The Young Lady Whose Engagement Was Annulled Decided to Observe What Would Become of the Kingdom thereafter - Chapter 13

I sat by the window, gazing down at the court nobles strolling through the courtyard. Among them, there was no sign of Prince Zain. He was probably still asleep. I let out a small sigh.

“Lady Amaryllis, how about this dress?”

A maid had brought in a newly arrived gown and held it out for me to see. The color was just to my taste—truly beautiful. The finest fabric and craftsmanship, befitting my status as a candidate for queen. And I, of course, would make it look even more stunning.

“Thank you. It’s lovely.”

I smiled and stood before the mirror to try it on right away. I never cut corners when it comes to being the most beautiful woman in the palace. For me, it’s less of a duty and more of a given.

“What was on my schedule today?”
“In the morning, you have a piano lesson. After lunch, a new jeweler is scheduled to visit. In the evening, Marquis Crimson is expected.”
“That’s right.”

Confirming the day’s plans, I smiled graciously. In truth, all of these appointments were arranged specifically to keep my distance from Prince Zain. By the time he wakes up and tries to visit me, I’ll already be “too busy.”

I finished my piano lesson and enjoyed the meeting with the jeweler after lunch.

Then, I pretended to be resting in my bedroom. That way, even if Prince Zain came by, the maid could say I was too tired after my lessons and was resting.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting beautiful patterns across the bedcover. For the past few weeks, I had been deliberately reducing the amount of time I spent with him. To be honest, I just didn’t want to see the way he is now.

“Prince Zain seems to be letting himself go lately.”

I murmured toward the ceiling. He sleeps in late, skips his studies, and drowns himself in drink at night with other nobles. He once said he was studying hard to become a worthy king—so what happened to that?

“If people think that he is my partner, it might make even my beauty seem diminished.”

The very thought was terrifying. My value lies in my beauty. I was able to become a candidate for queen despite coming from a non-noble family because of my beauty. My charm is second to none.

A knock came at the door.

“Lady Amaryllis, His Highness has come to see you.”
“Tell him I’m busy today.”
“As you wish.”

The maid’s footsteps receded. I didn’t want to see him right now. It was just too much trouble.

I do love Prince Zain. Even now. I don’t think those feelings have changed. He chose me, promised me a high position and a brilliant future. I was truly happy when I was by his side.

But now, being with him only irritates me. Every time, I’m forced to choose between swallowing my words or speaking my mind—and that struggle is exhausting.

“If only someone else would scold him for me…”

Someone who could guide him in the right direction. Not me. I don’t want to risk being disliked by him by saying too much. I cannot lose my current position.

That evening, my father came to visit.

“How have things been lately, Amaryllis?”
“Very well, Father.”

I answered with my best smile. Though concern was written on his face, I cheerfully brushed it off.

“And your relationship with Prince Zain?”
“No problems. Everything is going according to plan. I’ve spoken to him several times about the Crimson family too, so there’s no need to worry.”

My father had apparently done a fair amount of maneuvering to get me into the palace. I don’t know the full details. But thanks to him, the Crimson family’s status has risen now that I’m a queen candidate.

“Once I become queen, the Crimson family will be secure. You don’t have to worry, Father.”

At that, he seemed somewhat reassured. I knew exactly what he expected of me.

After he left, I returned to my seat by the window, gazing out at the moonlit palace.

“It looks like he’s preparing to inherit the throne. Let’s hope that brings about a change in him.”

I knew that the nobles were gathering around Zain, trying to spot and exploit his weaknesses to raise their own status. But maybe that would push him to grow. That would work in my favor.

“If he still doesn’t change, then maybe it’s best to continue keeping a certain distance between us like this.”

I collected my thoughts and began planning my next steps. While waiting for him to change, perhaps it’s time I found a new source of enjoyment for myself.