143 The bomb was ticking

Volume 2: PROLOGUE

Aries and Dexter stood by the entrance of the House of Vandran, receiving the royal decree the emperor sent to their estate early in the morning. Behind them were Gustav, the head butler, and several servants who were confused by this sudden visit. 

"... under the orders of the sovereign of Haimirich, hereby declare Lady Daniella Circe Vandran's betrothal with the crown prince of the Maganti Empire..."

Whispers and murmurs and gasped caressed Aries's ears, but her aloof expression didn't change. She had always known this would come, and she prepared for it day and night. 

"Do you acknowledge His Majesty's benevolence?!" asked the royal messenger after reading the royal decree to the Vandrans'.