Beauty and her Beast (Nokto)

~Chapter 6, Part 3~

Rio: You dirty conman! 

Rio's voice was far too loud for the tiny carriage, and I winced, but I didn't really blame him. 

Nokto: Stop complaining. Things only went as well as they did because of my con. 

Rio: Well, maybe-I mean, yes, but- That's not the point! The point is-I'm not giving up the position of Ver's future husband, not to anyone! 

Veronica: Rio, I get that you're upset, but could you lower your voice a bit? 

(I'm so exhausted I think I could sleep for a week. Maybe a year.) I slumped down in my seat, glad I could finally stop pretending, but my gaze was drawn to Nokto's smug smile again. 

Veronica: I can't believe that con actually worked...

(And I feel like an idiot for believing that you only wanted me along to look pretty and smile.) After Nokto had put the ring on my finger, the merchants had called for celebration, and soon everyone was drinking a toast to us. I'd tried to stay sober, but listening to Nokto tell stories about how we'd met and fallen in love had made me want to drink myself into oblivion. (And as if that wasn't bad enough, Licht just sat there listening calmly to all of it while he stuffed his face with dessert!) As the banquet had drawn to a close, there'd been a second toast to a wish us 'good luck', and then we'd finally been allowed to escape. 

Rio: If I'd been there, I'd never have let you get all cozy with Ver like that!

Veronica: That would've been even more awkward to explain...

Nokto: Honestly, it went even better than I thought it would. They even said they'd let us increase the quantity of rose oil we export to them, as a celebratory gift. It almost makes me want to get engaged more often. I wasn't sure that duke was selling me worthwhile information at the time, but I've changed my mind.

It was clear from Nokto's complacent smile that our trip had been a diplomatic success, but that didn't make me feel any better. The sky was turning the color of rose petals as the carriage passed through the palace gates. I waited until Nokto was gone before I alighted wearily from the carriage, and by chance, my gaze met Licht's as he rode up from behind. 

Veronica: Licht... thanks for coming with us. I bet you were surprised, too, right? 

Licht: If you really think so, then I was right-you do have poor judgement.