Enticing Series 2: Trouble (SPG)

Chapter 19

Clea Mair’s POV

“Are you sure about this, Dad?” I asked Dad to confirm what he just told me.

He called me early in the morning and told me that something was going on about the marriage agreement that my family arranged for me.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Dad said. “It has been two years since the Reveni Empire chose you to become the bride of their emperor. But it was put on hold because of the power struggle that has been happening there.”

I am aware of that.

May dalawa din kasing faction ang nabubuo ngayon sa palasyo ng Reveni Empire. Ang isa ay ang sumusuporta sa magiging kasal ko sa pamilya Henan habang ang isa naman ay pilit hinaharang ang kasal na iyon.

I heard those ministers don't really like everyone from our family so they keep encouraging their emperor to choose another bride.

They asked for enough time to settle that matter. That is why I got this freedom.

“The elders were already losing their patience and wanted to withdraw from this agreement to marry you off with someone else,” Dad said. “But last night, an official message came from the emperor confirming your wedding with him in Reveni.”

“Does it mean I have to go back home?” Damn it!

Kahapon lang ako nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob na magdesisyon para sa sarili ko. Kahapon ko lang pinili na maging masaya kahit sandali sa tabi ng taong gusto ko.

Kahapon lang iyon.

Pero bakit parang—

“Not yet Clea.” Natigilan ako sa naging sagot ni Daddy. “In fact, you were given more freedom from now on by your future husband.”

Kumunot ang noo ko. “What do you mean?”

“He knows that you grew up only inside the palace and never had a chance to enjoy life outside so he said that the wedding will happen two years from now,” he said. “And he demanded from the elders to give you all the freedom to do what you want. Without surveillance or guards.”

“W-what?”

“Well, it appears that he wanted you to experience everything before entering the Reveni Empire,” he added. “Kapag kasi nandoon ka na ay higit na malilimitahan ang mga kilos mo kaya ngayon pa lang ay binibigyan ka na niya ng pagkakataon na magawa ang lahat ng gusto mo. Even involving another man but, of course, there has to be a limitation.”

I suddenly thought about Andrel.

Is he the reason why his brother suddenly decided this? So we can have the freedom to be together even for only two years?

“He also said that since you are his bride-to-be, he is already responsible for you so he will dispatch his men to protect you,” sabi pa ni Daddy. “It looks like you got the attention of that young emperor, Clea. You should take advantage of this—”

“Dad…” I stopped him. “May I ask one question?”

“Oh, sorry I got carried away,” he said. “But yes. What is it?”

“We are doing fine, right?” I said. “Azaria has been leading this country and everyone is supporting our family. Why do I have to marry him? Can’t I just choose who I want to marry?”

“Clea…”

“I know, I am sorry,” I sighed. “I have a duty for this country. I understand that. I just want to take my chances so I asked this question that I have in a very long time.”

I heard him sigh. “You might not know this but we are also having a power balance inside the palace. Some of your uncles wanted to take down the whole Dahlia for thinking that they are after the crown.”

“But you are trying to stop them, right?” I said. “You were friends with the Dahlia Clan so you are doing everything to protect them.”

“Yeah,” he answered. “They never did anything wrong with us. We were the ones who hurt them and kept hurting them. They were just afraid that they would suddenly think of getting revenge but I can assure you that they meant no harm to any of us. That is why I did every possible way to protect Asper with the help of your sister.”

I once learned that Dad and the current Duke of the Axia Region were once best of friends. I don’t know why their friendship fell apart but I see that both of them were still trying to protect each other.

“That is why I am pushing this marriage even though I don’t want you to leave here,” he said. “This is the only thing that I can protect you from the people who are trying to use you for their own gain.”

“Dad…”

“I’m losing a lot of power even though I am the king, sweetheart,” I can hear concern in his voice. “I want to protect you and when you become the empress of the Reveni Empire, no one will dare to take advantage of you again.”

Even though I am not always with them, I know that they are always on my side. Miracle and Hector might not see it but they have been trying their best to protect us in their way.

“Henan Clan is the only family that will treat you well and protect you at the same time,” Dad added. “So please, don’t think of doing things that might compromise this agreement.”

I smiled and nodded even though he was not seeing it. “Don’t worry, Dad. I only asked that but I never intended to do anything. I will do what you want in time but thank you for letting me have my happiness even just for a while.”

Another two years is not bad for my freedom. I think it is enough for me to be with the man that I like and enjoy doing a lot of things that I might not be allowed to do when I become the wife of an emperor.

“Gotta go, Dad,” I said. “Thanks for the heads up and gave this good news. I will see you soon for the official signing of this agreement. I love you.” I ended the call and stared at it for a while. “I guess I have to make the most of these two years of additional freedom.”