Chapter 8

Reassurance she had felt coming up with a proper solution had quickly left her, as soon as she was faced with the burning hot coals of the prince's eyes. 

Speaking to her father had come to mind, but it'd be a useless endeavor. He wanted to be tied to the ducal family as much as the Duke himself.  Julia had already put her on a pedestal as the perfect candidate for Peter. If she were to deny then it'd raise questions, questions she didn't have answers to. 

If the reason was as simple as her wish to not marry, it wouldn't work, considering that she was of age and Julia had already convinced their father that Cecilia would never have a better chance at a marriage partner. She needed someone else with a plausible appeal, like someone to express their undying love for her!

Harris!

It was a well known rumour that Harris Brown was in love with Cecilia. No one would bat an eye if he were to intervene, however, he was just a son of a baron. Challenging a duke would be as good as suicide for him. Even if he were willing, Cecelia would never push him towards such a fate.

Few other prospects came to her mind but none can stand their own against the Duke. Nicol would've been an excellent option, he's on equal footing with Duke Bain as a Duke himself. However, he's already married and has a family.

That only leaves…

Prince Ivan.

She's barely interacted with the prince aside from the customary greetings. He was a highly accomplished man, at such a young age it was mind boggling.

The way he carried himself, with such confidence, and his eyes. Piercing deep red eyes. 

She couldn't help but feel intimidated by him.

Everybody looked forward to the day he'd be crowned. He'd won the hearts of so many, working on projects that have greatly benefited the kingdom and people of every class. He didn't just act the part, he looked the part with his alluring face and a strong body.

The prince was kind, sure. However, he wouldn't be willing to marry her out of nowhere. There needs to be something she can offer.

The prince has a sister he'd been searching for. If she's not wrong the search is currently ongoing. She doesn't know the details of their separation but the prince was desperate.

In her previous life, he'd married princess Lily of the neighbouring kingdom. On the surface it appeared to be a normal marriage, but later it was revealed that he'd married her to get access to a piece of land owned by her family. He suspected that it was where his sister was being kept under arrest.

One Monday morning, the news that she had passed away before he made it to her made headlines. People were shocked, having not been aware that they had a princess. Apparently, she suffered mentally and ended up being sent to a mental hospital where she lived with little to no care.

Hopping into a carriage as soon as the house was vacant of her sister and father wasn't turning out to be a rational decision.

"How do you know about my sister?" 

Looking back, she should not have been hasty and blurted out that she was aware of his sister's existence. The prince's reaction was expected, distrustful and guarded. 

Panic steadily took hold of her. What was she supposed to say? I've lived a life where I learned that you have a sister confined in an asylum somewhere? And I just so happen to know the location? 

"I understand how absurd it seems but I can not disclose my sources, Your Highness. I assure you, I'm not a spy and I mean no harm."

Mentally she patted herself for not being reduced to a stuttering mess as the prince seemed to think over her words.

" I'd be taking a significant risk trusting you if we were to enter into a contract, you're giving me nothing but your word. If in the future I learn that this was all some sort of a ploy, it won't end well for you"

Cecilia gulped at the clear threat hanging in the air and nodded, not trusting her voice. Goosebumps ran along her spine and her heart thudded at the intensity of the prince's glare. 

Terrified but also elated at having succeeded, Cecilia felt guilty as it was clear she was taking advantage of his weakness. He was tired of running into dead ends, not finding any real leads. That's why he had not wasted time marrying Princess Lily to get hold of the land.

Deciding on a day to draw up a contract, Cecilia bowed and left the castle, unaware that the prince peered at her form in quite contemplation.

"Investigate Cecilia Rosen. I want a report on everything you can find on her"

•

"It must have been an arduous journey!"

"Not at all, It's such a happy occasion, I can't bring myself to be tired" 

Duke Francis Bain and their father exchanged enthusiastic greetings. Duchess Bain, stood in the shadow of her husband, quitely greeted them. 

Cecilia's eyes moved to the figure next to her. Much like his mother, Peter stood quietly, not looking at anything in particular. She remembered thinking he was nervous or shy, but looking at him now, he seems to want to be anywhere but here.

It was only the heads of the household that radiated, well, except Julia who was smiling ear to ear.

They moved to the dining room for lunch. The sisters sitting side by side, the Bains opposite them and father at the head of the table. 

Cheerful chatter filled the room as they all enjoyed the feast laid out. Julia joined in from time to time. Cecelia picked at her food, knowing she wouldn't be able to stomach anything. 

She flicked her eyes towards their guests, it seemed that Peter didn't fancy the meal too, fork hovering over the meat. 

And then she caught it, his eyes stopping at the giggling form of her sister. It took him a solid minute to concentrate his dazed eyes back on the food. 

It was all in front of her, how had she been so ignorant? How is her memory of this lunch so pleasant in her mind? Had she been on cocaine? 

Later, her and Peter would have a private talk. He was quiet at first, but as they talked about themselves, he opened up because they had quite a lot in common. Soon, they were smiling and laughing together.

At that moment, she had decided she adored his smile.

By the end of their conversation, his eyes had a tinge of sadness. 

"You're a nice person, Lady Cecilia, It would be an honor to be your husband"

And that was it, she was on cloud nine.  Everything else was a blur after that as her wedding preparations were in full swing.

She was rudely interrupted from her thoughts as the door opened, a guard had walked in. He started whispering urgently in the Viscount's ear,

"Who's here?"

"The prince"