Chapter 32
Chapter 32
But now, all Lilian wanted was to stay in her quiet corner, ideally never noticed, unlike how visible she was at present,
While she had agreed to Prince Michael’s proposal, not having the emperor’s approval meant it was basically invalid, and she should not be holding hands in the public’s eye
Fortunately, Michael met the shrine’s head priest soon after they entered and naturally had to release Lilian’s hand as he prayed.
Even as she quickly withdrew her hand, she sighed under her breath in relief.
On the other hand, the head priest clearly meant to give Michael a personal sermon, and Michael turned toward her. “Wait for me outside for just a couple of hours. There’s a place I’d like to visit with you later.“..
Lilian was left stumped–she had never intended to stay outside for long and was going to get a lucky charm before heading back..
Worse of all, Michael left soon after, not stopping to see how she was reacting.
When he finally disappeared from sight, Winter could not resist asking softly behind her, Milady? How did His Highness know that we’d be here?”
And taking her lady to some other place later!
Lilian shook her head–Evelyn could not have told the prince, could she?
“Maybe because everyone from the capital would be here for the sacred festival.”
Shrugging the matter out of her mind, she told Winter as she led her inside, “Let’s just get that lucky charm.‘
11
She knelt before the largest divine statue in the shrine, crossing her fingers in devout prayer. What she did not expect was a voice that irked her to no end suddenly speaking behind her. ” Why did you come alone, sister?”
Evelyn Lestrade!
Forced to open her eyes, she saw that Evelyn was already kneeling beside her.
However, instead of praying, her eyes were fixed on Lilian. “We agreed to come together, didn’t we? I was waiting for so long back home!”
Lilian was absolutely exhausted, but Emma spoke before she could behind her, “If she came with you, how would she be able to play damsel–in–distress for Prince Michael’s sake?”
When Lilian turned, she realized that Emma was not alone, but accompanied by two towering figures–Rupert and Henry.
1/2
Regret struck her once more.
If she knew everyone would be coming, she would have stayed in Floret Garden–just goofing off was still better than seeing this bunch!
For some reason, Rupert seemed preoccupied with something Emma said. “Damsel–in- distress?”
“You heard me!”
Emma glared viciously at Lilian right then. “Prince Michael declared that he’s her guardian, and no one gets to disrespect her. Hah! I honestly didn’t know she’s that good, bewitching an actual prince like she did!”
Silence ensued, and everyone turned toward Lilian right then.
Even if Rupert and Evelyn knew about her engagement with Prince Michael, neither of them spoke up as Emma humiliated her.
Fortunately for Lilian, she was used to them being silent when it mattered.
Winter, clearly upset just then, was going to snap when Lilian stopped her. “Stand down.”
As such, Winter had no choice but to pout as she took a couple of steps back
She then watched as Lilian crossed her fingers, bowing to the divine statue before turning and striding up to Emma.
With her brother there with her, Emma was fearless despite Prince Michael’s warning, even rearing her chin and raising her brow at Lilian. “What? Did I get anything wrong?”
Smack!
The slap was at once crisp and resounding.
