1 Unlucky

"Your highness, you're needed in the other chambers." One of the servants who served at the guesthouse announced.

Inside the big room, a girl was seen brushing her hair frantically. She dropped her hairbrush unceremoniously and smiled at her reflection. Once she was done with arranging herself, she headed to the door and opened it.

"Needed? What for?" A crease was seen on her brows. She was curious upon which chamber her presence was needed. She actually thought someone was about coming into her room, that was why she had hurried in arranging herself up.

Olivia cocked her head to the left and scanned the lady who came to call her. She had never seen her before, maybe she was a recruit.

The girl had her head bowed. She was trembling, thinking the Princess would scold her. But Olivia didn't do a thing. She just sighed and closed the door behind her.

"Which chamber is that?" Her voice was calm because she managed to hide her curiosity.

"Mm... the one which Master Hayes is currently in." The girl answered and bowed her head. Now, that was a coincidence. Who would think the person she was suddenly betrothed to was also here?

Olivia shrugged and gestured for her to lead the way.

They stopped before a beige door and the Maid bowed again. Then she left. Olivia cocked her head to the right watching her skitter away like a scared kitten.

She faced the door and touched its knob. Slightly twisting it, she pushed it open and stepped in. Olivia raised her head as she was welcomed with the sight of another woman leaning on a tall man.

There were tears seen on the woman's eyes. Olivia frowned seeing this, while her hands slowly curled into balls by her sides.

Her breathing pace became labored as she watched them. The woman had her hands around the man's neck and she was sniffling.

She took in the sight of the Princess who looked horrified at the scene, and a smirk appeared on her face. Her right brow quirked while her green eyes flickered. That secret gesture, Olivia didn't miss it.

Her eyes were on the Princess who remained speechless, but glowered at the scene she was welcomed with.

The woman smirked and sniffled, tears falling her conspiratorial face. She raised her head from the man's shoulder and stood on her toes while she pouted her lips slightly.

Olivia was not having any of it. She grimaced before finding herself pivoting away from the spot. She opened the door and banged it, leaving the room with a gloomy look.

"What a scumbag!" She uttered underneath her breath as she meandered forward.

Princess Olivia had controlled her emotions. She didn't have anything to do with him, and she was not even that close to him. There was no reason she should feel angry at the scene she saw.

But she couldn't help it. They were about getting married in three days, and were only allowed to spend their time alone, separately. This was per the tradition of the kingdom.

"Stay calm, Olivia..." She breathed out and slammed her eyes shut, once she got far from the room. Olivia let out a quivering breath before she huffed out.

Her gray eyes which was once neutral turned steely. She looked like someone who was about to head to war, returning to her room.

...

As soon as the door slammed shut, she was pushed away from him. He wore an icy look that said he knew she was faking it to get his attention.

A smile appeared on her face as her index finger went under her eyes to clean her fake tears. She sniffled and cast her gaze down. Her voice came out shaky.

"Thank you for understanding. I really needed a hug." Her lips worked into a smile, while her green eyes flickered with unseen happiness.

"Glad that I did. Never let this happen again. Ever." His words were ruthless. He noticed someone walked into the room, but he paid no attention to it. He thought it was only the servant Madeline ordered for.

Reginald did not sense anything fishy the instant she hugged him.

Instead of lingering longer where she was, he walked out of the room and banged the door to a close behind him.

Once he was completely gone, a smirk crept up Madeline's face. She giggled and clapped excitedly at the same time she swirled. Then, she fell on the bed.

Sighing with a hum, she snuggled the pillow Reginald used and her eyes twinkled with something unknown. It was clear at the moment, that she would do whatever it took to make sure Olivia was unhappy.

He didn't consider her when she confessed to him. She would go as far to cause more than a misunderstanding between them.

Her aim was to make them hate each other. The cheeky smile diced in wickedness didn't leave her face.

___

She should have known. It was too late. They've gone so far with the wedding preparations that calling it off would render eyebrows raising.

What's worse, she wouldn't voice out her reasons. Her decision of calling this off might affect her father tremendously. It could be a disaster to his reign.

Her only solution was to go ahead with it. Olivia clenched her fist as she confirmed to herself she wasn't desirable enough. What more answers could she get?

No wonder suitors never came when she was three years younger. It was clear now.

He was doing this because of the benefit he would get. Including being the future King. Olivia honestly held him high. But all that disappeared.

She felt like screaming. Her insides were boiling up with enough rage that could cook the room up. But that would get the attention of the people here. She was considerate enough not to disturb the couples who were on their honey moon.

"I'm so unlucky..." Tears cloouded her sight while she gripped her gown tightly.