Nickolai and Arlo were waiting for Lucas as he bid Irene farewell.
“In a few days, a carriage will come to take you. When you arrive at the capital, we will get married there,” Lucas said, his voice brimming with happiness.
Irene simply nodded.
Nickolai remained silent, while Arlo felt a sharp pang in his chest at the sight of their interaction. Still, he couldn’t show it. He turned his head away.
That small action did not go unnoticed by Nickolai—yet he said nothing.
“Here.” Lucas took out an amulet. “This has been with me for a long time. I hope it will keep you safe until you arrive at the capital.”
He gently tied it around Irene’s wrist.
Seeing his earnest gesture, Irene’s heart swelled.
“Have a safe journey, Lucas,” she said softly.
“I will,” he replied with a smile.
He nodded to Old Judy and Lydia before mounting his horse.
“Don’t worry. These two guards will protect you while you are here, and they will escort you to the capital,” Nickolai said calmly. “Until we meet again, Miss Irene.”
With that, he rode off.
Everyone bowed as they saw them off.
Lucas glanced back one last time, smiling at Irene before departing.
Arlo also looked back at her. Noticing his gaze, Irene gave him a small nod. He returned it silently before leaving.
Upon arriving at the capital of Loistava, they were warmly received by the king, queen, and several ministers.
“I heard what happened during your expedition. I’m glad you are safe,” the king said.
“How could such danger befall you?” the queen asked, worry evident in her voice.
“I am fine. We suspect it was the work of an enemy nation—perhaps an attempt to provoke war, Your Majesty,” Lucas explained.
“Imbeciles! Those fools know nothing but bloodshed,” the king snapped. “This matter will be investigated by the Crown Prince, Nickolai.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Nickolai responded.
“Your Majesty,” Lucas continued, “I bring news. I am to be wed. Please grant us your blessing.”
His declaration shocked everyone.
“Who is the fortunate lady?” the king asked.
“She is kind and compassionate… and she is my savior, Your Majesty.”
“What a wonderful match!” the king exclaimed. “You have my full blessing.”
The ministers offered their congratulations, including Duke Wickson.
As the hall gradually emptied, the king turned to the queen.
“It seems the holy priest will marry before the Crown Prince.”
“Yes… indeed.” The queen’s expression softened with worry. “But my niece—his fiancée—has been missing for a month. I fear for her safety. I only hope she will be found soon.”
Seeing his beloved distressed, the king gently reassured her.
“Do not worry. I will have the entire kingdom search for her. They will not stop until she is found.”
Meanwhile, Irene noticed that the guards assigned to her were anything but careless. They guarded her closely, as if afraid she might disappear.
She sighed.
A knock came at the door. Old Judy and Lydia entered, both looking concerned.
“Are you really going to marry the holy priest?” Old Judy asked.
“It seems so. I can’t escape… and I don’t want to bring danger to the two of you,” Irene replied.
“I’m old enough to die,” Old Judy said bluntly. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“I’m not!” Lydia quickly raised her hand. “I’m still young—I have a lot of things I want to do!”
“Be quiet!” Old Judy snapped, then turned back to Irene. “What are you going to do? Didn’t you say returning to the capital would put you in danger?”
“I don’t know… I suppose I’ll see it through. Besides, Lucas promised to protect me.”
“So you’re going to trust a man’s words?”
Irene knew the concern was valid. Relying on such promises was risky.
But she had little choice.
“I can’t spend my life running away. With Lucas… I might be able to…”
She hesitated.
…found a way to return home.
“…have a better future,” she finished.
Old Judy sighed. “Fine. I won’t force you. Just be certain of your decision—and stay safe. No matter what happens, take care of yourself.”
Despite her words, there was sadness in her eyes.
She had grown fond of Irene. Letting her go was not easy.
“Also, invite us to your wedding!” Lydia chimed in brightly. “I want to see if there are any handsome men who could be my future husband.”
“Enough with your nonsense,” Old Judy muttered, dragging Lydia away. “Let her rest.”
The door closed, leaving Irene alone.
She looked down at the amulet on her wrist.
Lucas’s face surfaced in her mind.
Marriage…
She didn’t know what to feel.
Everything was spiraling beyond her control.
Lying down, Irene closed her eyes.
Hoping—
that tomorrow might bring something better.
YOU ARE READING
When Beauty Destroys The BL World
RomanceIrene was just a normal girl, waiting for her graduation day to set up her new journey. Her dream is to be a doctor and a good daughter for her single father. But all of that change when she tries to help an old lady from a robber, as she was push d...
