Bittersweet | l.fx au

Chapter 7

"Marriage proposals?" The Third Prince, Changbin, questioned. "For everyone?"

"Yes," The King announced. "I do want everyone to come to my office to look over the proposals." It really wasn't a sentence but rather a command.

The princes wore expressions you could not describe. And the dinner was so awkward. The King and Queen happily talked about the prospective proposals while the princes ate their dinner in silence. You honestly don't like how animated the King and Queen were compared to before where they usually ate in silence.

Nervously, you played with the apron tied around your waist, eyes always cast down. Even Yeji and Lia (hell, probably all the maids too) let their eyes stare off to the side or join you staring at the ground. Everyone could feel all the weird tension and could only hope that this would last only a little bit.

Some god or divine being out there must be listening to someone's wishes as the dinner was quite short. The princes were quick to leave as the King reminded them where to go in a bit. The three of you followed Felix all the way to his room where defeated, he collapsed on the bed. "I can't believe this."

Everyone else was quite unsure what to say since none of you experienced this situation. Felix stared at everyone. "Sorry, if I'm not making sense."

Lia was unsure how to say it and she looked at both of you. Yeji looked freaked out and it seems that you have to step up to the plate now. "It's okay Fourth Prince, this must be a frustrating situation." They're not your best words but it's something.

"It is," He replies and lifts up his head to look up at you. "Do you think this proposal will be worth it?"

You don't know. But you obviously can't tell him that. Instead, you stay silent for a moment, trying to come up with the best answer. "Maybe but you don't know the person asking for the proposal right? Perhaps try getting to know them and see where it takes you."

Felix stays quiet and nods. "You are right, I don't know the details of everything. You should be a life coach on the side. I'm sure you'll make a lot of money from the nobles."

You smile. "Thank you for the compliment, Fourth Prince."

The time goes by slowly as Felix had the three of you wait inside the room. He wants for one of you to intercept the message from one of the King's own maid or knight. Whoever the King sends for the message of coming into his office. Finally, someone knocks on the door and Lia is the chosen one to open the door.

Felix gets up and drags his feet all the way to the office. He instructs for the three of you to wait outside the door so he can complain about this whole thing afterwards. His own decision, not anyone else's to talk about it.

You're not sure how long you're out there but it feels like a long time. At last, he is out of the room but there's an angry expression on his face. It's out of character for him compared to his neutral and smiling one. All three of you trail behind until you reach his room. There he sighs. "The King says a proposal from Anston is a good idea."

Anston... Oh! That one rude person.

Lia immediately knows who it is. "That one? What does his family have to offer?"

Felix bites his lip. "Well, wealth of course, and he's starting to make some connections within some of the sea."

"You mean..."

"Yep." Felix looks a bit distraught. "He has some connections with some of the people dealing with their sea military." He takes a pause at what he said. "Is that the word for it?"

"I'm not sure, Fourth Prince," Lia replies as no one really does know about it. "Though, we don't think we can offer such advice."

"Maybe but I just want to hear... reassurance? Or some thoughts?" Felix looks troubled and seems like he wants someone to agree with him. Instead, he lets out a sigh. "Sorry for troubling you all, please take the rest of the night off."