It's been a week since that incident, after that I never saw him again. Isn't this too sad, since I can't even see my own husband.
We got married because of the Emperor's decree and of course because of the intervention of my family.
My father is a Duke who has an important role in this Kingdom. He held military positions and vast areas of power which were of course very useful to the Emperor.
This marriage was beneficial for both parties, but unfortunately not for the Crown Prince.
Yes, of course who would be happy marrying his enemy's daughter, because tragically my family also had a hand in his mother's death. You could say, an accomplice to his mother's murder.
Many slowly forgot about the incident, but not the person concerned. The reason is that I still see the hateful eyes he still directs at me.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
It's still a good thing he didn't kill me a week ago.
Yes, he didn't do anything to me. Should I be angry or cry about it?
No.
I can't react in any way. What do I expect from this wedding? It is impossible that hatred will turn into love, because for ten years I have known him, that gaze is still the same.
"Your Majesty, are you finished?"
Cherry's voice made me wake up from my reverie. I quickly got up from the bath and put on my robe.
"Yeah, I'm done."
Cherry breathed a sigh of relief. "What took you so long? I even thought you passed out in the bathtub."
"What are you saying? I just accidentally fell asleep," I argued softly.
"Okay. We have to prepare now! This will be your first banquet as Crown Princess."
Cherry was so excited that it made me a little infected seeing her enthusiasm.
"Then make me as beautiful as possible, Cherry!"
"Ready," replied Cherry while giving a standard military salute. I laughed at his humorous behavior.
I don't know how long Cherry was fiddling with my hair until I fell asleep for the umpteenth time. I thought it wouldn't take long, because I called two servants to help him, but until now it hasn't finished yet. I was starting to get bored and thought about just using what I had.
"How much longer?" I said, starting to get annoyed.
"In a moment, Your Majesty," replied Cherry as she continued to style my hair.
"Well, it's done." Cherry removed her hands from my hair, then stood admiring her work.
"You look very beautiful, Your Majesty."
I nodded my head in agreement with Cherry's words.
A light blue dress that matched the butterfly hairpin on my head. Cherry also tied my hair into a bun, then let a little of my hair loose at my temples. She also curled my hair and put light blue makeup on my eyelids.
It's a bit like a fairy in summer. I stood up, twirling my dress happily.
I approached Cherry, smiling appreciatively of the hard work she had done for me. "Thank you, Cherry."
"You're welcome, Your Majesty. It's a pleasure to help you." A blush appeared on her white cheeks which made my smile even wider. She was very cute with her cheeks red. I really wanted to pinch his chubby cheeks as hard as I could.
"Thanks to both of you too." I turned my attention to the two maids who were also standing next to Cherry.
"You're welcome, Your Majesty." Both of them smiled while bowing their bodies in response to my words.
"You can go!"
"Yes, Your Majesty." They bowed once again in respect, then left, leaving me alone with Cherry.
"Are you sure you don't need company?" Cherry was very worried because it was her first time seeing me leading a banquet.
I nodded my head while wearing the white gloves prepared by Cherry.
"What if other nobles criticize you?"
"Just leave it alone. It's better than seeing them work haphazardly on me."
Cherry sighed. Not in Her Majesty's house, not in her husband's house, everyone continues to treat Her Majesty unfairly.
"Okay, I beg you not to get hurt."
I laughed at Cherry's overreaction, "Did you think I would go to war?"
Cherry nodded her head vigorously, "Yes, it was war. I heard, those noble girls are known to be very cunning and I was worried that you might be wronged."
"Okay... okay. I will definitely take good care of myself." I nodded my head, patting Cherry's shoulder, assuring her not to worry.
"That's good, Your Majesty." Cherry replied with a small smile.
After saying goodbye to Cherry, I went to the first floor, the place usually used for banquets.
The sound of music and the sound of people laughing and joking began to reach my ears. I stepped closer and saw the butler standing to greet me.
"Crown Princess Yvonne Valentine has arrived."
He announced my presence, then I slowly walked towards the top seat in the hall. Everyone bent over to look at me, which made me only see the top of his head.
Is this what it feels like to be in the highest position? No wonder my father used various means to achieve it.
"You may rise!" I sat my butt on the chair that had been prepared for the Crown Princess. Just a minute after I did this, a woman arrived who I was sure was also a guest at this banquet.
"Your Majesty, I am Audrey Florentine. I feel very honored to be invited to come to your banquet. Please accept this gift as a token of my gratitude!" Audrey handed me a black parcel which I immediately accepted.
"Florentine. That's the household of the Florentine Marquis." I narrowed my eyes as I looked at the brown-haired woman who was now standing in front of me.
Oh yeah, I remember now. He is one of my brother's best friends. I'm sure right now he must hate me too, for taking his best friend's fiancé. Even though we are brother and sister, our relationship is not very close.
I still received the gift while smiling fakely. I slowly opened it and frowned in surprise at the bottle that was now in my hand.
"What's this?"
Audrey smiled happily while pointing at the bottle. "This is a potion that strengthens a man's body. I'm sure this potion will be very useful and make your relationship more harmonious with the Crown Prince. Aren't you newlyweds, I'm sure your relationship is on fire."
After saying that, Audrey smiled shyly while turning her face to another direction.
I'm sure he must be mocking me.
Who doesn't know that the Crown Prince left me after the first night. Their relationship was so cold that he couldn't even see her for two weeks.
"Thank you. I will definitely put this to good use." But I didn't show it on the surface and kept smiling while accepting the gift.
"You're welcome, Your Majesty."
"Oh yeah, couldn't you invite the Crown Prince? I really want to see you two standing side by side again. You and the crown prince look really good together. I think, you and the Crown Prince are the most beautiful couple I have ever seen in my life." When she said that, Audrey smiled happily like a little fan who was looking forward to the romance of her favorite couple.
"Her acting really looks very natural." My eyes narrowed when I saw Audrey's fake pretense. If it weren't for me knowing that he was my brother's best friend, I would definitely be fooled by his sweet words.
He... apparently tried quite hard to see me humiliated this time. But unfortunately, I won't let that happen.
"The crown prince is currently busy, there is no way he can attend this small banquet." I acted as calm as possible, unfazed by his provocation.
"Busy?" Audrey's forehead frowned in surprise when she heard my words. As if remembering something, he patted his forehead excitedly. "No, Your Majesty. I think my servant said that he saw the Crown Prince walking in the capital's gardens."
"Maybe he was on patrol at the time."
"Patrolling? I don't think so. I saw him walking side by side with a woman." At the end of her sentence, Audrey smiled provocatively looking at me who was pensive.
Woman.
That must be my brother. Who else in this Kingdom is close to the Crown Prince besides my sister?