"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Yo-your highness Roan," she whimpered softly as she subconsciously took a step back. Isabella's knees were soft like she would collapse from fear at a moment's notice but her heart was beating frantically at the same time. The aura of death surrounding him was especially intimidating but she couldn't help herself.

His gaze, like a sudden thunderclap spun towards and she subconsciously trembled in fright. "Go back to your manor. I am really not in the mood to entertain you," he said his voice tyrannical.

Isabella had worked hard for this opportunity and didn't want to let it go. She wanted to leave a good impression in hopes that he would pick her but how could he do that without angering him further?

"Your highness," she said again her eyes and the tip of her nose red. She opened her mouth to continue but the training grounds that were empty suddenly turned boisterous as a group of women were escorted onto the grounds.

The Keres guards immediately formed a protection circle around crown prince Roan while one of his closest guards Roland stepped forward and met the old lady dead in the eye and said, "What is the meaning of this?"

Head maidservant Dour chuckled sinisterly and said, "We have received a royal order to perform the second stage of eliminating at once. The king wants a crown princess chosen before the day of remembrance so we have to use this venue, unfortunately."

Roan knew this was only an excuse. Queen Rhea knew how much he hated people intruding on his space. This training ground for instance was used by no one else other than himself all year round yet she picked this place to continue her facade.

Roan was getting very annoyed. It seemed despite his unwillingness he would have to pay a visit to his father. As he signalled his men to leave he glanced at the crowd of women drooling at him with their eyes like goblins, well, all except one. His eye met hers again but this time she averted her gaze.

Roan furrowed his brows. He couldn't help but wonder what her story was. Why was she here? All the others showed varying degrees of interest in him but this girl... there was absolutely no reaction.

He could have waited for his men to investigate but this way was quicker. He walked over and the crowd of girls parted like the red sea while blushing and a little excited. The hearts in their chests were leaping with anticipation. They secretly hoped that he was coming to talk to them.

Freya's breathing was stagnant as a very bad premonition arose in her. She took a subtle step back but there was nowhere to go. Her aunt had told her to behave like every other girl. She should have excitement but not too much excitement that she would be considered annoying.

But like a friend dragged to a rock concert with zero interest in it she couldn't fake being excited to see him. Day and night she was consumed by revenge but when the time came to pretend to like this person she couldn't bring herself to do it. It seemed acting really wasn't her forte.

As expected he stopped a few feet in front of her and asked, "You, what is your name?"

Freya was in a stupor for a while but she quickly recovered and bowed her head while saying, "Answering his highness, I am a servant of the Wright family named Freya."

Roan had little recollection of the Wright family. That's because they lacked interest in anything to do with the royal court and had little ambition. Yet here they were sending their servant to his palace.

Roan didn't say anything after that. He just turned and left living behind a lingering intoxicating scent with notes of sandalwood and amber. When the effects of his scent were gone what remained was jealousy, resentment and envy.

The people surrounding him with the exception of Rose Mayarn were staring at her with an air of hostility like they would tear her apart at any second. Rose leaned in close and whispered, "You are so lucky. I wish it was me."

Freya suddenly felt like this man had done it on purpose. Like a beacon, these women's resentment was now directed at her. Roan walked out of the training grounds with his men following behind him.

"Roland," he said and the young man trotted over.

"Yes your highness," he answered and Roan gave out his command,

"Pay the Wright family a visit... in private. I want to know what they want."

"Yes your highness," he said and left in the opposite direction. Recalling that girl's expression when he asked for her name Roan couldn't understand why she was there. Others' purposes were written on their face and some hid it well under the mask of affection but this girl, Freya couldn't even pretend to like him at all. There was definitely a story there and he was very curious to know what it was.

As it turns out someone else was also curious for him to know what her story was. While he was in his study one of his men announced the arrival of the captain of the guards, Austin's arrival.

This came as a surprise to Roan because he was fully aware that Austin was in Queen Rhea's camp and had nothing to do with him. This visit was surely going to be very interesting.

"Let him in," he said and soon Austin walked his steps brisk with reluctance written all over his face.

"Greeting your highness the crown prince," he said bowing his head and Roan leaned back in his seat watching his every move.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked and Austin raised his head with slight hesitation in his eyes. He came here for Freya because he had heard what had happened but even he knew how ridiculous his plan was.

Meanwhile, Freya was cursing the crown prince to death internally. Who said war was terrifying? What was truly terrifying was a group of women obsessed with a man. When that man showed any interest in another girl they would gang up on that girl.

The most notable one was the one with very long hair with expensive ornaments in them and fair skin like milk. At a glance, Freya could tell she was from a highly influential family and knew crown prince Roan personally. Her murderous gaze was transfixed on Freya the entire time. If looks could kill, Freya was fairly certain she would be long dead by now.