Gossip? Gossiping is neither taboo nor a novelty among the nobility. It is simply in the nature of the nobility to love to gossip—whether it is fact or fiction, accurate or not; they do not care. Indeed, it has become a habit of the nobility to gossip wherever they are, whether at gatherings, at parties, or even through word of mouth.

"What a pity for that princess; she has to be paired with that sharp-tongued prince." "You’re absolutely right! I met him once, and my goodness~ his face was so scowling! That man has zero manners."

It's not just once or twice that you heard such remarks from some of the nobles who pitied you. They considered your fate unfortunate because you were destined to be with such a vicious prince.

Prince Lawrence—Lawrence Emrys; he was well known among the nobility for his ill temper. He had a sharp tongue that never hesitated to speak his mind, his words were biting and laced with sarcasm, and his eyes never softened; as if he knew nothing but hatred and disdain for everyone.

The prince who grew up with you since your teenage years, the person you’ve known for years—until finally the two kingdoms decided to unite their powers through the marriage of their heirs—Lawrence and you.

Indeed, those statements weren't wrong; Lawrence is indeed blunt, every sentence he utters is very bold and impolite. And just because he loves you more than anyone else—even his own parents? That doesn’t mean he isn’t blunt with you. That’s just his nature; it’s not that you tolerate it, but you also can’t do anything to change that terrible trait of his.

And a fact nobody knows: Not only is he incredibly rude and sarcastic, but Lawrence is also a man with a high level of jealousy; he gets easily annoyed and angry if another prince dares to speak to you.

This afternoon—after Lawrence finished practicing with his sword under the scorching sun, he received word that a prince from the Viscount had come to see you. Obviously, whatever the prince’s reason, Lawrence wouldn’t care.

He moves swiftly, dropping his sword as if it were a worthless piece of paper. There’s only one thing on Lawrence’s mind: finding you.

“My princess, didn’t you promise to accompany me after my sword practice? I’m so tired and overheated~ you know?”

His voice echoed behind you; he’d finally found you standing near the palace gardens. His arms wrapped around your waist, snaking through your abdomen; and he lifted you away without a single word to the Viscount’s prince.