Chapter 2: Offer

As compared to the imperial gardens, the rose garden in my palace is far less appealing. However, I liked it personally and that is all that matters.

Mother gave this garden for me as a present for my 16 birthday. All existing rose species had gathered here in this garden. From the most common red roses to the rarest diamond roses which petals shimmers like brilliant diamonds under the light.

"Well then, now that we are alone. Shall we get some real talking done?" Toying with a random rose in the garden, I turned and ask the prince who was watching the guards and maids leaving as per my instructions.

"...… How much do you know?" Once he is certain that we are completely alone, he went straight to the bat and questioned me for my behavior.

"I see that the prince is smarter than those who came with you. Though it may seem that I know a lot, but what I know is lesser than you think." Carefully plucking out the rose, I gently breathed in its aroma before sharing my intel with him.

"Although I have done my own investigation behind scenes, but the diplomats of Meala had been so obvious with their intentions that even I who values the importance of information finds the intel that my people had gathered unnecessary. After all, the fact that the Meala Kingdom offered a prince to form a diplomatic marriage with Femalia Empire had already tell me most of the story. Especially, with how different our cultures are." Having a mocking smile on my face, I pulled out a petal of the rose. The prince went quiet as he knew that what I said was correct.

Unlike the Meala Kingdom, the princesses inherits the throne of Femalia. What was done by a man in Meala is done by a woman in Femalia. Soldiers, blacksmiths, crafters, scholars, diplomats, even hard-labors are all women in Femalia. Within this Empire, the female gender is the superior gender. The men of Femalia mainly stays within the household. If I must be straightforward, most women of Femalia sees men to serve no other purpose than to look pretty and breed children.

That's why, there's only been cases of Femalia's princess marrying out of the country to form diplomatic ties. Never once it was the other way around.

Although I never travelled out the country before, but I knew the gender discrimination of other countries is just as bad as ours. The only difference was the targeted gender is females instead of males.

And yet, a prince from such country was sent here to be something equal to a 'wife' in their continent. It is either that the prince loved me so much that he is willing to put down his dignity as a man. Or, he was forced to.

There's not romantic feelings between diplomatic marriages and we never met each other until today. The second case seems more reasonable and I too knows why.

The succession war had recently ended in Meala. The third prince had earned the rights to inherit the throne of Meala. I didn't have much interest towards the incident when it happened, so I merely heard a brief summary of it when it is all over.

The first and second prince had passed during the war, although there are no clear evidence, it is not difficult for people to guess that their deaths are by the hands of the third prince. As what I have heard, the third prince spared the siblings who were younger than him. But, he could not tolerate a potential threat to his throne. And so, he send the fourth prince over to Femalia with the excuse of strengthening the ties through marriage when in fact that he's trying to rid his brother from sight.

Such a pity, yet inevitable to those who had failed in the war of inheritance.

The Empire is no charity, mother detested the idea of the new King of Meala trying to toss unwanted 'garbage' to our country. But, I convinced mother to let me meet him as a potential candidate for the position of my consort. Under normal circumstances, mother wouldn't permitted it, but my lack of interest in men seems to have worried her too much that she'll agree to anything as long as I showed interest in someone. I could still hear Estella laughter on this misunderstanding as if it was just yesterday.

Then again, the main reason why I had shown interest in the prince was never about his looks nor his deeds, but his soft personality. Prince Ethan has a rather soft and gentle personality despite being a candidate of the throne. He is kind and naïve to the point that he seems like he never grew up. When the third prince choose violence, Prince Ethan would rather take the peaceful route in terms of getting what he wanted. A decent young man with a good personality, and yet it was because of this personality that had caused his downfall.

That's why, I know he will be a person that will never backstab me. He is too soft hearted to do so.

"I'll be honest with you, Prince. The only reason why I had taken interest in you because of your moral qualities as a person. Unlike the Meala Kingdom, the succession war in Femalia Empire has yet to reach its conclusion. As a former candidate to the throne, I believe you can understand the importance of having people I can trust around me. "I confessed while pulling out another petal from the rose.

"...….. Princess, no need for nice words. I don't know what your intel tells you about me, but I'm not as naïve as you think I am. "The Prince sighed at your words.

"Oh? Then, what do you think I choose you? "I looked at him, amused.

"If the princess merely wanted someone who you can trust, I believe there are many potential candidates in the empire. If I am you, I would've just chosen someone within the Empire instead of a foreign country's prince. I believe it's something else that you're really wanted, something that drawn you to choose me despite the risks that may come. "He analyzed.

"...… Haha, you got me. "Letting out a soft chuckle, I clapped my hands, indicating that he had guessed correctly. Afterwards, I toss the rose away and stepped closer towards him.

"Then, tell me prince. Can you guess what is the true reason why I have taken interest in you? What did your brother's servants told you? Is it your bloodline? Your body? Or the lack of background? "I leaned closer to him and he instinctively backed up. His reaction sparked my interest to tease him, so I traced my fingers along his shoulder as I circled around him, making him shutter while pressuring him a bit.

"...… I do not know. "He was slightly shaken up, I could hear it in his tone. I guess it's time that I stop teasing him that much.

I can't scare away my future husband on the first day.

"Wrong answer. "Crossing my fingers, I giggled as I denied his answer. He looked at me, rather shocked at my change of attitude.

"The correct answer, is the fifth prince and third princess of Meala Kingdom. Your highness's younger siblings. "I gave him my answer. The Prince flinched upon hearing it.

"I believe that you know that everyone had heard of that interesting tale of yours. That one specific story about how you gave up your inheritance and agreed to be used as a pawn for diplomatic marriage in exchange for the happiness and freedom of your younger siblings. Many laughed at your stupidity and foolishness, but I don't feel the same as the public. "I elaborated in a calmer tone in hopes of lowering down his guard against me.

"...…. Why? "He voiced out his confusion.

"You value family more than the throne. That's why I choose you. "I stepped closer to him. This time he didn't back away.

"Of course, it may be difficult for you to trust me since we just met each other today. Instead of trying so hard to convince each other than we are perfect as a couple, why not we talk business? "I offered.

"Business? "His brows furrowed, confused about the meaning behind my words.

"I don't plan on rushing things when in comes to feelings and trusts. But, sometimes we don't have enough time to achieve what we wanted. So, instead of forming a bond from baseless reasonings, I believe having a contractual agreement between us is the fastest way in forming trusts between us. "I explained.

"...…. I can't say I disapprove of that. "The Prince seems amused as he agreed to my proposal. I smiled as I knew I had succeeded in convincing him.

"Very well. I shall first offer you the benefits of this agreement. If you agreed to marry me, I promise you stability in life. Even if I failed in the succession of the throne, I promise you that you wouldn't feel threatened in life. You will always have a roof above your head, food on your plate, money in your pocket and people to call your family. I cannot promise that your life will be the same as how it is back in Meala, but I will do my best to ensure you have the freedom to what you liked. "I gave him my side of the offer. Judging from his facial expression, he was rather pleased about my offer, but he's not someone who would blindly agree to do anything.

"...…. What do you want from me? "He asked.

"Not much. All I want from you, is to take care of my family. "I stated.

"...…. That's it? "He looked at me, surprised.

"We are more similar than you think Prince. I believe you of all people could understand that there are things far more important than a seat. "I gave him a look and he immediately understood.

I too value my family more than a stupid throne.

"In three days, Her Majesty will host a ball to welcome the diplomats from Meala. She hopes to hear my answer on whether we decides to wed each other by then. You have until then to consider. "I gave him a deadline to hear an answer. There's no point in rushing these things.

"...…. What if I refuse? "He questioned, being cautious of the price he might have to pay for rejecting me. However, I don't plan of leaving him with a potential threat to face. It would ruin the trust I worked so hard to build. Therefore, instead of him paying for the consequences, I should be the one to who will suffer a loss.

That is my first step in forming a strong trust with him. He must believe that he is in control in his own decisions. That's why, I told him my weakness.

"If you refuse just tell everyone, that you're not willing to marry an expecting woman. "I told him my secret. He flinched upon hearing that.

"...….. Are you...… "He wanted to ask for confirmation, but I cut him off. He doesn't have to finish the sentence to get the answer he needed. Placing my hand on my abdomen to give him a better impression, I confirmed the existence of the life within me.

"Yes. I'm pregnant. "