03
564 Words
The night pressed in, ink-dark and suffocating. Vera was still trapped in the shadow of her past life’s death, but tension crackled in the air between father and daughter.
"Father, I don't want... I don’t want to marry Derek Aldrich."
Vera’s voice trembled, thick with pleading and resistance.
The Duke’s face darkened instantly, golden eyes narrowing in surprise.
"Oh?"
Biting her lip, Vera summoned every ounce of courage she had.
"Now that I’ve come back, I’ve finally seen things clearly. If that man despises me so much, why should I—Vera Aldrich—waste all my feelings on him? I’m hardly unworthy of love."
The duke fell silent for a moment, stroking his short beard, something cold and sharp flickering in his gaze—yet mingled with a touch of approval.
"Quite right. If he dares reject you again and again, he’s no son-in-law of mine."
"Yes, Father," Vera answered quickly, though anxiety twisted inside her.
If I really married Derek, I’d probably end up dead before our wedding night was over. I don’t even like him. Now that I’ve come back to life, I won’t risk everything for a cold-blooded prince ever again.
Suddenly, the duke’s tone shifted, his gaze sharpening as it fell on Vera.
"Actually, I think the Ninth Prince—Aiden—wouldn’t be a bad choice, either. What do you say, my dear? Should we consider him?"
He looked almost earnest, as if genuinely pondering her future happiness.
Seriously? Is my father trying to assemble a royal harem for me? In royal families, marriages are political, but can a girl really just pick a prince at random?
Vera shook her head in alarm, hands waving defensively.
"Father, absolutely not! Marriage isn’t a game. I’ve never even met His Highness the Ninth Prince. How could I possibly say yes to something like that?"
The duke gave a dismissive huff.
"The Ninth Prince, Aiden, is talented and refined. His looks don’t pale beside Derek’s, except…"
Vera, curiosity piqued, asked,
"Except what?"
The duke glanced at her, eyes glinting with mischief and meaning, and dropped his voice.
"Except his health is a bit… delicate. I fear he might not be able to... satisfy you."
Vera flushed crimson, stammering as she waved her hands in panic.
"Father, that’s not it at all! I’d never judge him for that, I swear!"
The duke’s lips curled in a rare teasing smile, warmth and fondness in his gaze.
"So, you’re saying you agree?"
"I…" Vera opened her mouth, utterly lost for words.
With a grand wave of his hand, the duke cut her off.
"Say no more. In a few days, I’ll arrange for you to meet the Ninth Prince. I’m sure you’ll be pleased."
"Father, I actually—" Vera tried to protest, but the duke silenced her with a look.
"Lia, take the young lady back to bed. See to her care—there must be no more accidents."
"Yes, my lord," Lia answered respectfully.
Vera could only watch as her father’s imposing figure disappeared through the doors, her protests dying in her throat. His presence always left no room for argument.
"Father..." she whispered, a storm of emotions churning in her heart.
The Ninth Prince, Aiden?
That legendary frail prince—rumored to have never once stepped beyond the royal castle’s ancient halls. Why would Father suddenly want to match us together?
- Writer
