Fated to the Cursed Lycan Prince by Dark Knight
Chapter 1103 Marry Anyone Else
Crystal’s POV:
I knew from the look on Adela’s face that she had misunderstood, but I didn’t bother clarifying the matter. Because technically, Rufus was telling the truth.
Beryl had been conceived with Rufus’ active participation. He just wasn’t aware of it now that he had lost his memory.
Just then, a guard appeared and said, “The Queen Mother is looking for you, Miss Castillo. She said she had something to discuss with you.”
Knowing that it would be awkward for her to stay after everything that had been said, Adela pounced on the opportunity and ran out of the kitchen like her life depended on it.
It reminded me yet again just why I adored Laura.
And so, Rufus and I were left by ourselves. He looked at me quietly, his eyes pensive. I didn’t know what else to say, so I just stared back at him.
The atmosphere soon grew awkward, though not in an entirely bad way.
“Well, I should go now. Arron is…” I racked my brains for an excuse to leave. Since I had successfully stopped Adela’s recent attempt to seduce Rufus, I had no reason to stay any longer.
But before I could come up with a plausible reason, Rufus spoke. “You are indeed targeting Adela. You don’t like her.”
I flushed, embarra*s*sed that he had seen through me. But I composed myself in the next second and managed a calm tone. “I just don’t like seeing evil people getting away with their evil deeds, that’s all. I’m doing this for the sake of the empire. Your marriage is a national affair, and as your loyal subordinate, I naturally have concerns regarding your chosen partner.”
Rufus did not respond, and just continued to study me in silence.
I could almost feel his eyes boring through my mask and catching my guilty expression underneath.
I was getting more and more nervous with every second that ticked by. I swallowed a lump in my throat, trying my best not to stutter. “What, is there anything wrong with that? As the lycan king, you must marry a virtuous woman, not a cunning she- wolf who only spins lies and manipulates the people around her. That kind of queen is only going to mess up the royal family and the entire empire.” I instinctively reached up and touched my mask before I could stop myself. It was a good thing that my eyes were partially covered, or Rufus would instantly know that I was just spouting the first thing I could think of.
I waited for him to say something, but he kept his silence. His eyes never left me, his gaze turning deeper and deeper.
The silence grew heavy and almost oppressive.
Rufus and I stood there like we were in the middle of a stand-off. And I suppose that was what it was. Neither of us wanted to break the silence, knowing that the one to break under the pressure first had something to hide.
I held on for as long as I could, but I had gravely underestimated Rufus’ tenacity.
Unable to take it anymore, I helplessly threw my hands in the air. “Fine, I hate Adela, there, I said it! I just don’t want to see you marry a manipulative liar! What’s wrong with that?”
Rufus raised an eyebrow. “I don’t recall it being your business who I marry,” he said in a deceptively soft voice.
I stiffened, and my hands balled into fists. I almost ran up to him and landed a punch on his smug face. “Were you even listening to everything I just said?” I asked through gritted teeth.
Rufus chuckled under his breath and pocketed his hands. He leaned against the door frame and gave me a lazy look. “It seems that you have some pretty strong opinions on the matter.”
I huffed in indignation. “I can’t believe that little temptress managed to bewitch you so quickly. She’s been lying to you since the beginning! I thought you were smart, so how can you fall for such a paltry trick? She tells you that she saved you, and you believe her just like that? I could also say the same thing, now couldn’t I? I’ve said my piece, and I believe I was clear on where I stand. You must marry a kind and loving woman who is fit to rule beside you as your queen. Adela is just an ambitious she-wolf who wants you and the title, but not the responsibility. If you’re not careful, she might even harm Laura in the future.”
Rufus burst out laughing, like I had just told him an elaborate joke. “Yes, well… There is some truth in what you say.”
My frustration was through the roof at this point. This damn man wasn’t taking me seriously at all! I walked up to him, determined to drill my point into that thick stubborn skull of his. “You can marry anyone else, but not her, do you understand?”