"What is the meaning of this paper, Your Majesty?!" Weston loudly demanded before the doors were even shut behind him. He walked up to the King, with a fierce scowl on his face. Nonetheless, he nodded his head in respect.

Elias noticed how quickly Adeline had flinched. Did raised voices scare her? His eyes narrowed upon her.

"Your Majesty," Weston growled out.

Weston had woken up to an unpleasant surprise. He skipped the chauffeur, and directly drove his car to the palace, skipping all of the red lights. If he didn't have the royal license plates, then he would've earned multiple and lengthy tickets— perhaps even to get his license revoked.

Weston Fitzcharles couldn't fathom the audacity of the King. To marry such a weak and humiliating little human? What was His Majesty thinking?! He obviously wasn't!

"This early in the morning and you're already yelling," Elias lazily drawled out.

Elias hadn't seen Weston this riddled up, since the times he would sneak out of the palace instead of completing document work. Now, life has become too busy and he had too many country affairs to deal with.

"Of course I would be yelling when you send this atrocious proposal to my desk!" Weston screeched. He slammed his hand upon the paper.

Weston acted like he had been betrayed by the country and his family was sent to prison.

Elia's gaze wandered to Adeline again. She was trying her best to not jump again. But her hands were shaking. He narrowed his eyes.

"Adeline," Elias suddenly said, much to Weston's dismay.

Weston's brows shot up. They were on first name bases?! "Your Majesty—"

"A strange woman is demanding your presence, claiming she will take a bath in my fountain and pluck all the flowers from the bushes if she doesn't see you," Elias said.

Adeline blinked at her words. A single woman came to mind.

"Easton," he firmly said. "Guide my fiancee," he emphasized the latter just to piss off Weston. "To the parlor room [1] near the Garden of a Thousand Roses."

Easton blanched. That parlor room was reserved for the most esteemed guest of the Queen of Wraith! Did his Majesty truly acknowledge this beautiful, but demure little woman as the Queen?! Did that mean, she truly was the Golden Rose?

"C-come with me, Princess," Easton stumbled out. His smile became strained, but gentle towards her. Adeline warily glanced at Easton and then Elias. Elias slowly nodded his head, letting her know it was alright. With slight hesitation, Adeline followed Easton out of the room. The doors were closed shut by the guards stationed outside.

She noticed they were strapped with guns. Wordlessly, Adeline followed Easton down the hallways. He walked with a skip to his steps.

"So," Easton excitedly spoke up. He turned his head in the Princess's direction and flashed her a thousand-watt smile, in hopes of charming her. This always worked with the ladies, who'd fawn over him.

Adeline didn't. She simply stared at him with a blank expression.

Awkward…

"Tell me a little bit about yourself, Princess!" Easton already knew everything there was to know about her.

Before the guests set foot in the ballroom, their name and rank were announced. A century ago, species were also mentioned, but that was too much of a discriminatory thing.

Easton had done thorough research into Princess Adeline Mae Rose, the only child of Crown Prince Kaline and his wife, Addison. It was a romantic story between a Prince and the daughter of an Earl [2].

The reason that Easton asked this question was to gouge her personality. Was she humble? Or did she like to brag? Was she strong on the inside, but weak on the outside? There were so many possibilities in self-introductions.

"I think you already know more about myself than I-I can possibly say," she said.

Easton rapidly blinked. Well, this was a surprise. Out of every response he had predicted, this was something he didn't expect.

"And what makes you say that, Princess?" Easton added on. He noted her stutter, which was not the best personality trait for a Queen of Wraith.

Adeline cleared her throat. She breathed in through her nose, hoping to calm down her anxiety. She only stuttered when she was nervous. And right now, being in this friendly stranger's presence was making her question all of his actions.

Why was he so nice? Why did he smile so large, despite just meeting her? What were his motives?

"You and your brother know of my rank, thus, you must've researched my background," Adeline stated.

Easton rapidly nodded his head in agreement. It seems his older brother's predictions about her were far-off. She wasn't just a pretty face, after all. If Weston discovers she possessed a bigger intellect than predicted, he would surely view her in a better light.

"I've only scratched the surface," Easton said.

Adeline noted how bubbly his voice was. His personality was sort of child-like, but in an endearing manner.

"There is only so much a report can say about a Princess. Tell me about your hobbies, your interests, your personality and so much more!"

Adeline tilted her head. So, she was right. They conducted a background check on her. "It's easy to describe a personality, but action speaks louder than words," Adeline quietly admitted.

Easton's brows shot up. "A few descriptions here and there will be fine~"

Easton struck his palm out for her to see and began to count down on one hand. "You see, people would describe me as kind, friendly, outgoing, and quirky!"

Adeline glanced at him. He certainly suited these personality traits. But they were generic descriptions, and she'd have to make the final judgment. Looking at him under the sunlight, she was able to get a better glimpse of him. magic

He had soft features, a small chin, warm hazel eyes, a broad nose, and thin lips. His hair was the color of milk chocolate mixed with dark. It was difficult to describe it, especially when his hair looked much lighter in the sun.

"Now, your turn!" Easton happily said.

Easton was eager to know more about her. Surely, she had more to show than just her reported personality? He recalled his men said she was demure, enjoyed books, and seemed easily shaken up.

"I can't say much," Adeline admitted. "Though, if you're patient enough, you will find out as you get to know me."

Easton slowly nodded. He noticed she was good at avoiding certain questions. Whether it was intentional or not, it was a great way to dodge interview questions, when her status was publicly announced. Many people would want to know and get closer to the future Queen of Wraith.

Elias had been ruling for a long time now, but had never entangled himself in any public affairs with women. It was strange. People threw themselves at his feet, men, and women alike, though he never entertained any of them. Of course, he was courteous to certain people, but he completely stopped seeing many women two decades ago…

"Ah, I see we're here!" Easton chirped.

He gestured towards the luxurious white doors, where two guards were stationed outside.

"Thank you for bringing me here," Adeline warmly said with a slight smile.

"You're very welcome, Princess," Easton responded.

It seems she was not as dreary as the reports stated… When she smiled, her eyes would lighten into a lovely shade of green, softening her overall features.

Easton stepped back and gestured for her to go forward. "If that will be all, Princess, I will return to the dining hall."

She wordlessly nodded.

Easton departed from the area, but he came to a screeching halt upon hearing a scream that nearly shattered his eardrums.

"FINALLY!"

Easton turned around in shock. He had never witnessed a woman of high status react like this.

"Gosh, you kept me waiting for so long, that I was beginning to grow wrinkles, Addie!"

Easton blanched. What a dramatic aristocratic this was. He turned in time to see a beautiful woman of brunette hair, eagerly showing the Princess her face.

"Look, look, there's a wrinkle here!"

Easton rolled his eyes. From his perspective, it looked like she drew lines on her face with dirt. He snorted to himself. What a strange friend the Princess had. But it was none of this business, so he walked off without another word.