Chapter 2

Nice! That was actually a solid plan.

But for the whole next month, the King kept pretending to be sick and wouldn't see a soul. Trevor, our newly crowned prodigy, was left twiddling his thumbs with nothing to do.

Now I was even more suspicious, but I had no clue where to begin. So I just tried to comfort him, saying, "Hey, don't worry. There's always a way out."

But then, late at night, I was out for a walk in the yard when I accidentally overheard my parents talking.

"Audrianna's got the same temper and stubborn streak I used to have. What are we supposed to do with her?" my dad sighed.

He pulled my mom into a hug and said, "Don't worry. Draven is a real gentleman. He's got a great temperament. I'm sure Audrianna and him will be a perfect match."

Suddenly, my mom's tone shifted. "Back then, Draven saved me from disaster time and again, but I was never able to return his feelings. It's something that's always weighed on me.

"As long as Audrianna does what I ask, maybe I can finally let go of this regret."

I wanted to leave, but my feet felt like they were glued to the ground.

"All these years, Audrianna's been keeping us from enjoying our couple's time. Once she's married off, we'll finally get some peace and quiet," my dad joked.

My mom suddenly slipped out of his embrace and gave him a soft, gentle smack.

"What are you saying, you shameless old rascal," she laughed.

"Hey, I'm just being honest. You're always doting on Audrianna and leaving me out. I've been feeling left out forever," he complained.

"Oh, so now you're blaming me first? Well, let me ask—why did you bring Audrianna all those little toys that night, but didn't bother to get me anything?" my mom snapped.

"Seriously, are you really going to argue with a kid over this?" my dad said.

I didn't want to hear another word and stumbled back to my room, barely keeping it together.

I couldn't help but gag. All these years, what was I to my mom? Her rival? Or just something they could use whenever they wanted?

Suddenly, all the fight just drained out of me.

When Trevor came looking for me again, I shut myself away and refused to see him.

But he was stubborn as ever. He parked himself outside my door the whole day, and eventually even my dad was alerted.

"Ridiculous!" my dad barked.

He slammed his hand down on the table, his face dark with anger.

I lowered my head and knelt in front of him, while Trevor stood off to the side, looking lost in thought.

My dad looked absolutely crushed, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"I always thought you two were good kids. When did you start pulling these kinds of dirty tricks?" he said.

Before I could get a word out, Trevor lost his cool and jumped in.

"Sir, you can't just force Audrianna to marry Draven!" he blurted.

"You!" my dad barked.

He was so mad that he looked almost cartoonish with his eyes bulging and face puffed up.

"Trevor, since you're the King's golden boy, I won't hold this against you. Just head home and I'll act like none of this ever happened," my dad said.

But Trevor stepped forward and almost dropped to his knees, "This can't happen! Absolutely not."

My dad rushed to help him up, but Trevor didn't move an inch, stubbornly staying right where he was.

"Audrianna is still so young, while Draven is nearly forty. This match is completely unfair. If she marries him, she'll only end up suffering," Trevor protested.

I gave his sleeve a gentle tug, trying to get him to stop, but he stood his ground, his gaze never wavering.

"Please, sir, revoke your order," he pleaded.

"Well, aren't you bold, young scholar. Do you really think I won't do anything to you? Guards!" my father thundered.

As soon as my father finished speaking, the family guards surged in from every direction.

"Since you refuse to leave on your own, I'll have to force you out," my dad said.

"Dad!" I cried out and scrambled over, clutching his hand and pleading with him not to lay a hand on Trevor.

But he just shot me a look and walked off without another word.

Trevor took them down like it was nothing. Within seconds, the guards were all knocked out cold.

"Audrianna, don't worry. I promise I'll make your dad revoke his order," Trevor said.

Seeing the unwavering look on Trevor's face, I felt a sudden rush of bravery.

I couldn't just roll over and accept this.

But to my shock, the very next day, my father went and petitioned the King directly.

By the time I finally managed to get the news out of one of the servants, three whole days had already passed.

"Miss, you won't believe it! Trevor and your father actually had a shouting match in court," the servant burst in.

"So, what happened next?" I asked.

I pressed a hand to my chest, hoping the King would shut down this marriage.

"The King wasn't too happy about it and kicked them both out," the servant replied.

Thank goodness. As long as the King hadn't agreed, there was still hope to get out of this mess.

But that very night, I got the King's order.

"Audrianna Spencer, daughter of the Duke of the Crownlands, is gifted with beauty and brilliance. She is hereby granted a marriage to Draven Decker, the Regent. The wedding will be held on February 2nd."

My parents were celebrating like they'd won the lottery, but I felt like I'd just been thrown into a frozen pit.

"Miss, why are you just standing there? This is a huge deal. Hurry up and accept the decree!" the servant urged.

My mom hurried to take the royal decree, and once the servant had left, the calm on her face slowly crumbled away.

In its place was a look of near-maniacal obsession.

"At last, it's all been resolved," she murmured.

She kept caressing the decree, as if it were more precious to her than her own daughter.