Alicia's POV My eyes slowly fluttered open. They took some time to adjust to the sunlight shining through the tent window. I stretched my arms and legs which were feeling a bit stiff and creaky from my slumber. I yawned like I was feeling sleepy but then I realized how late it was in the morning after hearing the chirping of birds. I had been awake most of the night because of Abel's impulsive temperature. I took it as my responsibility to take care of him. It was a bit tough. After Arnold walked out of the tent yesterday, he had come back to check on Abel and since then, I have not seen him. I huffed and sat up. I do not know when I ended up in a profound trance. I was like that until my attention was distracted when Abel jerked. He groans in pain and tries to open his eyes. He was looking exceptionally pale. I hurriedly scampered to meet one of the patrols to tell me the direction of the Royal physician's tent. The physician hurried to Abel and forced a liquid medicine into
Alicia's POV A ghosted feeling washes through Abel's face as I mention poisoning Layla. He gazed at me like I had gone psycho. He looked offended and probably concerned about my mental health until I realized the way I had portrayed my intention. "I mean…I had always dreamt of dancing in front of wealthy people. I want to perform tonight instead of Layla. I didn't mean to say that you should kill her or something. I just…" I wriggled my fingers anxiously and proceeded, "I want to fulfill my dream even if it's just once in my lifetime, and I see today as a scarce opportunity. The only one that can help me to achieve this is you, my friend" I put in more effort to convince him. Abel felt exhausted by the process. I was putting him through so much trouble. He had not approved to assist me until I asked him curiously "Can you please describe the physical features of Prince Arnold's opponent?" "What do you mean by…You mean Prince Cone?" he implied. "I can't recall his name, but I do
Alicia's POV I strode into the well-elaborated hall with a purpose of grace, head held high and body exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. I was ready to dance like someone distinguished to snatch a spouse. I smirked and got dominated by boldness when I felt the eyes of the majority of the men lingering on me. Although… My face was not open, but with the way my outfit fit me like a glove and the way it accentuated my attractive figure, I was confident to grip at least a powerful man or probably Prince Cone.I bowed in respect to Arnold who was sitting on a golden throne-like chair. I also noticed the way his eyes twitched and tightened. He was obviously struggling to contain his emotions. I could only pinpoint that he felt a surge of possessiveness and anger from the way he clenched his fist. His reaction kind of made me shiver in dread that he might try to stop me. I quickly moved sideways to greet all the Royalty dressed men. I tried to figure out the one that was Cone a
Alicia's POV"I understand that you are a low-status servant who might not know about it." Arnold caress his knuckles. "It's another reason why she should be trained thoroughly before she starts her activities" The prince who mentioned that I serve him attempts to make Arnold recall his promise. He was already whipped. How shameful that this was coming from a Prince of Genovia. A Bali dance is truly the weakness of their men. "You can leave" Arnold dismissed. I veered around but I heard a Prince whisper to Cone "Don't you think that Arnold is acting differently unlike his usual self? Was the stony being finally attracted to a woman? This dancer is truly a vixen" I gazed at Cone one last time and strolled out of the hall. The guests were staring at me in wonder expressions until I was out of the hall. I tumbled on the floor where the Palanquin was placed. The guards and the woman who escorted me here appreciated me, but I shunned them to leave me for a few minutes. They agreed a
Alicia's POV A month later~~~~ It has been a tough month for me. I almost overlooked my scheme of wanting to serve Prince Cone, as my days throughout the month were spent with training. The only moment I spent interacting with people was during the late night at the quarters and the weekends with my lady trainer.I didn't set my eyes on Abel most of the month. That day at the garden, Arnold apprised me about him as my trainer. I recalled that I almost strangled myself by the news but of course, I had no say in making decisions for myself which gave me no room to oppose. I would applaud Arnold as the harshest master ever. I thank God that female servants are banned in his villa because if I were mistakenly assigned to his villa, I would consider it a nightmare. Days when I was training, Arnold would strain his cold eyes on me all day or leave me in the garden to attend to some business while I continued practicing. He wouldn't point out my mistake and he would make me do it o
Arnold's POV I knew that if Alicia stepped an inch closer to me, my agenda would be influenced. It's a profound reason why I let her reside at the Prime Minister's for two years without summoning her. I was close to ascending the throne after years of agony, danger, and misery. Each time, my so-called siblings will make up theories that cause obstacles. The latest one was that they made up a perfect rumor and forged evidence that espouses that I had murdered our late father who was the Emperor of Genovia. It takes a lot not to wring the neck of all of them in their numbers. Every time I see them, I always feel a wave of disgust. Bunch of idiots.They should all wait while I ascend the throne because nothing will stop me from doing what I wish.Just to ascend the throne.So many occasions when I had escaped assassination which I knew was carried out by these siblings. All of them except Cone are very much gullible for someone to rule Genovia which had caused our father to make
Alicia's POV I gazed at Arnold mistrustfully, "What are you talking about your Highness?" I queried worriedly. He stared at me blankly and responded in a soothing voice "Do you want me to marry Fatou? You like me, don't you?" I scoffed unbelievably before I could stop myself "I won't dare to possess those types of feelings. That is not even possible. It's never happening, over my dead body"Within the wink of an eye, Arnold yanked me down on the mattress and covered me. He pinned my hands to the bed with his strong hands. I wheezed in fear at the realization of my words, but surprisingly, he didn't retain any violent expression. "And who said anyone can have you aside from me?! You are mine, Alicia. We were born to be together" he growled and hit his hand on the bed. I cringed in fear as my body went emotionless. I was mute and stiffened. Arnold noticed my behaviour and quickly got off me. He lugged me to sit on his lap and slowly massage my back "You are too stubborn" he
Alicia's POV "You want to serve Cone?!" he bellowed and hit his hand on a crystal chandelier hanging horizontally to his bed. The noise of the collection of jewelry and gems he tugged away from a glass table made me tremble in terror again. I couldn't help but feel a sense of danger, and a strong desire to escape the situation when I realized that he was in a rebellious state of mind. My heart aches and the only description I could give him is an angry monster. Abel dashed into the room. He was breathing heavily and he sharpened an accusation look at me which made me quiver in fear. I opened my mouth to defend myself but he bobbed his head in a way that implies that he trusts me. Abel recklessly escorts me out of Arnold's chamber. He called the attention of a guard standing at the narrow passage. He told him to take me to the maid's quarter as I was still fluttering and sweating profusely. I watched Abel as he rushed back to the room. In the night~~~~~ The horrifying scene that