Adrien couldn't believe it.
"Father, again?"
"This match is too good to simply ignore."
"That's what you said about the Bourgeois family, and the Rossi family, and the Tsurugi clan."
Three times.
Three times his father, the Duke Gabriel Agreste betrothed him.
Each time to three young women, one richer than the other.
And then he broke each engagement for a richer woman who can upscale his status.
(His as in his father's.)
The first was to Princess Chloé of France, his only childhood friend. She was clingy, spoiled but she was sweet in private without prying eyes and he enjoyed her company.
Then came a duchess from Italy, Lila. She set her eyes on him like a hungry fox, treating him like a golden prize while she acted violent to anyone who crossed her.
And then he was brought to Kagami of the renowned Tsurugi clan of Japan. Daughter of a female damiyo and training to be a samurai, she was a woman of honour and he was fond of her.
And now, his father had broken ties for the third time to arrange a marriage with the king of Britain's daughter.
"A betrothal with a foreign princess will help us greatly."
"You mean it will help you."
"Do not talk back to me. I am doing this for you, Adrien. You deserve the best kind of woman in this world. A woman who can help this family. I have sent a letter to the king of Britain and I already spoke to Tomoe on breaking our deal."
"Should I talk to Kagami?"
"It's worthless to talk to a woman you are no longer interested in."
(A woman Gabriel was no longer interested in.)
Gabriel turned his back on his son and left the room.
Adrien groaned. "The only woman I'm interested in marrying is Marinette."
A day later, the Agreste were at The Royal Court of France in Paris, just making small talk with the other nobles.
Gabriel carries himself with upmost arrogance and intimidation, his posture radiating absolute respect and control in the court.
As if he was the king of France.
The duke was being pinned down by glares from the duchess Lila, the princess Chloé, the lady Kagami and their families, even king Bourgeois himself.
But they couldn't do anything. They were scared of Duke Gabriel Agreste. He was a ruthless man.
No one can match him.
"Macaroons, my Lord?" Marinette asked, holding a tray of treats.
Adrien smiled, taking a macaroon. "Thank you, Marinette."
Marinette curtsied and walked away. Adrien sighed as he watched her go to another noble. In his eyes, she was the most beautiful in the court, even when she was wearing a simple pink servant's dress.
(Marinette was the best kind of woman who can help his family. Bring back the happiness his mother took when she died.)
"Sire! Sire!"
A guard rushed in, dropping to his knees before Andre.
"Your majesty, King Lulworth of Britain is at your gate!"
