There was a prolonged moment of silence after I announced that. They just stared at me, probably waiting for me to laugh and tell them that I was playing the fool with them. But I remained silent, allowing them to comprehend my words.　　“Princess…” Gideon was the one who finally broke the silence. I looked over my shoulder only to find his face in complete shock. I almost wanted to laugh at the thought that today was the day I made Gideon both speechless and shocked. However, to see the wise and brilliant royal advisor react this way could only mean one thing. He most definitely does not agree with my plan. “This is-”　　“This is ridiculous!” Isaiah’s booming voice interjected. I twirled back around to face him, he was clearly annoyed, hands clenched into tight fists that were in full display as he placed them on the table. “You can’t expect us to happily agree to this shitty plan of yours!”　　“Oh? Polyamorous relationships are common among royalty, especially those in high positions.

　　?　　“Princess…are you sure you are alright?” Anne asked as she looked at me through the reflection of the mirror. Her hands did not stop as she continued to masterfully braid my hair.　　“I’m fine.” I told her, looking away from my reflection to ignore my bad complexion and eye bags. I did not manage to get a good rest after the events of yesterday but it is not like I am allowed to take the day off, especially since today was the day I introduced my three future spouses to my family. “Was there any trouble with rooming our guests?” I asked, curious to know if anything had happened after I had retired for the night.　　“Nothing out of the ordinary. Prince Augustus and Lord Regent Isaiah were in their rooms the entire night. But I heard that the Duke of Ashborne had left in the middle of the night.”　　I glanced over to her. “He left the palace? Where did he go?”　　“The guards stationed by the front gate said that he told them he was going to town.”　　“And what of the coachman who took C

　　?　　The sounds of the tip of my pen scribbling on the parchment was all that I could hear throughout the study. My daily routine now consisted of daily paperwork and lessons with Gideon on my duties. Whatever free time I had left during the day is spent with Rodrick or with my mother and brother. But most of the time, the only people who I constantly see are Gideon and Anne.　　I stopped writing, placing the pen down so that I could stretch my numbing arms up high. Gideon then approached me and placed another stack of documents on the table. I let out a tired sigh, dropping my hands to my side before I looked up at him.　　“I have not even finished the first pile of papers yet, Gideon.”　　“There is no rush, princess.” He smiled.　　“You say that and yet you’ll make me stay until late to get this paperwork done.” I grumbled, not so much complaining about the amount of work I had but more towards Gideon’s fake compassion in regards to my position. The aged man laughed at my words.　　“It h

　　?　　I glanced down at the book on his lap, the cover and title were familiar and yet I found it hard to recall what the story was actually about. I then glanced back at him where our eyes met once more.　　“I’ve been meaning to expand my book collection and I heard that you are a fan of reading as well. I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to the bookstore and recommend some books to me?” I sweetly said, ending my sentence with a charming smile.?　　Augustus watched my expression for a long moment and it was starting to get rather awkward standing there in front of him like this. He then stood up, causing me to look up at him.　　“Very well.” Was all he said as he walked past me.　　I twirled around, watching him walk away without even waiting for me. I let out a sigh as I rushed ahead to catch up with him. I was starting to wonder if I’ll be able to survive today because the thought of spending the entire day with Augustus was definitely going to be a challenge.　　I had ask

　　?　　“I suppose that is up to you to determine. Annaliese was a rather complicated character since she did whatever means necessary to achieve her goal. But for some, that is not a trait to be praised for.” Augustus explained.　　“If you put it that way, would that not make all of us like Annaliese? You, me, Cassian and Isaiah, we are all doing whatever means necessary to achieve our own goals, right? Even if it means using others along the way?”　　“Yes, I will not deny that. But I suppose some of us are more desperate than others.” He said with a completely straight face.　　“I don’t think I appreciate what you are trying to say, Prince Augustus.”　　“I mean no offence, I am merely making an observation.”　　I looked past his words, not wanting to argue with him over something like this when I was clearly here to get along with him. I glanced back onto the book as I absentmindedly trailed my index finger over the title.　　“What do you think R. Vitale’s message was?” I asked, curious to s