Living Like a Mouse? How About a Lion?

Tea Time Trouble

Tea time with my father was never on my list of favorite pastimes. It usually involved long, awkward silences, and the occasional sharp comment about my "manners" or "attitude." But today, something felt off. The air was different, heavier somehow.

Oh, and did I mention Callisto was there too? 

Along with my brothers? 

Yeah, this was going to be fun.

I walked into the room, keeping my expression as neutral as possible, though inside, I was a whirlwind of suspicion. Father, sitting at the head of the table, looked... pleased. That was never a good sign. Derrick sat on one side of him, stone-faced as always, while Reynold lounged lazily in his chair, as if he'd rather be anywhere else.

And then there was Callisto, comfortably seated with that signature smirk plastered on his face, looking as if he owned the entire room.

Which, considering the circumstances, wasn't too far from the truth.

I took my seat, giving everyone a polite nod, even though I was itching to grab the teapot and dump its contents over someone's head. Maybe Derrick's, just for fun. I was in that kind of mood.

Father cleared his throat. "Penelope, thank you for joining us."

Yeah, like I had a choice.

I picked up my teacup, trying to hide my irritation. "Of course, Father. How could I miss such a charming gathering?"

Reynold snorted into his tea, earning a sharp glare from Derrick, which made me almost smile. Almost.

But then, Father's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "We have something important to discuss."

Oh boy, here it comes.

I glanced at Callisto, who hadn't stopped staring at me since I sat down. His expression was smug, like a cat about to pounce on a very unsuspecting mouse. I had a bad feeling about this.

Father took a deep breath, looking between me and Callisto. "His Highness, Prince Callisto, has requested your hand in marriage."

Pffft—

I couldn't help it. The tea I had been sipping sprayed out of my mouth in a rather spectacular fashion, right across the table. A perfect arc. The silence that followed was deafening.

Seriously, Father?

I wiped my mouth, trying to keep my composure, but my brain was still trying to process what he'd just said. I looked at Callisto, who was, of course, completely unfazed. Of course, he was.

"Excuse me?" I said, hoping I'd misheard.

Callisto leaned forward, his smirk somehow widening. "I believe you heard correctly, Penelope. I'm officially asking for your hand in marriage."

Great. 

This is what I get for making deals with madmen.

Derrick looked like he was about to say something, probably something along the lines of "over my dead body," but before he could open his mouth, Father raised his hand to silence him. "This is a great honor, Penelope. The royal family has chosen you."

The royal family didn't choose me. 

Callisto did. 

Big difference, Dad.

I forced a smile, though my teeth were clenched so hard I was surprised they didn't crack. "How lovely. Truly."

Callisto chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "You don't need to act so surprised. I told you this was inevitable."

Oh, I hate him. 

I really, really hate him.

But then I remembered our little agreement. The one where I would get a shot at freedom if I played my cards right. And this—this proposal—was the next step. I had agreed to the game, and now I had to see it through.

I let out a sigh, putting down my teacup. "Fine. I accept."

The room went still. Derrick's face twitched, clearly trying to hold back whatever explosion was brewing inside him. Reynold blinked, his expression a mix of confusion and mild horror, while Father looked... relieved?

Well, at least one of us is happy.

Callisto's smile didn't waver. "That's my girl."

Excuse me? 

Your girl? 

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Prince Charming.

I shot him a glare, but I knew better than to argue right now. Not in front of my father. Not in front of my brothers. This was all part of the plan. A plan I was starting to hate, but a plan nonetheless.

Father stood, raising his glass. "To the future Crown Princess of the empire."

I wanted to vomit.

Crown Princess? 

Oh no, no, no. 

I'm not here for the crown, Dad. 

I'm here for an exit strategy.

But I plastered a smile on my face, lifting my own glass in response. "To the future," I echoed, trying not to choke on the words.

Callisto raised his glass as well, his eyes never leaving mine. "To the future indeed."

As we all sipped our drinks, I couldn't help but feel like I was toasting to my own doom. But then again, I'd been living in a nightmare ever since I arrived here, so what was one more insane twist?

At least this time, I'm choosing the insanity. 

That's something, right?

The rest of the tea time passed in a blur of pleasantries and forced conversation. Derrick barely spoke, though I could feel his eyes boring into the side of my head, no doubt ready to explode the moment we were alone. Reynold was unusually quiet too, probably too stunned to comprehend what had just happened.

But Callisto? He was as smug as ever, playing the part of the charming prince while secretly pulling all the strings.

And now I'm tied to them. 

Fabulous.

As soon as it was over, I stood to leave, offering a polite nod to my father. "If you'll excuse me, I need some air."

Father gave a small nod of approval, though I could tell he was too pleased with the outcome to care. Derrick, on the other hand, looked like he was about to combust, but he kept his mouth shut—for now.

I turned to leave, but Callisto's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Penelope," he said, his tone far too casual. "Don't forget, we have much to plan before the big day."

Oh, I won't forget. 

Trust me.

I didn't even bother looking back as I walked out of the room, the weight of my new "engagement" settling in. I had agreed to this madness, but now I needed to figure out how to survive it.

And maybe, just maybe, find a way out before it was too late.