Villainess Tries Again (Hiatus...)

9

I was promptly glad, to finally be in the carriage with my parents and Solo.
As we rode back my mother proudly bragged about how many friends of hers complimented my beauty and how she proudly refused to engage me with their sons.
In my room, Elena helped me to get rid of the tiresome clothes and accessories.
I fell to a deep sleep only to wake up quite late.
My father held a somewhat grim expression as I came downstairs to breakfast. He still smiled at me though he was quite lost in thought.
My mother was the one who revealed the news as she asked quite gently "Ephora, we are just asking because we want to hear about it from you. Did something happen last night?"

"What is it about mother?"
I wanted to know how much they knew and my mother gave a glance at my father before speaking "Well, a news is going around that you went with Prince Ferez to his chamber last night. Several noble women seemed to claim to have seen it. We know you won't do anything bad Ephora. We just want to clarify with you."

I felt very angry with Ferez. Why did he have to drag me with him?
"Mother, indeed I went with Prince Ferez to his chambers because he was quite drunk and unable to walk steadily, I helped him. But I didn't wait in there for long and nothing happened."

My parents expressions relaxed. They believed me but then the butler came to inform that a guest had come to visit me.

It was none other than Ferez, he came directly to the point as he spoke to my father "Mr. Valiant, I would like to speak with your daughter for a moment regarding the recent rumor. I apologize for the trouble, I have caused."
He bowed his head politely and it was quite new to see the regal family apologize to someone who was not even a noble.
My father was quite polite as he didn't want to offend his Majesty and allowed us a bit of time mainly due to my mother's insistence, she was quite pleased with Ferez's sincere apology.

I didn't really want to talk about it and his cold gaze was a bit terrifying.
His red eyes were actually quite beautiful and if it were not for my strong willpower, I would have been mesmerized by it. He took a seat "Lady Ephora, I hope you didn't have any trouble last night."
I gave a fake smile "Not much, your highness. Not as much as this morning anyway."
The dark aura around him grew as a chilly wind blew around me. However he didn't show any emotion in his face "Let's get engaged."
I was dumbfounded, his eyes were quite calm as if he was delivering some casual news. Somehow I managed to use my vocal chords "What did you say, your highness?"
I gave him a look that meant 'it was the most ridiculous thing I have heard in my life.'

He leant forward, his tone held a hint of threat "Let's get engaged. This prince does not like to repeat."
Realizing this person was not in his right mind, I should be the bigger person and calm down. Giving a forced smile, I asked "Your highness, why would you want to get engaged with me?"
"Do I have to state my reasons to you?"
I barely held myself back from throwing my shoe at him. Of course I should know the reason, I am the one getting engaged.
I still held my smile "Well, I do not think his highness likes me that much so I don't see any reason for me to get engaged. Why don't we pretend this conversation didn't happen?"
"Do we have to get engaged because I like you?"
I stared at him, his words seem to hold some hidden meaning. "Your highness, what do you really want?"
"Just be my fiancee for six months and I will compensate you well."
This time I got the idea, he wanted to make a deal with me. I mean who wouldn't want money. I sat down immediately, with absolute interest "So you want to make a deal with me? If the deal is beneficial to both of us, I think it can be considered."
After seeing my father conduct many business negotiations, I too kept some tips in my mind. He was a very shrewd and successful business and I learned from the best.
I saw a glint in Ferez's eyes as I said this and he smirked "It seems Lady Ephora is quite astute in business."
I gave a proud smile "Indeed, you may mention your terms your highness and we can draw up a contract."
The tensed atmosphere seemed to relax after I realized why Ferez actually wanted an engagement and I signed the contract seeing the hundreds and thousands of gold coins, I was to inherit in the near future.

We both made a contract oath so it was legit. My father was quite surprised when I announced the engagement and he tried to throw a tantrum but me and my mother managed to pursuade him, after all this wasn't the first time Ferez was engaged, he used to have multiple affairs and was considered the black sheep in the family. Though in my past life, it was revealed that type of a behavior was an act. I wasn't really sure this time because he seemed somewhat different from what I used to remember.

My father also took me to see His Majesty to make the engagement more official eventhough the public will only get to know about it after some time.
This was to hush the scandals and prove that I had every right to take Ferez to his chambers so the vintage gossip circles quickly focused on other topics giving up my recent blunder.

However....as all good things must come to an end. I could only blame myself for this matter. His damn contract had so many conditions which I hadn't properly read.
I had to be at his beck and call everyday also whenever he has to attend a gathering, I had to be there too. Not only that but I had to accompany him on his lessons with his private tutor and it was also my duty to see he scored at least the average score. Isn't this basically taking care of a kid???

After a few days, I was completely exhausted. Running to and fro from the palace was quite tiring especially after running around the large imperial garden trying to find Ferez to bring him back to his studies.

Elena sympathized with me and led me up the stairs to my room. I took a nap but I kept regretting it, signing that stupid contract, he was obviously bullying me.