Meanwhile
"You need to stay alert. Ezekiel Slovak and that disgusting rat, Damascus Brentford, are at the party—along with many others who have it out for us. Better introduce the girl last at the Ball. That way they won't have the leverage to mingle with you… at least not yet."
The voice echoed from the other end of Raymond's phone.
He stood on the balcony of Ariel's room in the palace, listening.
"Don't worry. I've already planted men to keep an eye on the proceedings. As soon as the other nobles finish introducing their daughters, Ariel and I will enter for the introduction," Raymond replied.
"Alright then. I'll be waiting for any progress report. Good luck," said the voice before the line went dead.
Raymond sighed, lowering the phone from his ear.
He stared at the star-streaked sky and the crescent moon, which looked half-awake.
"The time has finally arrived. Elizabeth… I hope your niece is ready. And I pray she'll help me avenge you soon," he whispered to the moon.
"Is everything okay?"
Raymond turned toward the voice and saw Ariel standing a few steps away. He smiled—she looked stunning.
But better to save that stunning reveal for those rats at the Ball.
He moved closer, his smile widening. "Everything is fine, Ariel." He paused, stopping just short of her. "You look breathtaking. That arrogant prince of yours won't know what hit him."
Ariel's smile brightened. "Thank you, Father. It means a lot coming from you."
"You're welcome, my dear. Now let's take a breather. There's no need to rush to the Ball. We want to make a grand entrance at the end—and we're going to make it worthwhile," Raymond said, moving further into the room.
Ariel snorted. "Of course. The grander the entrance, the more attention I'll get, right?"
She sighed as she stepped inside, closing the balcony doors and drawing the curtains.
"I thought our plan was to be discreet and not attract attention. What—did you change your mind?" Ariel asked.
Raymond turned to her, his gaze steady. "Ariel… you are beautiful. More exceptional than all the ladies participating in the selection. Even if we don't make a grand entrance, you'll still attract attention no matter what."
Ariel scoffed. "Of course. Figures. I'm like a pile of unguarded gold that will always attract scavengers. Yay me."
Raymond chuckled as he stepped closer. "Indeed. Yay you." He paused, his tone shifting. "Now… tell me. What did the King say to you? What does he want? Did he threaten you?"
Ariel sighed, her expression clouding as she recalled her conversation with the King.
.....
Earlier that morning, in the King's study…
Ariel could feel her heart hammering in her chest as she sat face-to-face with the world's most powerful monarch—King Reginald Devonte V. She had heard much about him from her late father, Duke Alexander Sinclair. Reginald was a valiant warrior, ruthless in battle and merciless to his enemies. He was a capable ruler, but not as wise as his late father, King Ronald Devonte, nor as shrewd as his mother, the Queen Dowager Alicia Marvelton.
Reginald was easily manipulated, greedy, and cowardly when it came to power. That's why instead of destroying one of the kingdom's greatest rivals—King Damascus Brentford of Draskia—he had married Brentford's daughter, Queen Esmerelda, a decision that drew sharp criticism and scorn. Foolish though he was, Reginald still wore the world's most powerful crown, and he was not to be trifled with.
Ariel swallowed hard as she stared at him. Though older, he bore a striking resemblance to Daniel—his domineering presence and arrogant aura unmistakable too. Like father. Like son.
Reginald smirked as he noticed Ariel's steady gaze. She looked directly at him, expressionless, unflinching. It was an offense to a monarch, for meeting his eyes was considered a challenge. Long ago, people had lost their heads—or their eyes—for such defiance. Yet this girl did not falter. She met his gaze without fear.
And that amused him.
"Bold woman," he muttered under his breath. But Ariel heard him.
Ariel immediately realized she had been staring directly at him—an offense punishable by death. She had done the same with Daniel and wondered why she always courted danger like that. Silently scolding herself, she lowered her eyes, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment.
Reginald noticed. He realized she had heard his mutter and smirked. This woman is truly something, he mused.
"Lady Ariel Benedict Fortmore," he called gently.
Ariel glanced at him briefly before lowering her eyes again, replying in a sweet, soft voice. "Yes, Your esteemed Majesty."
"Do you know why I summoned you here?" Reginald asked.
Ariel swallowed. It was a trick question. "Pardon me, Your Majesty. But I believe you are about to tell me."
Reginald snickered. He had expected her to panic, to blurt out something about her situation. After all, it was illegal for a participant in the selection to remain in the palace near the Crown Prince before the crowning. Any other woman would have freaked out, fearing punishment or scolding. But this woman was different. She didn't state the obvious—she gave him the chance to explain himself. She was smart. He liked that.
"Mmm… alright," he exhaled, sitting straighter. "I called you here because I want to make a deal with you."
Ariel's eyes flicked up in confusion. "Your Majesty?"
Reginald smiled. "Let's cut to the chase. I know my mother, the Queen Dowager, brought you into this palace and placed you into this competition despite your low rank—so you could become Daniel's Crown Princess and the future Queen. And I believe I'm starting to see why. So I want to make a deal with you."
He leaned closer, his gaze piercing. "Pass the first two stages of the competition. Swear your loyalty to me and the Crown. And the crowning will be yours. I will make you Crown Princess—and future Queen of this kingdom."
Ariel looked at him in disbelief. 'Swear loyalty to him and the Crown? What does he mean? What does he want with me?' Her thoughts whirled.
"Pardon me for asking, Your Majesty, but isn't that decision supposed to be the Crown Prince's? Why would you choose me as Crown Princess? I don't understand."
Reginald hummed. "I understand your concern, and that's fair. But you must know—whoever gains the support of both the Queen Dowager and the King is, by law, already chosen as Crown Princess, regardless of what the Crown Prince might say or think. I like you, Lady Fortmore. You look like a woman who knows how to be in control. And that is the kind of woman fit to be Queen."
'Even if the King ends up being someone else', he mused silently.
Ariel felt suspicion bells ringing. The last she had heard, the King and Crown Prince were estranged. Rumor said Reginald favored his second son, Prince Eric, over Daniel—and that he was even planning to strip Daniel of his title and give it to Eric. So why the sudden support? What was he up to?
"And what if I fail?" Ariel asked.
Reginald smiled. "Then it will be someone else, of course."
Ariel swallowed hard.
"Even if my mother dotes on you," he leaned in, his voice low, "without my approval… you will never be crowned."
Ariel felt the threat in his words. She sensed he meant more than just the crowning—something deeper, something more sinister awaited her if she failed.
The King wanted her as a pawn. He wanted to use her as leverage, whether she won or not. A strange feeling of dread crawled up Ariel's spine.
This was not good.
Reginald noticed her suspicious discomfort. He sensed she was already aware of a larger ploy behind his words—and she was right. But he wasn't ready to expose himself yet. He wanted to study her, lure her in, and trap her in his plans. She was sharp, smart, calculating—not easily fooled. She was perfect.
"So…" he continued smoothly. "I kindly advise that you do your best and accept the deal. With my support, no one will dare challenge you or try to harm you. You will become Crown Princess, guaranteed—without question. So, what do you say?"
At first, Ariel wasn't sure if she should agree. The King wasn't giving her room to refuse. If she rejected him, he might have her expelled from the selection. But then again, he had admitted he liked her—that was something. If he thought he could control her, he was dead wrong. Still, she decided not to expose herself too quickly. Better to play along, see what he had in store, and perhaps use it to aid her father Raymond's revenge. It was a gamble worth taking.
With a sweet smile, she lowered her gaze, bowing her head. "Thank you so much, Your esteemed Majesty. It is an honor to be chosen by you for such an important deal. I accept your offer and promise my loyalty to you and the Crown. I will perform my best to be chosen as Crown Princess."
Reginald smiled. 'It's good she saw sense and accepted. Otherwise, I would've been forced to use the big guns.'
He opened his mouth to speak when—
"However…" Ariel interrupted, lifting her gaze. A glint of fierceness burned in her eyes.
Reginald was taken aback. The fire in her stare was undeniable. She looked fierce, exuding an aura that warned she was not to be trifled with.
Ariel sat straighter and continued. "I will only accept the deal if the terms are drafted on paper, signed by both parties, and stamped with your royal seal. That way I can be guaranteed that His Majesty won't back away from his words—or twist the terms to bind me into something else." She smirked.
'Pffffft!' Reginald spat in his mind.
'Damn! What a bold and smart woman. This one is dangerous. No wonder Mother wants her as Daniel's wife. She's calculating, sharp, and not easily intimidated. That's good—and bad for my plans. Luring her in won't be easy. But it doesn't matter. I'll let her feel secure, then turn the tables when the time comes.'
"Alright," Reginald said smoothly. "I admire the way you want to feel secure. Don't worry—I'll draft the agreement, and we can sign it after the introduction Ball. Agreed?" He smiled mischievously.
Ariel smiled. "Agreed."
'Foolish old man. I can read you like an open book. If you think you can take advantage of me, think again. I am a wolf, but I can dress and pretend to be a sheep whenever I choose—studying my prey until the right moment. And when that moment comes… you'll be in for one hell of a surprise.'
Her smile widened.
...
Back to the present
"Mmm… you did well," Raymond commended after Ariel recounted what had transpired between her and the King.
"Making him draft a written agreement was a smart move. That way he won't be able to take advantage of you so easily. Still, it's suspicious that King Reginald wants you to win the competition and become Crown Princess. It's too… unexpected."
"Mmm, yes. But don't worry, Father. I'm not going to let him intimidate me. He'll get what's coming to him if he tries anything funny. That much is guaranteed," Ariel said firmly.
"Mmm… alright. But be careful. We still don't know why he's doing this—or how far he'll go to achieve what he wants. Stay alert, and keep me posted if he tries to intervene during the two stages he mentioned. Understood?" Raymond warned.
Ariel nodded. "Okay, Father. I'll keep you posted."
"Good. And I think it's almost time for us to leave for the introduction Ball. Let me check something, and I'll be right back," Raymond said.
"Okay, Father. I'll wait for you here," Ariel replied.
"Alright, dear. I'll be back soon." Raymond left the room.
Ariel turned to the side, her expression clouded.
"I really hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. Otherwise… it will be a big problem," she whispered.
Just then, the sound of the door opening echoed through the room.
"Oh, Father, you're back already. Is it time to leave?" she exclaimed, turning toward the door with a smile.
Only for her smile to freeze in place.
Standing before her was not her father.
It was a man with black curly hair, piercing black eyes, thick eyebrows, a flat nose, plush lips, and a medium, muscular frame. He wore a black-and-gold suit, a golden sash draped across his chest, and the royal emblem gleaming proudly.
Ariel shook her head slightly, wondering if she was seeing things.
But he was still there.
Stunned, she murmured, "Pri… Prince Eric. Wha… what are you—"
Her words were cut short as Eric suddenly closed the distance, cupped her cheeks, and pressed his lips against hers.
Ariel's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her strength draining until she couldn't react—leaving the uninvited man's lips pressed against hers.
Eric pulled back, gazing into her bewildered eyes, and whispered against her lips:
"I am going to make you mine. My moon. I promise."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left the room swiftly.
Ariel remained frozen, staring at the empty space, her rosy lips parted in disbelief, her eyes wide.
'I guess I did bite off more than I can chew. Fuck.'