Chapter 4 | The Marriage Agreement

"You want to get married?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"The Crown Princess selection shall begin with tomorrow."

"Yes, but for different reasons," I replied.

"Like what?"

"Revenge." I smiled venomously.

"Why?"

"I want my whole family to burn to embers for what they had done," I said.

"You see, Your Highness, my stepmother was responsible for both my mother and father's deaths as well as the damages they caused towards me. No priest, saint or a physician had ever been called to treat to my wounds." I replied as I sipped my tea. "Even as a child, I had to suffer illnesses and diseases on my own."

The maid earlier had served them Earl Grey.

Edward kept silent.

"I only want to give them a taste of their own." I continued speaking, making firm eye contact from my blue irises to his calculating, hazel orbs. "I will need you, Your Highness, in order for this to not fail."

"We can keep a contract to keep the deal strong. Of course, I will repay whatever you desire in return." I added as I finished my tea and placed the cup on the table.

"Which includes me healing your severe insomnia."

"How do you know this?" He said, deeply cautious. "I haven't told you about my insomnia."

"The bags under your eyes were skillfully covered with makeup. However, it wasn't completely concealed."

"But how can you possibly heal it when none had succeeded? Don't joke with me."

"I am not, Your Highness. I am simply speaking the truth. Every night I shall perform a treatment. It will work."

"And if it doesn't?"

"I shall give you my blood on your sword."

[My blood on your sword = My death is in your hands]

"You can start the treatment after you get selected as Crown Princess," He thought for a moment before replying. " Very well, let's sign a contract."

He used a smell to summon parchment and quill.

"Let's discuss the conditions."

"I shall be a husband who shall, 1. Protect my Wife, 2. Love my Wife Unconditionally, 3. Fulfill Her Needs and Wishes, 4. Treat Her Well, 5. Spend Time With my Wife and 6., Be there for Her."

I was slightly shaken. Weren't those used only for very intimate relationships?

"I shall also be a wife who loyal to my husband. And I shall be a wife dutiful as Empress for the time being and not involve in any of your matters, which includes your affairs."

"I only want one wife. I have no intention of having consorts. And what do you mean by 'the time being'?"

"When the right moment comes, we shall divorce."

"I plan on making this forever till death do us apart."

"No, then let's keep it one year. If things run smoothly 1 year after marriage, we shall continue it. The opposite shall happen when the marriage goes downhill."

"What about the Emperor?" He questioned. "What if he doesn't select you?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that," I laughed. "I'll be fine. I just kept this contract in case you take fancy on to another lady before me."

He laughed.

"Deal?"

"Deal."

I was preparing for bed.

The maids had arrived and set the bath.

I agreed to let them after I hid my body's scars with a spell.

They gave a massage and washed and scrubbed my hair beautifully.

When I got out of the shower, they gave me skin care and my skin emitted a glow.

They seemed like my look was blinding their eyes.

They gave me a finishing massage before leaving.

They were extremely polite and kind.

"You," I said. "Emily, right?"

"Yes, My Lady!"

"You did wonderfully. Thank you. Give my appreciation to the rest of the maids who had helped me."

"Uwwahh!! Yes, My Lady!!!" She replied as she ran with her heart beating at my looks and graceful smile.

"One more thing, Emily," I said. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, My Lady!"

She had purple and brown hair with pink eyes shining like gems. A cute appearance ready to melt any man's heart.

I lay on the soft mattress.

Ahhhh....

This is something.

I have to prepare for tomorrow.

Ha.

My 'dear' mother and sisters are probably in rage by now...

Usually, I'd just run away mysteriously and then reappear once more...

They don't know I'm here...

But what can they possibly do now? I'm already in a contract with Edward.

It will be fun to see their faces within the palace...

Sigh... Alright, enough thinking. Time to sleep. I've got a day tomorrow.

. . .