Chapter seventeen

Skylar nodded,closing the distance 

between them to stand only two feet away. Her gaze held a hint of confusion as she waited for him to speak.

"I need a wife, Skylar," he stated bluntly, and she nodded in agreement.

"What about the lovely lady who visited the other day?" she inquired.

"Are you uncomfortable with her?" he prodded, his path meandering as he spoke. She nodded once again.

"I felt shivers down my spine. She's a stunning yet dangerous being," she admitted.

"You seem to amused me more lately," he observed with a small smirk. Skylar couldn't decipher if it was a compliment or not.

"Is there someone else, Your Highness?" she asked with widened eyes.

"Yes, you," he replied simply, taking in her shocked expression.

"Me?" she stuttered in disbelief.

"Yes, my dear," he confirmed.

"You want to return to your world and your normal life. To show those two people how much better off you are without them," he explained.

"What does that have to do with your request?" she paused, realization slowly dawning on her.

"I will give you the chance to start afresh in a new world, with new people and a different fate. But there is a condition," he declared.

"I must become your wife and queen, and assist in achieving your goals. And also help you find the lady you've been searching for," she surmised, as Ramiel applauded her with a sly grin before lowering his hand.

"I am amazed. There are other tasks you must complete, but marriage takes precedence as it brings power. And I must find her, no matter what," his emotions unstable as she could discern a mix of love and hatred.

"I will do it, but may I make a request as well?"

"Once I achieve it, I would fulfill your request. Make sure it's a worthy one," he stated, to which she beamed and nodded in agreement. Ramiel placed his hand out, and a thick, brown paper materialized in his palm.

"This union will prove beneficial for both of us."

"Yes, Your Highness. I understand," she replied, still smiling. Ramiel couldn't help but feel something was amiss. It was not like her to be so jubilant.

"Don't be taken aback by my happiness. I am glad you will finally find joy after everything," she explained. Ramiel gave her a questioning look before smirking.

"Unfortunately, that is a wish that cannot be granted," he responded cryptically. "Please, sign this contract. It will be destroyed when our agreement comes to an end," he instructed, offering her a quill and ink. She approached and read the document before signing. Once she finished, she set the brush down. Ramiel wrapped up the contract, and it disappeared into thin air.

"I will take my leave now."

"You are not permitted to go unless I say so. You may leave," he declared. She smiled and took her glass, making her way out. She rinsed it in the kitchen before returning it to its proper place, then headed to her room.

As she reached her destination, she closed the door and sat on her bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. She laughed bitterly, feeling foolish. The contract stated:

"After fulfilling our goals, we will go our separate ways and never cross paths again."

She couldn't help but contemplate if she truly wanted to return to her world or stay in this era. She knew it would be irrational. She could never be like Elina, weak, fragile, and naive. She wiped her tears, realizing that she was only repaying Prince Ramiel's favor. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks, remembering Princess Arya's words. Her mind was in a complete mess, and she had no idea what to do. She went to her balcony, the wind caressing her in gentle waves.

"I feel much better now. I should know my place," she said with a serene smile.

Ramiel perched in the study, clutching his books when he suddenly sensed a presence.

"Greetings, my dear brother. Have you missed me? I heard the news. By the way, do you need assistance in finding a bride?"

"I have already found one," Ramiel replied.

"Not surprised," chuckled the other.

"Did you look into our discussed plans?" Ramiel inquired.

"Yes, that is why Father wants you to marry and claim the throne. It seems he foresaw this inevitability. Louise is manipulating the naive Derek."

"I wouldn't mind if you took the throne through marriage," Ramiel said, a pleased smile forming on his lips as Damien smirked.

"You finally smiled, even though you know it is impossible. Too bad," Damien taunted.

"Nothing is truly impossible," Ramiel retorted.

"Look who's talking," Damien chuckled. "Well, I must go see Father. Farewell." Like a flash, Damien was gone, leaving Ramiel to retrieve his book and resume reading.

••••••••••••

Queen Diana's Chambers

Queen Diana reclined on her throne, with Derek and Louise standing before her.

"I am pleased that you both did not disappoint me. You are already married and one of you will surely become king," she stated, relaxed.

"Mother, rest assured. I will surely claim the throne. No one can take it from me," Derek said confidently.

"You are right, my son," Queen Diana smiled approvingly.

"I shall take my leave now." With a bow, Derek exited the chambers.

"Is everything alright, Louise?" Queen Diana inquired, noticing the lack of response from her other son.

Louise recounted his conversation with Queen Diana, sharing his thoughts on Derek's character. "Mother, father didn't mention marriage. He emphasized the importance of love. But we all know Derek's insatiable desire for women. He's a known womanizer. Father won't easily hand over the throne without a difficult trial."

Queen Diana's eyes widened at the revelation. "You're right, Louise. If Derek is unable to become an heir, that leaves you as the next in line. I trust you. I believe you won't disappoint me. You must do whatever it takes."

"Of course, mother. I promise not to let you down," Louise replied, bowing respectfully before exiting the room.

"Sometimes Derek can be an ass, but Louise can never disappoint," Queen Diana thought to herself. "He should have been the firstborn, but what matters is that one of them becomes king."