Chapter 2

At my coming-of-age celebration in the palace, Edward made a point of arriving late, with Renee clinging to his arm.

The elders had already left, leaving only a group of young nobles and the officials' heirs messing around, refusing to go home, all waiting for the drama to unfold.

Renee's hair was disheveled, her eyes glimmering with allure, and her cheeks were bright red.

Edward was grinning ear to ear, looking smug and pleased, with a hickey still visible on his neck.

The onlookers immediately saw through what had happened between them, waiting for me to explode like they were watching a play.

In the past, I would've flipped the table and made a scene.

But now, I just sipped my coffee, cool as a cucumber.

Edward had already shielded Renee behind him, waiting for me to throw a tantrum so he could lecture me.

But to his surprise, I set my cup down, acting like they were invisible and none of it had anything to do with me.

He frowned, looking annoyed.

But then, as if something had just dawned on him, Edward grinned.

He said, "Camille, are you pretending to be a proper lady because you're scared I'll delay the wedding?

"Well, good. If you want to be my Crown Princess, you'd better get used to sharing.

"Speaking of which, it's your big day, isn't it?"

With that, he took out an emerald ring from inside his jacket, was about to hand it to me, but Renee swooped in and grabbed it first.

"Edward, this is so pretty," she said softly.

Edward didn't hesitate. "If you like it, it's yours."

Renee shot me an apologetic look, but couldn't hide her smirk.

"Oh, I really shouldn't. This was meant for Camille. If I take it, what will she have?" she said, her voice sweet but insincere.

Edward gave me a dismissive glance.

He sneered, "She's hardly a problem."

Without a second thought, he plucked a hairpin from the maid passing by and tossed it carelessly at me, his tone full of disdain.

"Whatever, this is yours," he said, barely bothering to look at me.

Then, flashing Renee a mocking smile, he added, "Honestly, it doesn't matter what I give her. She'll lap it up anyway."

The hairpin knocked over my cup, sending coffee spilling all over my dress.

The onlookers around us were all trying to hold back their laughter.

Looking at the hairpin lying in front of me, I felt nothing but emptiness. It all seemed so meaningless now.

Back then, I used to pester him for gifts all the time.

He once bought me a cheap, simple pin from a market stall, and I treasured it like it was the most precious thing in the world, wearing it every single day.

Everyone in the city used to laugh at me. They said that no matter how cheap his gift was, I'd still treat it like a treasure.

I let out a quiet breath, determined not to let them spoil my own coming-of-age celebration.

I handed the hairpin back to the maid and murmured, "Prince Edward was just joking with you. You can go now."

The maid hurried away, looking anxious.

When Edward saw my indifference, his expression soured.

He pulled Renee over to sit beside me, and the two of them began openly bantering and laughing together, as if I were invisible.

Meanwhile, he kept watching me out of the corner of his eye, tracking my every reaction.

I found the whole scene pointless and quietly rose to leave.

Noticing this, Edward, still whispering sweet nothings to Renee, reached out and pulled me back, with a smug look on his face.

"What's the matter? Getting jealous already? Camille, you'd better get used to it. There will never be just you by my side. Jealousy is a serious taboo in the palace," he mocked.

I quickly yanked my hand free and said sternly, "We should keep our distance. Show some decency, Your Highness."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly started laughing.

"What game are you playing now? We're about to get married. You're already mine, and now you're acting like I can't even lay a finger on you?" he teased with a mocking grin.

I couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. If the King hadn't warned me not to reveal my choice yet, I would've smacked that smug look right off Edward's face.

So instead, I shot back, "Edward, what makes you so sure I chose you?"

He was stunned for a split second, then let out a loud, boisterous laugh.

The crowd couldn't help itself. They all cracked up, laughing right along with him.

Edward was laughing so hard that he had tears in his eyes.

He said, "Come on, everyone knows you'd never marry anyone but me. And look at the princes you could actually marry.

"William is married, and Henry is promised to a princess from another country. So they're not available.

"And Richard? He's so sickly, he'd probably drop dead before the wedding. Are you really looking to be a widow right out of the gate?"

"So, Camille, seriously. Who else could you possibly marry if not me?" Edward mocked, his tone full of smugness.