Just as expected, Mhalik tried every possible ways to stop Athalie from leaving his home. Unfortunately, the second prince was around which hindered the success of his plan.
"You'll end up a spinster if you choose to wait for him. I don't think he's coming back," Mhalik commented while sitting on a couch with poise, yet the sinister look in his eyes didn't escape Athalie's observation.
"It doesn't matter, Mhalik. You know, I'm a princess in name only but I have given up my qualification for the throne. There's nothing for you to gain in this marriage. If anything, you're missing on a good woman out there."
"Why look for a good woman when I have the best in front of me?"
Athalie wanted to roll her eyes in front of her enemy, but she had to fake a smile to ensure she's not alerting him to take any further threat.
Just as the saying goes, fake it 'til you make it.