Villainess Loves

Part 31

"Huh? What do you mean? Are me and Annelise engaged or not?" Prince Orion asks. We all look towards King Drayden for a further explanation.

"The engagement shall be abolished as per wishes, but we do not permit the engagement status to be revealed till after Prince Caelum's welcoming ball. We also do not view Prince Orion's infatuation with his personal servant as something serious." King Drayden explains.

"But-!" Prince Orion starts to speak but stops when King Drayden raises his hand.

"We do not and will not recognize Prince Orion's choice of engagement as he has not shown proper regard to his nobility. We had assumed his time with Grand King Richard has taught and shaped his values and views but this has been shown to not be the case." The king's words are harsh and void, reflecting his dissatisfaction with Prince Orion. Prince Orion looks dejected and conflicted.

I feel uncomfortable. This shouldn't be discussed in front of us. Family matters, especially royalty matters are not related to us. I open my mouth to speak up but King Drayden notices and raises his hand again to stop me.

"Prior to this, we have overheard that Sir Henry has agreed to provide knowledge to Prince Orion. As such, we propose that Prince Orion must display an example of his nobility at the welcoming ball. Such an act may prove that Prince Orion's decision was made sensibly and not loosely. We hope that Lady Annelise may help Prince Orion decide what that may be as Lady Annelise was a prince's fiance. We ask for Sir Henry's and Lady Annelise's assistance." He looks at me and Henry. What can we say? The king asks us personally so it would be really hard to reject. I look at Henry, who's looking at me. I guess I'm making this call?
"Of course, that is no problem," I say. King Drayden nods and glances toward his attendant who is writing vigorously.

"The conditions for the complete abolishment of the engagement as listed is that the status must not be mentioned till after the welcoming ball and Prince Orion must show an act of royal nobility consistent with his status of the prince of Elden. If neither conditions are met, the engagement shall continue as we regard this current interest of Prince Orion's to merely be a fling and for the sake of the Elden empire, we see no better option than the engagement of Lady Annelise and Prince Orion." The king lists. Uh, wait, what now?

"Lady Annelise has stated that she is not interested because Prince Orion does not reflect feelings of romance at the moment. Prince Orion is still young and has yet to fully develop and reflect his nobility. We ask for Lady Annelise to give Prince Orion time to fully learn and sort out his feelings." King Drayden turns towards me. Uhhhh.

"Is this not true?" He asks.

"Oh no, it is true.." I nod. But-

"Then it shall be." King Drayden speaks before I could finish.

"Have you gotten it down? Make sure to send a copy to Duke Thornweather too." He turns towards his attendant.

"Yes, of course!" The king's attendant says.

"Then the meeting is adjourned. We shall be off. Until then." King Drayden announces and stands up, the king's attendant quickly gathers his materials and leaves with the king. He bows to us swiftly and they exit the room.

"???"