My Charlotte Hates Me

Chapter 84: More Lies

I returned back to the Royal Castle in order to make preparations for my engagement news. I did not meet with His Majesty the King but rather the Royal Dressmaker and a few Jewelers. After finishing my measurements, I went out and encountered the recently released Prince Erik. I smiled sweetly as I lifted the sides of my dress and lowered my head.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Erik," I said.

"Please join me for tea if you are free, Lady Castile," Prince Erik said with a smile.

His eyes were not smiling one bit. My Knight Evan began to feel slightly angsty from the Prince's glare. I smiled back assuringly at him before grabbing Prince Erik's elbow.

"Please escort me properly, Your Highness," I said with a playful smile.

"...Of course."

Prince Erik brought me to his parlor and had his servants prepare us tea. I stared back at him with an amused expression seeing as though His Majesty had removed him of his privileges as a Prince, yet he continued to enjoy the luxuries of a higher standard of living. It looked nothing more than a vacation at home to me. He took in a sip of tea and straightened his posture before looking back at me.

"I am glad that Your Highness sought me out first. I have been meaning to call you out for some time now," I said.

"Me? Why do you want to meet with me?" Prince Erik asked.

"Shall we...have a private conversation?" I asked.

"...Everyone, out," Prince Erik ordered.

My Knight Evan and all of Prince Erik's Maids quietly left the room. After they closed the door, we sat in silence for a few moments. During that time, I just admired how Eli got his carbon copy looks from his father but his gummy like smile from his mother's side.

"What is it?" Prince Erik asked.

"I suggest that you hold off on contacting Marquis Pillar or Viscount Corrine," I said as I sipped my tea.

"...How did you—"

"Your Highness is a silly boy. Did you think I rose so easily to this position on my own? Your mother Queen Gaelle asked me to look after you while she was incarcerated," I said.

"You were sent by my mother?" Prince Erik asked.

"I was asked by Queen Gaelle herself to watch over you as well as His Majesty. The best way for me to do that is by marrying His Majesty the King. I think there is enough proof to believe that I was working with Her Majesty Queen Gaelle if I knew the people supporting your faction. She also mentioned that you might act rashly asked that I stop you," I said.

"That does not make any sense...You are Arielle's friend. Why would you help me after everything?" Prince Erik asked.

I just need to fool him and make him think I am on his side. It will be easier to keep tabs on him that way.

"They say keep your friends closer and your enemies even closer. Unknown to yourself, I have been supporting your love from the shadows for a long time. Do you think you could have easily broken off your engagement without my help?" I asked.

Everything is circumstantial. I can just use the events that have benefited him to my advantage and make him think that I am an ally. It will be easier to keep tabs on you if you let me creep in closer.

"Lady Charlotte is getting engaged to Father. Are you saying that Mother planned this? Why would anyone want another woman to come in and covet their husband?" Prince Erik asked as he looked at me with great suspicion.

I took my teacup and swirled the contents softly.

"...I think Your Highness knows better than anyone that the Queen is without love. The recent incident just proves how insecure the Queen's position truly was. His Majesty used one incident against a Duke's daughter to imprison the Queen. Do you not think it was strange how easily His Majesty was able to find both the antidote and poison on Her Majesty's person?" I asked.