Chapter 2: Holy Matrimony

I was glaring at my father the whole time. He did mention that we will be meeting the emperor, but never the crown prince!

"Does Seraquelle have an escort to her coming of ceremony already?" The Emperor's question made me divert my eyes away from my father who looked constipated because of my silent glares.

"I might be escorted by my older brother Silas, your majesty." I politely answered. I took a sip from my cup of tea, casually giving the crown prince a glance.

He looked very handsome in my dream but I never thought he'll look dangerously good looking in person. He looked so bright I'll be blinded by the invisible beams surrounding him. He's got the same glimmering blue eyes that echoed malice and danger and shining platinum white hair. He looked like god being served by everyone.

Our eyes met, and I was mesmerized.

"What do you think of the idea of having the crown prince to escort you in such important event?" The Emperor said with a smile.

I almost choked on my tea. What does he mean by that?!

"Your majesty, I think that's a bit..." I trailed.

"I don't mind escorting such beautiful lady." The prince said. I shot him a look. A smirk was clearly evident in his face.

I didn't really know what happened after that. They all agreed without letting me butt in the conversation! In such little time, I found myself strolling around the later Empress' garden with the crown prince himself.

"So, why don't you tell me more about yourself, Lady Seraquelle?" He said.

My hands were wrapped around his arm. I forced myself not to sigh. Why do I find this very troublesome? Or was it just weird that he was in my dream just last night and now I'm spending my precious time with him?

"I have nothing much to say, your highness. I never went out of the mansion. I am not that interesting." I answered, trying to make the conversation as short as possible.

I can feel his stares as we walk around the garden. I already heard a lot of rumors about him from the maids and our knights.

His name is Cohen Alastair Delacroix. The kingdom knows him for topping the charts when it comes to yielding swords, especially claymores. He was rumored to be incredibly handsome but he was never associated with any women aside from the daughter of Duke Harrison, Lady Isabelle. Well of course, those were the good side of the rumors I've heard.

A lot of people say that he's way too cruel to be the heir but his knowledge in politics is so high that no one dares to even debate with him because he always end up being right. His violence and knowledge were so threatening that nobles ended up teaming up against him but eventually loses.

"I believe my lady should practice opening up herself to me more. In no time, we will share a room and rule the empire together so-"

"Pardon?" I snapped. "I'm sorry. Your words are hard to comprehend, your highness. Together? Do you know something that includes me but I don't?"

His eyes flickered. Oh god. Was I too rude for cutting him off mid-sentence?

"So the Duke did not inform you?" He asked.

My forehead formed a knot. "About what?"

"Marriage," he answered. "Our marriage, my lady. A marriage that will strengthen the empire. Our holy matrimony."