Chapter 4

Under the maids' puzzled stares, Helena looked a little uncomfortable.

I gave a thin smile and climbed into the carriage alone.

"Julian, you're so slow."

Inside, an elegantly dressed Lucian smiled and greeted me.

Now I understood why Helena had pulled away. I lowered my eyes and let out a scoff.

Once I understood, it didn't hurt anymore.

On the way, I kept my eyes on the scenery outside the window and refused to spare either of them a glance.

But for some reason, whenever I happened to look back, I always met Helena's dark, unreadable eyes.

I had no interest in intruding on their little world, anyway.

The peonies were lovely, and the banquet went smoothly.

Aside from the sons of the noble houses sizing me up, sneering, and occasionally throwing a pitying look my way, it all seemed perfect.

Lucian was finally presented to the Emperor, but it didn't go well.

His Majesty's face went cold, and he confronted Helena on the spot.

"I invited the noble and scholarly houses today. You bring a disreputable man like this here? Are you trying to make a fool of me?"

Helena immediately pulled the terrified Lucian down to kneel with her.

"Your Majesty, Lucian isn't a disreputable man. He's my husband."

The Emperor gave a cold laugh.

"Your husband? Don't forget, the man who stood at the altar with you is Julian.

"As for this one, you know perfectly well what he is!"

Red-faced, Helena apologized and led Lucian out in disgrace.

After the banquet, His Majesty gave me many gifts. Part consolation, part sympathy.

Back at the princess's residence, I decided to give Lucian half of them.

After all, the separation was only days away, and I didn't want any more trouble.

I stopped the servant who was about to announce me and raised my hand to knock.

But then I heard Lucian inside, crying.

"Helena, didn't you say you'd marry me? Why does everyone keep saying you're Julian's wife?"

Helena sighed and comforted him gently.

"No matter what people outside say, here in this residence, you'll always be my husband."

Lucian went on, "And Julian? You've been married to him for three years. Did you ever love him?"

I held my breath. My hand clenched without my realizing it.

Helena was silent for a moment. Then she said, "Lucian, I love you. Only you.

"Back then, I only agreed to marry him for my mother's rank and mine.

"My mother came from a humble family, and my own rank never rose. It was the only option I had.

"Don't be upset. Even after I started drugging him, I never let him touch me.

"If I hadn't done it, how could I have become Grand Princess of Lyria in just three years?"

My hand, frozen in midair, dropped limply. My fan struck the door knocker with a sharp crack.

"Who's out there?"

Helena pushed the door open, and her eyes met my red-rimmed ones.

"J... Julian..."

Helena was stammering.

I forced out an ugly smile. "Your Highness, His Majesty gave me some gifts.

"I left them in the main hall. Let Lucian choose first."

With that, I turned and left.

If I stayed even one more second, I wouldn't be able to hold back what I was feeling.

Even after I'd left the wing, I could still feel Helena's frantic, burning gaze on my back.

I clenched my jaw, my eyes red.

Helena, you disgust me.

You utterly disgust me.

For all these years, I'd regretted how impulsive I'd been back then.

I'd thought I'd forced her into marrying me.

I never imagined she could be this low and this vile.

Five days remained until the separation.

A drunk Helena pushed open the door to my room.

I sat up and quickly pulled the blanket over myself. I was only in my nightclothes.