kyle Vera, and his Lady, Innocence Magnius!”

I shifted in my seat. Now, let's stick to the plan. We're on the right track, Malaya. Let's do this well.

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