Chapter 55
“I find you unpleasant.”
The woman had appeared without warning and, the moment she sat down, addressed Marie with that line, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
So brazen, Marie wondered for a moment if she’d misheard. But Arwena repeated herself, her voice now like an axe splitting wood.
“You. I want you gone. Out of my sight.”
Marie exhaled softly.
“…I’m the Crown Prince’s courtesan. I didn’t enter this palace by your invitation, my lady.”
Arwena scoffed.
“Oh, I know. Just a mistress. That’s why you should be grateful I’m tolerating your presence.”
“If you’re so tolerant, then I can’t imagine why you’ve come all this way just to say this.”
Arwena leaned forward, her voice syrupy with venom.
“With how close His Highness and I have grown lately, can’t you see what an obstacle you are? Besides, weren’t you sold into service just to pay off a debt? When I become Crown Princess, do you really think I’ll allow any trace of a courtesan near him? It’s time someone started managing that.”
“……”
“And since we’re being frank, let me ask you plainly, Miss Marie Alphrose.”
Her voice twisted with disdain as she said the name.
“When exactly do you plan to leave this palace? Or are you simply that shameless?”
Marie bit down hard on the inside of her cheek.
‘A closer relationship. Crown Princess…’
So that was it. He was doing well, then.
She hadn’t seen Russell since that night, after everything had turned rough and raw between them.
He hadn’t come to her, not even at night.
The midday meals they used to share had stopped entirely. Even the maids of the Crown Prince’s palace, who once harassed her with quiet cruelty, had suddenly gone quiet. As if she no longer even warranted their malice.
‘Yesterday, they even seemed sorry for me. Those stubborn girls.’
Was this how it ended? Forgotten like a painting on the wall — left to vanish once the promised compensation was handed over? And Russell, would he truly be fine without regulating his pheromones…?
Lately, her mind had been circling endlessly with thoughts like these. Nights passed waiting for someone who no longer came. During mornings, she often wandered to the fountain, where she would find someone else. He greeted her with that same bright smile, listening to her worries as if they were his own.
And always, in the end, he would ask:
‘Lady Alphrose, is staying at the palace too hard for you? Just say the word, I’ll help you.’
’Ryan? Why would you help me?’
’Ouch, that hurts. Aren’t we friends? Besides, I fell for you at first sight, remember?’
’You really have a wicked sense of humor. And I…’
’You don’t have to answer now. But if it ever gets too much, tell me. I’ll figure something out. Worst case? I grab you and run. What’s the prince gonna do — chase us down and kill us? He’s filthy rich, he’ll survive.’
’Don’t say things like that. Someone might take you seriously.’
’Hahaha! Perks of being the third son of a family with nothing to fear. I’m serious though, Marie. If it really becomes too much… tell me.’
He comforted her genuinely and without expectation. If not for Ryan, perhaps things would have been unbearable. Even though he was an Alpha, he truly felt like a friend.
At that moment, the woman in front of her slammed the table with irritation.
“Hey, how dare you sit there and drift off in front of me?”
Just then, the maid from House Dietrich, who had entered with Arwena, poured tea for her mistress and for Marie.
The Crown Prince’s palace maids had attempted to serve, but they had all backed off at Arwena’s temper. And this…
‘I don’t want to drink it.’
As Marie remained still, unwilling to touch the cup, a sharp voice snapped at her.
“What’s this? Why aren’t you drinking? Don’t tell me you expect us to cater to your cheap taste? Do you even know how rare and hard to get those tea leaves are?”
Judging by her tone, Arwena was more than a little offended by Marie’s attitude. Her expression suggested she might hurl the teacup at any moment.
But Marie narrowed her eyes. Something felt off. There was no real reason for that woman to be so insistent that she drink.
Could she have put something in it?
“Hmph! If you’re not going to drink it, then get rid of it. Lia! What are you doing? Get that out of here right now!”
After making a big show of her irritation, Arwena then daintily sipped from her own cup as if to say, See? It’s fine. Maybe Marie was just being paranoid.
“There’s no need for that, my lady. …I’ll drink it.”
And with that, gulp.
The problematic d**g that disrupted Omega pheromones slid down Marie’s throat.
“Hmph, you’ve probably never tasted anything like it before. So? How is it?”
“…It’s sweet. Thank you.”
“That’s right. You won’t get to drink it twice, so have plenty this time. Lia, bring more tea!”
Arwena said with a mockingly kind tone and a meaningful smile.
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