M

It was already morning when they showed up and it created a huge uproar.

Firstly, the Crown Prince had acted out of character when he requested for a manhunt for the two of them. He had exhausted all resources in trying to search for them

Secondly, it was day time when they showed up, looking as though the wolves had got to them. They had spent the night together which meant that no one would really believe the wolf story. They were all looking for some form of gossip.

Some of the royal court members were astonished, some leery (they could guess what had happened) and the others were just plainly there to watch the show as it went on. The King and Queen sat comfortably in their seats as they listened to the entire report of what transpired.

"Seeing as how this incident has happened, I would like to ask for her hand in marriage," Sam asked the King and Queen who were there.

"I find it a pity to bury talent so young into marriage, however, since this has happened and it's only proper, then yes Sam, you shall have her hand in marriage."

Everyone clapped, some cheered just as a clear voice loudly protested, "I... object."

All eyes turned to see the owner of the voice. And their eyes widened. His royal highness?

Vance stood and knelt before his father who looked alnost as though he was trying his best to remain composed, "I object as it's evident that she's been tarnished by the state mentor. Shouldn't he be punished since she's the victim here? Why are we punishing the victim by getting her to marry him?" Vance questioned as he knelt with a straight posture.

Even in this situation, Scarlet had to applaud how perfect his posture was.

The rest of the royal ton wasn't applauding that of course. They were abuzz with gossip as this was the first time the Crown Prince had questioned the King'a decision. He had always been the one carrying out the orders dutifully, without a question.

Why now? What's up with the girl? Soon, some eyes trailer to Scarlet and she tried to hide behind Sam who was holding on to her hand.

"Are you questioning my decision?" the King asked quietly. However, even a blind could see the King was on the verge of exploding as a vein throbbed.

"I'm not, I'm just merely stating facts," Vance mentioned firmly in his kneeling position.

"Very well, let's call the girl then...Scarlet, was it? Let's ask her if the state mentor had done what you're accusing him of," the King demanded and Scarlet was ushered to stand before the King.

She knelt as well since the Crown Prince was kneeling. She couldn't stand head and shoulders above him. Kneeling beside him, she wracked her brain on how to answer this.

"It... happened," she decided to tell the truth which caused another uproar. It would certainly kill off any chances with any other guys, "because I'm in love with him."

She finished sweetly as she looked at Sam in a loving way, or as loving as she could muster. Sam blushed and he lowered his head with a bashful smile. You should be so proud of me, she told the system. I'm making the destroyer blush.

Ah, yes, yes... But, ah... Wait, the system paused before going off into a whirl. Did it glitch? She thought.

Speaking of glitch, the person beside her had froze and was staring at her and Sam in a look that was as dark as midnight.

"Very well, you've heard them, Vance. Two lovebirds, it's decided then. The marriage is fixed and set to the end of this month," the King announced, his mood lifting.

Everyone was back to a merry mood when someone continued, "What if I insist... On a no?"

The King looked at Vance as though he couldn't quite believe this was his son anymore. What had gotten into him?

The King took a deep breath before responding in a very low voice, "I suggest you stop pursuing this, Vance, or else..."

"Or else...? I'll be dragged to be punished? I'm still going to say he's a destroyer," Vance pointed at Sam accusingly. Scarlet's eyes widened. How did he even know?

"He's destroying her and I'm not going to allow that. I'm in..." The King silenced Vance by getting his guardsmen to knock Vance out. Vance fell on the ground beside Scarlet, which Scarlet was immensely thankful for, otherwise all her efforts would have been wasted. Who knew what would happen if he continued in his madman confession and solo mission to destroy her.

"He'll have to be punished for this, place him in the room of repentance, the rest of you, continue with your day, there's nothing to see here," the King ordered as they carried Vance away. The rest of the ton dispersed silently but you could feel the buzz that was about to explode from within. This was by far the juiciest piece of gossip they have ever seen! The pristine crown prince finally has a smudge on his record! The King looked at Scarlet, his eyes were marked with concern and a tinge of fear.

"You'll have to stay away from him, you understand that, don't you?" The King uttered in a tone that only she could hear. Scarlet nodded, "Of course. I only have eyes for my beloved husband."

She said just as Sam stood beside her and she smiled showing her teeth while Sam arched his lips and kissed her on the side of her cheeks.

It was.... Perfect, she stated but it was silent. The system had gone silent.