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Chapter Text

Chapter 1 - Stupidity

In a banquet hosted by the royal family in the palace, your betrothed, the crown prince hugs his first love protectively in his arms and condemns you without hesitation in front of all the nobles in the kingdom.

A smug smirk on his lips as he looked down on you while you, on the other hand, glared up at him.

The anger that has built over the years was on the verge of breaking as your supposed fiance embarrassed not only you but your family with the breakdown of your engagement.

Your name is Eliana Anderson. You are the eldest child of the Anderson household and the prestigious and precious daughter of the Primes Minister Anderson of your kingdom.

Ever since you came of age, you have been betrothed to the crown prince by the king without your father's approval.

You're the only daughter in your family and your father has always doted on you so of course the matters of your betrothal have been a sensitive and meticulous topic to your father. Not wanting to give his precious daughter to some boorish, unruly bastards.

And so receiving a marriage decree from the king, accompanied by a threat to your family, made your father furious beyond belief that you and your mother worried he might faint from anger.

Your father protested with all his might to deny this engagement, knowing how corrupt the current royal family is and how uncontrolled and malicious the current crown prince is but to no avail; the king ignored him.

In the end, you didn't have a choice but to follow, not wanting your family to end up in a difficult situation by opposing the king.

The crown prince does share the same sentiment on not wanting this engagement; however, that didn't stop him from showing his disgust at you. In fact, he seemed to revel in the opportunity to humiliate you whenever the chance arose.

The torment he has shown you since the first day of your engagement has never ceased, and continues even to this day. And now he's hellbent on not only humiliating you but also destroying and smearing your family's reputation through the mud.

Letting out a breath, you calmed yourself, knowing that acting hysterical wouldn't benefit you nor save your family from the predicament this prince has thrown at you.

However, the urge to slap this idiot prince was so dangerously tempting that you had to close your eyes, and instead, a cold smile appeared on your lips and looked at your 'fiance'.

"If I may ask Your Highness, what crime have I committed that warrants you painting me as a malicious villain in front of everyone?" You coldly asked, your smile darkening as your hand clenched tighter on the fan you were holding.

Suddenly, a coquettish voice interrupted, "Lady Eliana, please stop lying and admit to your sins. Please don't make this harder than it is."

It was the woman whom your fiance had 'fallen' for. A woman who has brown shoulder-length hair, dopey downturned eyes and dressed in a white gown that accentuated her slim figure.

She has that pure, innocent beauty that always seems to attract men who want to unconsciously protect her. It was the crown prince's 'first love', Amy Wilson, the illegitimate daughter of Baron Wilson, who was currently nestled in your fiance's arms.

Cowering and trembling as tears gathered in her eyes, looking like a small doe in front of everyone as she tried to confront you, earning her sympathy and pitying looks especially the crown prince and his stupid group of cronies.

You, however, were given a dark and condemning look from them. You couldn't help but spit in disgust in your heart as you coldly looked at her.

She's a woman completely opposite of you, who has sharp and cold eyes, and whenever you look at the crown prince, a lingering disgust shows in your eyes.

Your once slender and petite frame is now tall and lean, the result of the training you have suddenly undergone to learn self-defence as you were pushed as the crown princess. Truly a complete opposite from your past self. No more the naivety and joy in your once soft features.

Hearing her words, you sneered.

"As far as I know Lady Tr- Lady Wilson, I have only given you fair warnings on your behaviour and to maintain your distance as Your Highness is my betrothed. As for the accusations of harming you, unfortunately, I do not know of them nor have I done them."

You said as you gave them a cold smile behind your fan, patting yourself for catching yourself from calling that woman 'trash'.

That right, you have labelled that woman 'Trash' the moment she seduced the crown prince and tried to harm you.

Why, you ask?

It's not because you love that rotten bastard but because, in your eyes, the crown prince is a rotten garbage. And since there is a rotten garbage, it only makes sense that it has to be thrown in the trash and that trash is none other than Amy Wilson.

Hiding behind the crown prince's arms, that trash gave you a sly look.

You couldn't help but feel a disgusting chill run down your spine as an unsettling feeling settled in your stomach.

As far as you know, your actions thus far have been appropriate as a crown princess. Neither have you crossed the line of letting your feelings interfere nor have you remained ignorant of the situation to let it escalate.

You didn't hurt this woman in any form, only giving her a fair warning and if you did, you have your servants to witness it. As for the 'evidence' they have presented earlier, if experts, the kings and higher people in ranks were to investigate it, they would know it was nothing but fraud.

It's nothing but false evidence made by both the crown prince and his stupid group of cronies who were supposedly the next heirs to some of the most influential families in your kingdom and yet have been seduced so easily under such a contemptuous woman.

Regardless, they were nothing but brats who only rode their family's coattails and were nothing but a nuisance, using their power to abuse those who were weak and under them.

Thinking so, you curse them again in your heart and tried to calm your nerves as cold sweat still continues to run down your back.

"We have given and presented undisputable evidence, Eliana. Stop your nonsense and admit to it." The crown prince spoke with impatience in his voice, shaking his head as if he were speaking to a child.

Your eyebrow twitched hearing him calling you by your name so directly with such audacity.

If it were any other situation, you would have refuted him without reserve however since you were in such a situation, you can't do so recklessly or else your entire family would be dragged further than it already is.

Suddenly, the crown prince caught your eyes and gave a malicious smirk before declaring.

"Since your actions show just how much of an unreasonable and vile you are. How could I accept you as the crown princess and be the future mother of the kingdom! Hence, as of today, Eliana Anderson, you are stripped of your title as the crown princess and from now on Lady Amy Wilson will be the crown princess. Guards! Arrest her and throw her into prison for the crime of harming the crown princess."

You stared, speechless, at the crown prince at such absurdity.

That is when the unsettling feeling you have since you entered this ball completely grasps your whole being as if a slap hit you on the face. A whisper in the back of your mind becomes louder and louder as you feel something within you is on the verge of breaking.

You have always known that the crown prince was a good-for-nothing bastard. A spoiled bastard who only does whatever he pleases but it wasn't to the point of complete idiocy especially when it comes to you as your betrothal was one of the stepping stones on why he became the crown prince however it seems you have overestimated him.

Feeling your arms being restrained by the knights, you struggled. Your control over your emotions slowly slips as your frustrations and anger show.

You tried to regulate your breathing as you looked at the bastard before you, smiling mockingly as you gradually cracked under him.

He turns his head to look at your father who is now being restrained by the knights also when he tried to charge in your defence. A sickening smile on his lips as he taunted your father.

"Ah, Duke Anderson, unfortunately, you'll have to step down from your position as well since the evidence of your embezzlement and illegal actions have been presented to the king. The king has also decided that Marquis Henlyn will be replacing you as the Prime Minister."

Hearing this you curse the crown prince at such an abrupt accusation.

Your father with embezzlement?! Illegal actions?! being replace?!

Such stupidity!

Your father has been nothing but upright and loyal to the kingdom and its people. If it wasn't for him, this kingdom would have long fallen because of its corrupt royal family!

And now he's being falsely accused!? And on top of it, your father is being replaced by Marquis Henlyn who has been rumoured to have smuggled weapons and slavery between your kingdom and the other countries!

Just what kind of parasite is in that bastard's head to have allowed this especially the king!

You gritted your teeth as you yelled, "Your Highness, do you even realize what you're doing?! If you allow this, not only you and the imperial family will be implicated but the kingdom and its people as well! You say my father has done illegal doings and yet haven't you heard that Marquis Henlyn has smuggled not only weapons but has done illegal trading of slavery of our people! My father has been nothing but loyal and honest! Evidence?! It is nothing but a farce! "

Surely even this prince knows how impossible it was to replace your father as his hard work is more evident than this so-called ' evidence'.

Your father's power and authority are the sole reason he's the current crown prince. Removing you and your father would be a foolish move even the king knows this thus the reason he has given that marriage decree without your family's permission and yet why this?!

However, it seems not only have you overestimated the prince but that of the king as well as the prince laughed at you and leaned down as he whispered.

"Do you really think my father cares about your family now that your father has crossed his line? Not only has your father obstructed the royal family again and again, but this time, my father has had enough and since I have gained your father's authority and power, I no longer have any need of your family and my father wholeheartedly agreed to it."

Realization dawned on you as your eyes widened at the truth. A small yet audible sound of snapping resounded in you.

Suddenly a loud cry erupted in your throat as you struggled fiercely, no longer caring for anything or your appearance.

Annoyed by your resistance, one of the knights kicks the back of your knees, resulting in you slamming your kneecap onto the floor.

Pain shot through your body. Your eyes reddened and tears welled up, not only from the pain but your control over your bottled emotions have now dissipated.

Gone! Everything you have worked hard for is now gone!

You shook your head and bit your lips until it bleed.

No, this can't be happening!

Even if you hated the crown prince, your position as the crown princess was the only thing that you couldn't let go of.

After all, because of the marriage decree these unscrupulous, unreasonable people have shoved down your throat, you have no choice but to let go of him. Someone so important in your life was exchanged for something you didn't want.

Feeling your cheeks wet, you realize that your tears have finally fallen.

Regret fills you to the point of suffocation as your mind unconsciously remembers the young boy you adored the moment you met him.

How you wish to have held his hand longer...

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 - A Deal with a Devil Part 1

Being born into the household of Duke Anderson as the eldest daughter, you have been raised with care thanks to your loving family. 

Your mother was a gentle, kind woman who always wore a warm smile. However, you couldn't say much whenever your father made mistakes or when your family encountered certain unsavoury aristocrats.

On those occasions, you could feel the chills in your bones whenever your mother did that unique smile of hers – eyes closed and that gentle smile — behind those closed eyes, you were certain she promised death to anyone who crossed her line; you have to admit that you’re more afraid of your mother than your father and can only pray for those who invoke her wrath to be modest in their next life.

Although your father often acts like a clown in front of your mother to win her affection—something that sometimes makes you pity him for being such a love-struck fool—you can’t deny that he is also a man to be feared, having witnessed his unwavering resolve when dealing with corrupt individuals, especially during critical situations.

As such, at a young age, you couldn't be happier or more blessed to have such a family. 

However, meeting him on a cold winter day left a lasting mark on your soul.

Remembering that boy's innocent and pleading eyes. Their colour's similar to a spinel gemstone. 

His frail and emaciated frame quaked against the relentless winter winds, which howled and stung like the bite of a thousand icy needles. Dark bruises and jagged cuts marred his skin, each one a vivid splash of sickening purples and deep blues, telling tales of past struggles.

His hands and feet were a stark crimson, swollen and stiff, as if the chill had seeped into his very bones, leaving them numbed and lifeless in the unforgiving cold. The harsh elements bore down on him mercilessly, amplifying his vulnerability in the desolate landscape.

With a gentle yet unwavering movement, you extend your young and delicate hand towards him. His hand, in contrast, is hesitant and trembling, as if grappling with uncertainty.

Slowly, it reaches out, fingers quivering, before finally enveloping yours in a tentative grasp, a fragile connection bridging the space between you.

You couldn't help but let out a dry laugh. Compared to the hand you've reached out to him, then to what is in front of you now, it was a complete utter joke that slaps you awake. 

Opening your eyes, what loomed in front of you wasn't the sight of your warm family nor him, but the sad reality of being in prison in a dungeon.

Damp and dark. Mould and dirt littered the cell you were locked in. The air is musty, making it hard for you to breathe.

Subconsciously, you observe your chipped, dirt under your nails, and hands - that was once as smooth as a baby, now littered with wounds and scabs; hair a mess, once shiny and smooth now lays dishevelled and with uneven cuts here and there, caked with mud from you being roughly shoved into the wet, muddy pavement of the cell. 

Your accessories, which were selectively chosen to fit your status, were now lost from the guards yanking them out roughly, since 'a criminal has no right to be adorned in such luxury' as they say.

Your dress is torn as well.

Your feet, once pampered and never directly touched dirt because of your parents' strict care, were now naked. Blood and bruises littered from being dragged.

You're also sure parts of your body were bruised, an ache echoing in your body.  Your lips were now pale and chapped. Dried blood that stung your tongue from its iron taste became the most painful reminder of your current situation: you have fallen.

A far cry from your previously well-maintained and groomed appearance. A stark contrast to the man opposite you, outside of your cell.

A tall and slender man, but of solid build. Even with how polished he was dressed. It didn't deter or hide his well-built body.

Not many accessories adorn his body, but with the quality of his clothes, even if it is a simple attire and with how he carries himself, if anything, it shows that this man is no ordinary person;

Black hair, similar to the colour of the night and with soft, short hair gently framing his face –  undeniably handsome.

What truly captured your attention were his eyes; they were striking orbs of grey, displaying a mesmerizing blend of different gradients. Each hue shifted subtly with the light, reminiscent of the delicate tones found in a spinel gemstone when it reflects the sunlight.

The way they glimmered and changed, a dance of light and shadow, stirred a sense of familiarity within you, bringing back memories of that boy whose captivating gaze had once drawn you in.

The depths of his eyes seemed to hold stories and emotions, making them all the more enchanting.

Distracted by his eyes, you miss what he said.

What was it again?

Oh right... the offer of being freed.

However, you weren't naive enough to grab such an offer in a heartbeat, especially with how you have been thrown into such a situation now.

You know that you didn't love or even like your former fiancé; however, you have always thought that you both at least tolerate each other one way or another, and that the least you two have is common respect and cooperation for the sake of the kingdom and its people.

But reality proves you wrong otherwise, as that naive trust that you have given was now betrayed not just you, but also your family as well.

And now facing such an offer, especially to such a stranger. Hesitation and hostility become your second nature.

And yet something in you whispered, somewhere in your heart, told you that you can trust him even if you bemoan such a thought with your current situation.  Looking at him once more, you couldn't help but compare him and his offer to a devil. Deceptive, though sweet and tempting 

Closing your eyes and clenching your fist, you felt your nails finally dig too deeply into your palm, causing blood to seep.

Since you were born and raised, you have been taught to never fall into temptation, no matter what situation you have fallen into.

It was especially emphasized to you when you were chosen as the crown princess. To never fall for anything, always be dignified and remain pure. Never to sully oneself as you are now a part of royalty.

But this...

You couldn't deny it anymore, even when you tried to quench the thirst since you had been thrown into this dungeon.

The strong desire for revenge echoed loudly in your head. You wanted blood, enough to paint this corrupted royal castle whole, to wash it anew from the stains that they tried to hide.

You wanted nothing but the desire to see their miserable self grovelling pathetically for all the disgusting things they have done.

Not only you but also your family, whom you treasure so much and the people of this kingdom who have fallen victim without their consent.

Raising your eyes to look into his, a cold glint flashed, and a sneer left your mouth.

And without hesitation, you lifted your bloodied and dirtied hand. Slowly but without hesitation, you watch as he wraps his pale and beautiful fingers around your hand, his palm warming your cold ones. 

Lifting it, you couldn’t help the shivers that coursed through your body as his lips landed softly on your hand.

Staring at your joined hands, you couldn’t help but let out a humourless chuckle.

A fleeting thought in your mind.

That damning constraint might have also been the reason why, after all these years, that damn fool of a crown prince was still alive.

You couldn't help but wonder if those people knew what the crown prince was really like. As the daughter of the prime minister, who has quite the temper, they are well aware that such traits can be inherited, no matter how hard one tries to resist them.

In a desperate bid to prevent that fool from meeting an untimely end at your hands, they relentlessly drilled those crucial words into your mind as you were chosen to be the crown princess.

Each phrase was not just spoken; it was firmly impressed upon you, as if to ensure you would carry the weight of your new role with both 'wisdom and authority'.

Lifting yourself from the muddied floor, your back straightened, eyes meeting the devil's in front of you.

A small, cold smile on your lips.

Nothing is holding you back anymore and true to your words, you'll make sure those dreg of society will get a taste of their own medicine –  making sure it's as bitter and bile - if not more, than the one they made you swallow, they'll wish they were dead instead of crossing you once in this lifetime.