Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 93 - Engagement (I)

- - -

King Henry sat on his throne for the first parliamentary meeting of the season. Queen Josephine sat to his right with an elegant smile, and their son was to his left, expressionless and regal. He was sometimes worried that his mother and the tutors she'd found for him were too strict on him, but he had to admit the result was impressive.

His wife certainly wanted to make sure their son didn't turn out weak like he did, and though she'd mostly succeeded, he had a sneaking suspicion she wouldn't like the announcement that would be made today. Quite inappropriately, he gloated. He did want to take down House Avington, but it would be satisfying to see Baron Bryant's expression when he realized the secret weapon he was so proud of wasn't working so well, and his wife's face, too.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you've all had a wonderful summer, and I welcome you back to the parliament..."

He made a short speech, getting it over with as quickly as he could. Everyone knew it was a mere formality, since he usually dealt directly with the cabinet. There was a round of polite applause, and the meeting officially began. The royal secretary read out the declarations and decisions that had been made over the summer, and a smile slipped onto the king's face.

"Lastly, after being betrothed for nine years, His Highness, Prince Oscar, is to be engaged to Lady Valentina Avington. His Majesty, King Henry, will be hosting a dinner reception a week from today."

The parliament erupted in whispers. Baron Bryant looked up slowly, glaring at him, and he lifted an eyebrow in response. Hadn't he forced them to wait nearly a decade just so he could get his so-called assurance, even at the cost of allowing Damian Avington to grow up into a weapon of mass destruction? This was all his fault! The king would make sure to point that out at their next unfortunate meeting.

Meanwhile, Grand Duke Avington answered congratulations with formidable pride, intimidating as ever. It was a grim reminder to King Henry that though he felt a brief satisfaction over the baron, this would not benefit in the long run. Still, the plan was at such a stalemate in fear of Damian Avington that there was no harm done granting his boy's small wish, as a sort of apology for what was to come and what was already being done. The king shoved his guilt down further and hoped his son wouldn't blame him too much.

His wife's cold gaze penetrated the side of his head, but he didn't turn to look at her. He didn't want to see the tender brown eyes he'd once fallen in love with and wonder again what had become of them.

King Henry gazed upon the parliament with weariness. He faintly wondered that if against all odds, Oscar's marriage went through, would it end like his? Ah, well, he supposed they would never find out.

- - -

It was night. Queen Josephine stood at the window of her sitting room, looking out into the royal garden. Her lips were pursed, the closest she allowed her expression to get to a displeased sneer. She'd scolded her husband thoroughly for not consulting her on the matter of her own son getting engaged, until she was satisfied that his apology was filled with genuine shame. Now it was her son's turn.

A polite knock came at the door. "Mother?"

"Come in, Oscar."

She heard him open the door and step inside, but she did not turn.

"I didn't think you had time to visit your poor old mother, since you were so busy that you didn't have the time to tell me that you wanted to get engaged."

"I'm sorry."

The queen swirled around and glided to meet her son. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders, every bit the perfect gracious queen and caring parent.