Chapter 20
Lilian was acquainted with Prince Michael, as the marquise and Consort Darling were close friends and got their children together on play dates.
Still, as Prince Michael was an offspring of the emperor, his status meant the other children had to be careful even when they played with him.
And as they grew, the prince was bogged down by his duties and therefore left the palace less often, rarely joining their play dates.
As such, Lilian was at best an acquaintance with him and hardly close.
Still, there was once when she met him after being sent to the washhouse.
She was in her servant garb, kneeling with the madame–it was likely Prince Michael never saw her at all.
And now, there he was–sitting at Consort Darling’s side, his clean brocaded coat accentuating his elegant appearance.
He was tall, too. Even as they sat, he was heads and shoulders above his mother.
His stern facial features resembled the emperor’s, while his eyes were Consort Darling’s.
Anyone could feel a tenderness when they looked into it, along with a hint of mercy and compassion.
And as he looked at Lilian now, the compassion in his eyes could well be overflowing.
However, Lilian really despised that look–it made her feel like the most pathetic person in this world.
And she clearly wasn’t.
“You may rise.”
Consort Darling came over, helping Lilian to her feet. “Your mother only sent word yesterday on this matter–a little late, I must say, or I would’ve spoken to you more a couple of days ago.
While Lilian kept her head down, looking embarrassed, in reality she just did not know what to
say.
The marquise was pleased to see how much Consort Darling liked Lilian, and couldn’t resist glancing at Prince Michael.
Seeing that he was staring fixedly at Lilian from the start only delighted the marquise further, and she said, “Your Highness, you have grown even more handsome now.”
At those words, Prince Michael finally stood, nodding and smiling at the marquise, “You flatter me.”
The word alone seemed to bring them closer together
As both Consort Darling and the marquise traded glances, they can thus the sadn In each other’s eyes.
On the other hand, Lillan simply couldn’t understand
Prince Michael knew full well she was not the legitimate daughter of the margin, ach for th also been a servant at the washhouse for three years.
With the nobility of this birth, was there any noble daughter who would’t take his han marriage?
And what about Lilian would satisfy Consort Darling?
Even so, there was no question that Consort Darling was eager to get them toger, shooting Prince Michael a look, “Why don’t you take Lily out on a stroll in the imperial garden?”
It
obviously to give them some private time, and Prince Michael nodded respectfully, Lilian.
Lilian curtseyed and followed him outside, staying behind him and keeping a polite distance between them as they walked.
As such, they never had the chance to speak on the way to the imperial gardens.
The flowers there blossomed throughout all four seasons, and the cherry blossom trees were currently blooming.
Prince Michael then strode up to a cherry blossom, plucking a branch and handing it to Lilian, “If I recall, it’s your favorite.”
There weren’t many who remembered Lilian’s favorites.
Hence, even if she no longer likes it now, she accepted the branch politely with both hands, Thank you, Your Highness.”
“You don’t have to be so formal with me,” Prince Michael smiled faintly in turn. “We will be marrying in three months, give or take/‘
His words left Lilian gaping in shock nonetheless.
Three months?
So soon?!
She watched as Prince Michael’s smile broadened. “As my investiture ceremony is over, it’s only natural that I must return to my fief. In three months, I will be leaving for Glaston. And you will be coming with me.”
Lilian froze.
She was aware that she had come to meet her future husband, but the marriage was already decided anyway?
Wasn’t that too quick?
Her shock seemed to amuse Prince Michael nonetheless, though she assured her, “Don’t worry. The scenery is beautiful over there, and It’s not as cold as the capital even during winter. Your chilblains won’t relapse when the next winter comnes.”
As if in reflex, Lilian slid her hands beneath her sleeves, not expecting him to notice.
For his part, Prince Michael pretended that he never noticed as he continued, “Also, silk is the main commodity in Glaston, so you would have endless dresses to try on. And it’s also a place for culture, and as I’m aware of your skill in calligraphy, I’m sure you’d like it there.”
The way
he spoke made him appear no different from a peddler, doing his damnedest to promote his goods.
That enthusiasm only left Lilian frowning in confusion, and she eventually asked, “May I ask a question?”
“Of course,” Prince Michael nodded.
“You have everything–from–looks to nobility to status, and there are plenty of ladies in the capital who could say the same. So… Why me?”
The prince’s eyes seemed to flash darkly for a moment, but she soon beamed warmly as she answered, “Because Marquise Lestrade suggested it, of course. And I just happen to be looking for a wife.”
Lilian simply kept her bright, clear gaze fixed on Prince Michael in silence.
Even if the marquise and Consort Darling were close friends, they were still talking about a prince’s marriage. How could the consort’s only concern be just her friendship?
woman h
And it was just as she had put it–with Prince Michael being who he was, was there
couldn’t get?
any
Even the prime minister’s daughter would not be a reach, so why would he choose such a peculiar, unseemly woman like herself?
And she was just humiliated again days ago!
It was no exaggeration to say that she didn’t deserve such a noble prince!
Lowering his gaze, Prince Michael breathed a long sigh. “If I had to state a reason, it’d be that my mother favors you.
That left Lilian stunned again:
When she looked up once more, she found a tender gleam in his eyes as he continued, “The
Chapter 20
other day after you returned the clothes you watched, she’s been talking endlessly about you. Just so you know, in under two hours, she had the maid you asked for transferred to her pavilion.”
“Truth be told, I’ve never seen her paying so much attention to anyone.”
Lilian frowned–she had spotted Willow earlier too, who was working as a cleaner in Consort Darling’s pavilion as she had suggested.
It surprised Lilian that the consort would take her words to heart, just as she was grateful. That was when Prince Michael suddenly took a step closer to her, catching her by surprise. He was a big man, and Lilian had to look up just to make eye contact.
Now that he pressed himself closer, however, she felt compelled to lower her eyes.
That was when that dulcet voice spoke, “And I’ve liked you for a while now.”
Lilian looked up at him in shock right then, and found herself staring into a gaze of utter tenderness.
And they were so close that it left her mind blanking out, as she had no idea what to do… Nonetheless, a cool voice echoed through the silence the next instant, “Your Highness.” It was none other than Henry Stark himself.
