Queen Cornelia possesses a strange power. Power makes it impossible for people to think that such a beautiful creature has sharp thorns or poison inside.
“Your Majesty the Prince will only be recognized if he behaves like a human, right?”
"Human?"
Cornelia smiled, a gentle smile but clearly full of sarcasm.
"I mean what I just said. What if Cesar walked on two legs, knew how to use tools, and spoke in human language?"
“Are you planning on taming that beast?”
I nodded.
“I will try.”
Sexy red lips parted, blue eyes sparkled with surprise.
“That's interesting.”
She raised her hand, and a maid brought a large jewelry box. Inside is a necklace.
The string of pearls interwoven with diamonds alone is brilliant enough, but the sapphire stone in the center is extremely massive, making everyone who sees it stunned.
“This is the bracelet I received when I entered the Royal Family.”
It is the "Thanh Diem Dream" that Mercedes mentioned. A traditional necklace passed down through generations of royal women, the stone seems to contain a brilliant blue flame. Just looking at it is enough to see the huge value.
“If you can really do it, I will pass it on to you.”
“….”
I couldn't help but be suspicious, secretly observing the Queen's face. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"If you accept it, you will get what you want. Do you want the Prince to be treated like a human?"
"…Yes."
My eyes were fixed on the large sapphire. The light was transparent, perfect, like a blue flame dancing inside, mesmerizing all the senses. As if the fire of the devil, burned everything in sight.
Cornelia added in a whisper:
"If you can turn it into a human, Thanh Diem Dream will belong to you. Wearing it in public, people will talk that you have been recognized by me. That alone is enough to achieve the 'recognition' you desire."
“Acknowledge…”
"Better have a deadline. Okay, until next summer's ball. Three months, enough to tame this beast, right?"
She set conditions for me. The ball ended the social season, hosted by the Queen herself. Prince Cesar and I will attend, in what Cornelia recognizes as 'human'. She smiled seductively.
"But I hate liars. If you lie to me..."
The cold blue eyes made me just hold my breath and wait.
“I will punish you like an adult should.”
Somehow I ended up having a tea party. On the way back, more leisurely than when I arrived, I was helped by Delfina to the Emerald Palace.
"What a surprise. I thought the person who trained this crazy beast was a strong person."
A male voice rang out. I turned around and saw a tall man walking closer.
“Does it still look normal?”
It was the red-haired man. His strong footsteps made me stand still, overwhelmed.
“Princess Irenea of the Palace of the Duke of Flores.”
Hearing my name, I frowned and glared at him.
Her bright red hair and cold blue eyes made me suddenly see Cornelia's silhouette in there, shivering.
“Second prince, your majesty.”
A courtier whispered that this was Matthias de la Rosa - Cornelia's son. I bowed my head and bowed softly. Before getting married, one must kneel before the Second Prince; Now it's the Royal Highness, so just bowing is enough ceremony.
“Nice to meet you, Second Prince.”
He stood in front of me, eyes looking from head to toe, uncomfortable and sticky like glue.
"Are you done meeting your mother? No need to worry, Irenea."
One step closer, a masculine scent with musk, wood, attacking the sense of smell. I frowned, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.
“I haven't given you permission to call me by my name.”
After a tense meeting with the Queen, my patience was running out. The voice naturally becomes sharp.
Matthias just smiled slightly, as if he didn't care.
“Then call me sister-in-law?”
He laughed, blocking my way. Look into his eyes, as if wanting to examine everything. If Cornelia's eyes were like a blade, then Matthias's eyes were like a hammer, threatening everything around.
“It's okay, I'll go first.”
When I tried to back away, he grabbed my wrist. My knees were tired after a whole day of walking and wobbly.
“Ah!”
I almost fell, but was caught by Matthias.
“Be careful.”
But as he struggled, his grip tightened.
“Let go.”
I felt his breath, leaning close to his hair. Chills ran down my spine.
"Sorry."
Then he let go, more gently. But the uncomfortable clinging feeling remained, making me angry.
I took a breath and straightened my skirt.
“Excuse me.”
Not wanting to share space with him, I quickly moved. He held my hand again.
“….”
Whispered something, before stepping out and ordering the courtier:
"My sister-in-law has difficulty walking, please prepare a palanquin for her."
I don't know how I got back to the Emerald Palace. Exhausted, I jumped into bed. Luckily, thanks to Mercedes' arrangement, the room is quite neat.
Lie face down, touch the soft blanket with your hands.
"UH…."
That was my voice. When thinking about those rude words, Matthias was so angry that he wanted to go crazy.
“You bastard…”
I threw the pillow on the floor, my anger uncontrollable.
I just wanted to scream, but this was the Royal Palace, I couldn't attract attention.
"Lace."
Suddenly, Cesar's voice rang out.
"EH?"
He... lies under the bed. Hand holding pillow just thrown.
“What are you doing there?”
He just smiled innocently, climbed onto the bed, and crawled close to me.
Under the bed again... It's impossible to guess when he got in. Just look away for a second, you don't know what will happen.