Is He Hateful?

Duke Callen made no secret of his hypocrisy in front of his only son. It was alright for his daughter, Drusilla to reject the Royal Prince. But for Rhys to reject Drusilla was a crime in Duke Callen's eyes. After all, his daughter was the pearl of his eyes but who was Rhys?

He was just an unloved and abandoned prince who was thrown to a place like The Icy Hellscape for years. If Rhys was favored, why would the King send him to that demonic place where only death followed people? Even the strongest of warriors wanted to avoid going to that place.

And the fact that since Prince Rhys had been stationed at the border, he was like fish in water. He ruled that land. It was daunting to many people but who would dare to replace him there? No one else was willing.

"We are just assuming," reminded Sylvan. "Father, don't forget that Prince Rhys is eccentric. I have met him. He has a strange temper. For him to agree with the King's orders is actually impossible. Everyone says Prince Rhys hates the King."

"Okay, stop!" said Duke Callen to stop his son from continuing. He knew it all himself better than his son since he was the one who went to the palace over the years and had seen Rhys since he was young. And it's a fact that Rhys doesn't have a good relationship or reputation in the Royal family or in the aristocratic families. "It's not our place to discuss the Royal family. Don't bring yourself the trouble by talking indiscriminately."

Sylvan also realized that he spoke out of turn. So, he went silent.

Duke Callen rubbed his forehead and said, "Just talk to your mother once she is back. Only you can talk to her. And she'll only listen to you."

Sylvan gave his father a deep look. In fact, he understood that his father just didn't want to sit down and talk to his mother. Duchess Rosewood had a strong personality and she never had a good attitude facing Duke Callen. But it was also a fact that Duchess Rosewood loved Duke Callen a lot.

In all these years, Sylvan couldn't understand the relationship between his parents.

But one thing was for certain, Duchess Rosewood wasn't an easy person to deal with. Since she was against Drusilla's marriage to Prince Rhys, Sylvan had no doubt that she would create trouble. However, their Rosewood House couldn't handle any trouble during this time. So, he didn't mind talking to his mother and making her understand the situation clearly.

It was better to not let Duke Callen talk to her or it'll only get worse.

"Did you go to see Silla?" asked Duke Callen.

"Not yet," answered Sylvan as he looked a bit unnatural. He did go to see his sister but after finding Aradia there, he forgot all about it. He was a little ashamed that he forgot his sister once he looked at the woman he loved more than anything.

"Go and see her," said Duke Callen. "Silla must be looking forward to seeing you. She missed you so much during the time you were away. She is also going to move to the suburban mansion tomorrow. You should send her there safely and check all the arrangements."

"Yes, Father," answered Sylvan and left the study of his father.

Right after that, Sylvan went to see his sister. But when he arrived at Drusilla's bed chambers, he found her leisurely laying on the chaise as she ate grapes. She didn't look sick from any angle as he was told which made his brows furrowed up instantly.

"Dru!"

Drusilla froze for a moment when she heard the voice and looked up. Seeing her brother, she bit her lip but she didn't look scared at all at being caught for lying. Her brother always had her back, she never intended to lie to him. That's why no one bothered to inform her when Sylvan came to see her.

"You lied again?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Drusilla stood up and ran over to his side bare feet and she hugged his arm as she acted cute, "Brother, when did you come? Why are you just coming to see me now? Do you know how much I missed you?"

Sylvan fondled her hair lovingly as replied, "I missed you too. I just went to see Father and came to see you right after."

"Oh," responded Drusilla. "Brother, how long are you staying?"

"I won't be leaving that soon," replied Sylvan. "But what about you? Why are lying to Father now? Are you not happy with the marriage?"

"Who would be happy with it?" asked Drusilla. "Have you even seen how those ladies outside are snickering behind my back?" Drusilla pouted at the thought of being laughed at. Especially by the women she never even saw as her match. How could it make her feel happy? "Everyone has a lot to say about my supposed fiance. But no one has anything good to say about him. If I didn't know any better, I'd actually think he looked like a monster or something." She hesitated and looked at her brother as she asked tentatively, "Brother, does he really look like a monster?"

Sylvan chuckled at that and pinched her nose, "Why are you listening to those people? Royal Prince Rhys doesn't look like a monster. In fact, he is quite handsome. He is very good-looking. I have nothing to say about how he is but his looks are undoubtedly the top-tier even in the whole Royal family."

"How is that possible?" asked Drusilla doubtfully. "If he was so handsome, why would everyone hate him so much?"

"You don't really think he is that hateful, do you?" asked Sylvan seriously.

"Isn't he?" she asked.

Sylvan sighed at that question and pulled her to sit with him. He felt like he should have a proper conversation with his sister. He was also afraid that she might do something to get out of this marriage and if she offended Royal Prince Rhys Crown because of her prejudice, it won't end well for any of them.