I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 3: Whispers at Court
Elysia had never been to the royal palace before.
Actually, she had never even seen it—only heard stories of its golden halls, sprawling gardens, and nobles so rich they could buy entire towns without blinking.
But the way Aedrian spoke about it, the palace was less of a grand dream and more of a battlefield.
And she was about to walk straight into it.
Elysia Verdan
*groaning* I don’t see why I need another etiquette lesson.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Because you still don’t know how to curtsy properly.
Elysia Verdan
*mock horror* Oh no, my tragic flaw! A slightly messy curtsy! How will I ever survive?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Do you want to embarrass yourself in front of the King?
Elysia Verdan
…Point taken.
She flopped onto the velvet couch dramatically, earning a small sigh from the Duke.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You’ll also need to remember the names of the key nobles. They will test you.
Elysia Verdan
*grumbling* Tests, curtsies, fake romance—this engagement is more exhausting than real ones.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* That’s because real ones involve affection.
Elysia Verdan
*mock gasp* You wound me, Your Grace.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*amused* And yet, you continue talking.
Elysia Verdan
It’s my survival instinct. *smiling*
The Frostbourne carriage was the definition of luxury—dark blue velvet seats, gold-engraved details, and enough space for a small party. Yet, despite its comfort, Elysia found herself fidgeting.
The weight of what they were about to do pressed against her.
Pretending at a ball was one thing. Fooling the entire court? That was another.
Elysia Verdan
*sighs* Tell me again—what exactly are we walking into?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
A nest of vipers.
Elysia Verdan
Fantastic. So reassuring.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
The King summoned us to confirm our engagement. But more importantly, this is a test.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
If we show weakness, the rumors will spread faster.
Elysia Verdan
You really have a lot of enemies, don’t you?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Power attracts both allies and threats.
Elysia Verdan
And now I’m part of this mess.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You chose to sign the contract.
Elysia Verdan
You tricked me into it!
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*smirking* Did I?
Elysia crossed her arms, glaring. The Duke, infuriating as always, simply continued reading a document as if this were any normal trip.
Her heart, however, was anything but calm.
[The Arrival – Palace Gates]
The moment their carriage rolled to a stop, Elysia felt dozens of eyes on her.
Lined in rows, royal guards stood at attention, dressed in shining silver armor. Beyond them, nobles in elaborate gowns and tailored suits whispered behind gloved hands.
Elysia Verdan
*muttering* This is a lot of people.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Ignore them. Walk with confidence. *calmly*
Elysia Verdan
Easy for you to say. You actually belong here.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Then act as if you do.
Elysia hesitated—then took his arm. Together, they stepped onto the grand marble staircase leading into the palace.
As soon as they entered, a familiar voice rang out.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Oh, what a surprise.
Elysia turned to see Lady Vivienne Rosenthal standing elegantly in the corridor, her smoking-red eyes filled with amusement.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* I was wondering when I’d get to see the infamous fiancée of the Ice Duke.
Elysia Verdan
And I was wondering how long it would take before someone tried to test me. *smiling sweetly*
Lady Vivienne’s smile faltered ever so slightly.
Duke Aedrian, standing tall beside Elysia, spoke with his usual cold authority.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Lady Vivienne. I assume you are here to greet us properly?
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*laughing slightly* Oh, of course. My apologies—how rude of me.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*eyeing Elysia* I was simply… curious.
Elysia Verdan
*tilting her head* About?
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*smirking* How a merchant’s daughter captured the heart of the North’s coldest duke.
Elysia Verdan
Oh, it was simple. I thawed him.
A nearby noble gasped. Someone choked on their tea.
For the first time, Duke Aedrian looked slightly caught off guard.
Lady Vivienne blinked, then laughed, her sharp gaze scanning Elysia as if reassessing her.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Interesting.
A court official suddenly approached, bowing.
Official
His Majesty is ready to receive you.
Elysia’s stomach dropped.
Elysia Verdan
And here comes the real test. *muttering*
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Let’s begin, then.
He led her toward the towering golden doors of the throne room. As the guards pushed them open, Elysia took a deep breath.
The moment that would decide everything.
[The Throne Room – Meeting the King]
The throne room was vast, with towering stained-glass windows and a massive crystal chandelier casting golden light across the polished marble floor. Rows of nobles stood along the walls, their eyes filled with intrigue.
At the far end of the room, seated on an ornate throne, was King Atlas III—a man in his late fifties, dressed in regal blues and golds, his sharp eyes assessing them.
King Atlas
Duke Frostbourne.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
*bowing* Your Majesty.
Elysia quickly followed, executing the perfect curtsy.
Elysia Verdan
(Thank you, countless hours of practice.)
The King’s gaze flicked to her.
King Atlas
So… you are the woman who has captured my nephew’s heart.
Elysia Verdan
*blinking* (Wait… nephew?!)
She barely managed to keep her expression neutral. No one told her the Ice Duke was royalty.
King Atlas
*watching her closely* Tell me, Lady Elysia, how did you come to love the Duke?
Elysia Verdan
*heartbeat racing* Oh no.
Every noble in the room was waiting for her answer. This was her moment—one wrong word, and everything could crumble.
She took a breath, forcing a soft, genuine smile.
Elysia Verdan
Your Majesty, loving Aedrian…
Elysia Verdan
Was never a choice.
Elysia Verdan
It simply happened.
There was a pause. The King raised an eyebrow.
Aedrian, standing beside her, remained unreadable.
King Atlas
*chuckling* A simple answer.
Elysia Verdan
*smiling sweetly* But the truth rarely needs embellishment.
Comments
sandianto paranggai
I don't usually read this genre, but this author has converted me! 🤩
2025-03-31
0