Being reincarnated as the 2nd male lead's daughter

lover

Karl's pov

"I AM THE CHILD HERE" I heard Lia say .

The king and me who were till now discussing political matters looked towards the voice and found Marquise and The crown prince squatted on the floor in front of lia and looking dumbfounded.

After the emperor's remark
The Marquise instantly apologized.
While the crown prince was still dumbfounded and came back to world after the lady whispered something to him and definitely lightly kicked him .

Looked at the emperor and to my amusement he was smiling ear to ear,I knew that smile he was cooking something in his brain.

" I would like to thank the marquise for saving my daughter,I owe you one lady please feel free to ask for anything "
I gave the formal speech I prepared and flashed my professional smile

"Oh my lord anyone in my shoes would have done the same " She flashed a smile too
Ok I accept my defeat,her formal smile is a little bit more just a little bit more real than me .

The banquet was coming to an end ,now it was the time the star of the banquet was supposed to be given a gift by the emperor and empress. The Marquise went on her one knee as a tribute ,The hall was full of whispers some praising her ,some thinking what the gift could be .
But as soon as the words left the mouth of herald ,The hall went silent.
"As a present to the brave Marquise Selene,The title of Crown Princess is bestowed upon her "
I looked at the king and he smiled ,my guess was right .
The Rovertole family maintained their calm stance .
The imperial family is trying to secure it's future by making a member of house Rovertole a Royal family member .
Whispers took over the hall.
But out of nowhere ,the marquise who was silent till now spoke up
"I hereby decline the gift .Your Royal highness"
Oh ho that's getting interesting.
"Do you know the weight of your words Marquise  " The empress spoke up ,she wasn't angry just amused.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity"
"I realise,it your royal highness and I don't consider myself worthy of the position"
"That's up to the people to choose"
"That is why I can't take this position,I can't betray the people of this holy land "
"Betray?"
" As you may already know I have been friends with the crown prince from childhood and he is my dearest friend ,I dare not betray him and the people. I already have a lover "

Now that was a shock to everyone, for a moment the Rovertoles facade disappeared.

"You are declining,for such a reason "
"This reason holds the weight in my life ,If I say yes I'll not only be betraying my friend, people and love but myself too "
"Who is he then may I ask"
"Your royal highness please don't force her . It's clearly written in the empire rules that one can have the freedom to love and not even the royal family questions it "
The crown prince who was silent till now spoke up .
After that no one questioned anything but everyone left with a question
Who was the marquise's lover?"

"What do you think father ,who does the Marques love"lia asked.
"No one . She was lying "
"How do you know"
"She has spent half of her life fighting wars ,there is no chance "
"Comeon father it doesn't mean she doesn't loves anybody, love is something that can happen to anyone and anytime "
"That's huge coming from a toddler " I smiled at her .
"Who's a toddler? And anyway I have read more books than you think "
"That preaches of love , Ill tell your nanny to never take you to library "
"Oh no "

Author's pov
Somewhere in the imperial garden.
"You have a lover Sel ?" Damian asked
"Duh no dumbo have I ever told you "
"No "
"Then that means no "
A unnoticed peace and calmness entered Damian's heart. He was scared for nothing.
"But I do like someone and I am going to propose tomorrow "
It took no time for Damian to freeze again.
"Won't you wish me good luck ?"
"Good luck " but poor boy couldn't help but say half heartly.
"Oh how am I gonna deal with my family "
"Now this deserve a ' hope  we meet again ,if you are alive ' "
Damian could only joke but Selena knew what was waiting for her at home .