Chapter 566: Do You Really Want to Marry Him?
Logan acted swiftly, issuing the marriage edict immediately. However, Aaron's scandalous behavior at the palace party had already become public knowledge, a clamor he couldn't suppress. Sadie reported, “Princess, while Logan issued the edict, he also ordered the immediate suppression of news about Aaron. The navy has been deployed to arrest anyone spreading information. It seems everyone will soon forget what Aaron did.”
Olive slowly folded the demon bell's drawing. Her lips curved into a sardonic smile. “How easily they forget! Tonight, many will have a sleepless night. Sadie, prepare the car,” she commanded.
“Princess, where are we going?” Sadie inquired.
Olive smiled. “I want to find someone.”
The Arthur family. Trixie stood in the back garden when a maid rushed over. “Miss, terrible news! A marriage edict has been issued. You're to marry Aaron.”
Trixie knew her father loved her deeply, but her lips curled in bitter sarcasm. “I expected this. To appease the public, my happiness is sacrificed.”
“Miss, don't worry. Master loves you. You haven't agreed yet. Perhaps he won't consent.”
Trixie shook her head. “My father has been a loyal fool all his life, devoted to the royal family. He won't oppose them.”
“Then what should we do? Miss, perhaps we should consider this differently. His Royal Highness is the Lord's favorite, a likely successor. He'll surely respect and love you.”
Trixie snorted coldly. “Others may not know Aaron, but I do! He's vile. His rooms are constantly filled with women. He even raped and buried a young girl who refused his advances. The thought of marrying him disgusts me.”
The maid was speechless. “Miss, what now?”
Trixie gazed at the overcast sky. “What can I do? I accept my fate. Being the daughter of the Arthur family, this was always my destiny.” The maid sighed, watching the young woman's despair.
Suddenly, a beautiful, melodious voice echoed, “I hear the daughter of the Arthur family has always been different.”
Trixie turned to see a slender figure beneath a pear tree, cloaked and hooded. The dim light obscured her face.
“Who are you? This is the Royal Family's chief army residence! Leave immediately!” the maid exclaimed.
Trixie raised a hand. “Stop. It's Princess Olive.”
Princess Olive of Visionary! The figure raised a hand, removing her hat to reveal a stunning face.
Trixie, having met Olive at the palace party, recognized her instantly. “Do you know how much you’ve hurt me?” Trixie asked, her voice heavy with sorrow.
Olive, wearing a blue shirt and jeans beneath her cloak, said, “Miss Arthur, we're both intelligent. If I hadn't brought you into this game, wouldn't you still be playing it? Surely you knew the Lord planned your marriage to Aaron?”
Trixie's heart ached. She'd just said her fate was predetermined. “Princess Olive, the Lord wants me to marry Aaron. But you merely want my father to submit to King Liam of Gold City. Am I wrong?” she asked pointedly.
Olive's bright eyes were clear. She nodded. “Indeed, Miss Arthur understands my intentions.”
Trixie scoffed, clenching her fist. Olive looked up at the dark sky. “Miss Arthur, do you truly want to marry Aaron?”
“No,” Trixie replied instantly. “But if I refuse, the Lord will attack my family. The Arthur family will be destroyed.”
Olive smiled faintly. Trixie asked, confused, “Princess Olive, why are you laughing?”
“I laugh because you cannot see the bigger picture, the future. Even married to Aaron, the Arthur family would still be in danger. Logan is weakening, and Aaron… is a poor son. He wouldn't allow the Arthur family's destruction.”
Trixie's face paled; she closed her eyes. “Miss Trixie,” Olive continued, “I've said all I need to. Your fate is in your hands. If it's unfair, fight it!” Olive vanished.
“Miss,” the maid said urgently, “What will you do? Will you choose… the King of Gold City?”
Trixie opened her eyes, looked at where Olive had stood, and shook her head. “No, I choose Princess Olive!”
The next dawn, Olive played chess with Liam in the palace.