Not fair (2)

"No, I must be mad," muttered Odette.

Yes, Odette was slowly deep in thought. The shock of realizing that not everyone would be attracted to her perfection slowly drove Odette insane. She started thinking about how to get rid of Malvia in cruel ways with her power.

But every time she saw Gardet and how he told her about his beloved Malvia, Odette immediately woke up. Gardet would surely be sad if he lost Malvia. Odette didn't want to see her first love sad. So Odette was looking for other ways, ways that were not useful.

Odette began to actively develop her ability. She started with ordinary magic to potions. But none of them managed to make Gardet fall in love with her.

Not even the Crown Prince Vallotton!

"I heard from your brother that you started exploring your magic abilities," commented Crown Prince Vallotton. "Is there something you are secretly planning?"

"Calm down, Your Highness. I won't do anything that threatens Lamamont," answered Odette casually.

"I didn't say that. It's just that I know you're trying to do something ridiculous." Crown Prince Vallotton suddenly grabbed Odette's chin roughly, forcing her to look at him. "Don't try to hurt her."

Odette brushed aside her fiancé no less harshly. "I don't understand what you're saying."

Crown Prince Vallotton snorted sarcastically. "You think I don't know you like Gardet? You're trying to get his attention, right?" he said. "You can tease him in any way. But I won't forgive you if you hurt Malvia."

"Hah! So you admit that you love that woman?" Odette replied no less cynically. "You're weak. You love her, but make absolutely no effort to get her."

"Watch your mouth, Lady Valent," growled Crown Prince Vallotton sharply. "I'm different from you. For me, as long as he's happy, no matter who it is, I'll let it go. And I know… that Malvia's happiness lies with Gardet."

"Oh, how touching," Odette sneered.

Crown Prince Vallotton didn't say anything else. Instead, her fiancé was staring into the distance as if trying to achieve something impossible. When Odette followed her fiancé's gaze, it turned out that there was Gardet who was following His Majesty the King.

Someday, the one Gardet will follow will be the Crown Prince Vallotton.

The Tierney family had been at the helm of the Palace for generations. If he blatantly snatched Malvia, the relationship that had existed for years would be ruined. The internal balance of the Palace may be damaged. Odette is sure, Crown Prince Vallotton doesn't want that.

What an idiot, thought Odette.

Well, Odette is nothing like Crown Prince Vallotton. She would try her best to win Gardet's heart without hurting Malvia.

Somehow.

***

Or so Odette thought, at least. She thought there must be a way as long as she tried. Unfortunately, fate doesn't want to cooperate.

"Malvia, I now take you to be my married wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy relationship of marriage. I promise to love and comfort you, honor and keep you, and forsake all others. I will be yours alone as long as we both shall live."

That summer, a promise was made. And as if agreeing with it, the sky radiates its brightest and most beautiful charm. The birds outside the church were singing, rejoicing with the invitees who heard the sacred promise being made.

And Odette, she could only watch as Gardet kissed Malvia on the forehead.

Odette could only see Malvia smiling happily with the man she loved.

Odette can only be silent when her fiancé is saddened by the marriage of the woman he loves.

Again the question arose: how did Malvia get it all? Malvia married the man she loves and still gets love from other men?!

This is not fair. What about Odette herself? The man she loves married another woman, and now her fiancé is sad because the woman he loves married another man. Where is the love for Malvia?

"Odette! Wake up before Father sees you like this!"

Coming home from Gardet's wedding invitation, Odette goes berserk in her room. She smashed everything she had, especially the ones she had used to lure Gardet. Useless objects that make Odette look stupid.

"Calm down, Odette." Her brother tried to sit her on her bed. "You scared everyone."

Odette looked at her brother with tears, anger and sadness mixed together. She could see her adorable niece peeking from the doorway, looking frightened. Sweet little Anatole, exactly what Odette wanted to have with the one she loved someday.

But the person he loved already belonged to another woman.

"Brother… I also… want to. Even though I have to leave first or be left behind like you and your late wife, I want to have a happy marriage," Odette sobbed slowly. "I want to love and be loved! Is it too much?!"

"Oh, Odette." Her brother immediately hugged her. "I am sorry, there's not much I can do and say for you. But believe me, even without love, you can still be happy. Forget that man, Odette."

Odette shook her head. "This is not fair, Brother. Crown Prince Vallotton even loves Malvia! Then what is left for me?!" Her sobs deepened. "Why should I be the Crown Princess?! I don't want that position!"

On that happy day for Gardet and Malvia, two people were hurt.

One is the Crown Prince of Vallotton. His broken heart would not heal until decades later.

Another one is Odette, when her father heard her cry, she was immediately punished. On Gardet's wedding day, Odette was locked up in the dungeon of Valent's estate.

Isn't this so unfair? Odette just wants to be happy with the people she loves and loves her. A simple life without any title is not a problem.

However, Odette ended up marrying Crown Prince Vallotton.