A really good deal

Although the book said Jerome was so in love, that he wasn't interested in Jürgen's background, the Ariana-worshiping Jerome, on the other hand, immediately looked up to Baron Fritzmond's neat and troublesome things. Jürgen smartly erased his tracks, always leaving behind only as much information as would still portray him in a favorable color, but his reputation would not be spotlessly clear… since that would be suspicious.

So the prince saw in the report exactly what he needed. A young man, promising in politics, and popular with nobles.

In the following weeks he met with Jürgen several times to discuss their plans, the man gave ideas… they were preparing to reorganize the queen's power. There was a lot of work to be done, as there was only a year left until Jeromeo was crowned… and during that time he had to "break in the people", so they could receive the new system of government without a hitch. This, of course, required a reversal of the power of the nobles, which Jürgen insidiously accomplished at Jerome's direction.

Meanwhile, Ariana also checked in with her fiancé for a tea.

Jerome was happily preparing, since he haven't seen the girl for so long. Since the ball, he could only admire the huge portrait of her, that hung on the wall of his room.

Because, thanks to the maid's letters, he knew everything about the girl, from her favorite color, through her favorite cookie to her favorite book, so he immediately ordered the girl's favorite snacks to be prepared, by the time the Crown Princess candidate got there.

To his greatest surprise, however, the girl did not come alone. The simple black dress didn't fade anything on her beauty, Jerome's heart immediately started beating harder. His joy did not waver even when he was aware of the lawyer's presence ... but when she remained strictly formal… when none of her usual smile sat on her face, his heart squeezed a little.

"How could you?"

"What?"

"I saved your life – you did know exactly that this was hell for me - how could you force me into this situation?"

Jerome was surprised for a moment at Ariana's outburst… he hadn't seen the girl speak in that tone yet… but in the end he expected this much. He had fate in himself, that he could change her opinion… after all they belong together.

"I'm sorry, but your place is right next to me."

"You can't be serious?!"

"Believe me…"

He wanted to say something, but she cut into his word.

"You only need a queen anyway until she gives birth to an heir, wouldn't anyone else have been good? Why me?!"

"What do you mean?"

"Just because I'm not going anywhere I'm not deaf yet… the whole country knows you're meeting some blonde beauty…If you have already someone in your heart, don't hold back… just break up our engagement, because by taking my existence as nothing, by showing off with a low-ranking lover in disregard, there aren't many more humiliating things in the world. "

"Ah .."

Jerome swallowed and gasped for air. He picked up the cup of tea and took a big sip, avoiding the pierced Ariana's gaze. He tried to stifle his smile…

'Aren't you just jealous? She's so cute… I knew she was feeling something for me too , she was just playing hard to get! '

"So you also heard that he is a man."

"Yes. That's why I brought this. "

Then Ariana threw the envelope in front of Jerome, with the contract in it.

Jerome read the contents with a big blink.

'What the hell is this? Do you really think I could love someone else? Did she misunderstood me this much? '

"Because Your Majesty definitely needs a successor, and you will definitely cling to me to make it happen, so I decided it was a winning deal for everyone. "

"Will you only stay with me, as my wife until you have a child?"

"That way I won't stand in the way of you and the love of your life. "

"Would you give up on the child too?"

Jerome asked in disbelief.

"My life is worth more… I don't risk getting in the way of a jealous lover. The child will have a good life in the palace. I'm sure."

"Hahaha!"

The prince laughed. He couldn't decide it, if he should cry or laugh in this situation.

"And yet why would I sign this?"

"Because you owe me that much."

"What kind of debt?"

"I saved your life! I didn't ask for anything back then… well now I'm asking for my reward! A signature at the bottom of the page! "

The smile froze on the prince's face.

Finally, he put down the paper and leaned back.

"After all, you see things well… it's really going to be a winning situation for all of us. After all, the "blonde beauty" is very well suited to perform the duties of a queen … And you get the life, which will only be cloudless gardening, horseback riding, reading and consuming more delicious food… just like you always wanted. Behind the scenes, in a secluded little castle… where only I will visit you, for the purpose of childbearing… until you have a child. Yes, it is truly an idyllic idea. "

'Yes… this is how it will be the best for us. No one can ever touch you with a finger… you will only be mine, and you have all undertaken it voluntarily so you will not even have a chance to rebel… It is really a very good offer… all I have to do is make you fall in madly love with me… just like you said … there is a whole life before us, you have time to fall in love with me. '

"I'd like to add one more thing."

"What?"

The prince reached for the pen.

'That many perverted freaks… as their eyes were grazed on her at the ball… it was clear, if the king had not forbidden anyone to marry her… they would all have already cast their nets on my woman.'

"As of today, you can't show up at any social event - I don't want anyone to spoil the princess, even before the wedding night - I don't want anyone to question my child's bloodline."

"Yet what do you think of me? Yes, I am innocent! I haven't been anywhere in months anyway! "

The girl stood up angrily.

"Great. The wedding will be held on your 18th birthday. "

He signed, stood up, and headed for the door.

"How? So soon?"

"I want to end this relationship as soon as possible - maybe a problem?"

'The sooner you become my wife… the sooner I can hide from the world… I can not allow someone to seduce you and infect you with some sinful thought…'

"No, not at all."

The prince opened the door.

"It's okay then. Lawyer, I leave the rest to you. "

With that, he left the girl there too.