The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 8
Chapter 8
* * *
Once they agreed to take the commission, Selena dressed as impeccably as possible and made her way to the palace with Lucy and Randy in tow. While she had attended a few parties in the past, entering the royal palace was an entirely new experience for her. They were waiting in the reception room, adorned with dazzling diamond chandeliers, when Princess Gabriella made her grand entrance.
“Greetings, Your Highness.”
“Welcome, Lady Irving.”
Princess Gabriella possessed long, flowing silver hair, ruby red eyes, and fair skin akin to porcelain. Her ethereal beauty emanated a cool and sophisticated aura, as if she were a queen ruling over an ice castle.
“Lady Irving?” The princess called out in a slightly confused yet intrigued voice.
Selena snapped out of her daze, realizing that she had been unintentionally staring at the princess’ face. It was rather embarrassing to be caught gawking at someone, especially a princess, in such a manner.
Gabriella, after calmly sipping her tea, opened her mouth with a slight smile. “Thank you for accepting the sudden invitation.”
“Oh, no. It is an honor to be invited, Your Highness,” Selena replied, placing her hand over her chest and bowing her head slightly. Observing Selena’s poised demeanor, Gabriella spoke gently while toying with her teacup.
“I extended the invitation out of gratitude for accepting my request. I honestly didn’t expect you to agree to it. I thought you would decline without hesitation.”
“Oh…” Selena paused, taken aback by the princess’ comment.
“If it’s inconvenient for you now, you can decline. I’m truly fine with it.”
Gabriella’s smile lingered faintly, a subtle reflection of her understanding of the burden that came with being the empire’s sole princess. She knew all too well how difficult it would be for anyone to refuse a request, particularly when it came to meddling in matters of unrequited love.
It was clear that it would be extremely awkward and difficult for Selena. Therefore, Princess Gabriella generously offered her the opportunity to back out. Even if Selena accepted her words lightly and left, she had no intention of getting angry or seeking revenge.
However, Selena had already firmly made up her mind, and to her surprise, when the princess seemed to understand her feelings, her determination suddenly ignited.
It was because of those annoying noble gentlemen who constantly whined and complained about finding them a partner. Selena believed it would be much better to fulfill the princess’ desire for love than to find partners for those clueless nobles.
Selena looked directly into the princess’s eyes and spoke slowly, emphasizing her words. “The first rule of our company, Serenade, is that we help anyone who is suffering because of love.”
The princess remained silent, taking in Selena’s words.
“And the second rule is that we’ll do whatever it takes to assist our clients without anyone forcing us.”
Selena’s statement made it clear that she had come to the palace of her own accord. Understanding the meaning quickly, Gabriella smiled gently. The corners of her eyes were rounded, making her cold impression instantly melt away.
“I see. You seem so trustworthy,” Gabriella said, a genuine smile forming on her lips.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Selena responded, returning the smile.
The two of them shared a moment of silence as they sipped their tea. The clinking sound of the cups echoed in the room.
Clink, clack.
Finally, Gabriella broke the silence. “Well then… did you read the request I sent?” she asked cautiously, brushing her slightly flushed cheek.
Selena nodded decisively. “Yes, I read it thoroughly and meticulously, spending several hours on it.”
“Oh my,” voiced Gabriella, blushing even more. She had written the request in the early hours of the morning, not knowing Selena’s face or having any personal connection to her. She had gotten carried away with her late-night emotions and ended up writing in great detail. She even ran out of space on one sheet of paper and had to continue on three more.
Realizing that Selena had actually read her detailed request, Gabriella felt embarrassed and ashamed, unable to lift her head.
However, the more detailed the princess’ story was, the more Selena, who tended to get overly involved, found it endearing. Blushing and lowering her gaze, Selena spoke earnestly to the flushed princess.
“To think that Your Highness has developed feelings for Sir Dixon, the one entrusted with your protection. It felt like a romantic story straight out of a novel.”
“….”
“Especially the part where Sir Dixon selflessly rescued you when you were in a moment of peril; I was moved as well.”
Gabriella remained silent, her gaze gentle and understanding. Her fair and delicate face showed no sign of mockery or ridicule. She had truly found empathy in Selena’s words, and her lips relaxed.
“I felt the same way. The moment he caught me when I was falling, I fell in love,” Gabriella confessed.
When Dominique Dixon embraced her, Gabriella, who had always been obedient to her duty as a princess, began to love the knight who protected her. It was an inevitable occurrence. Before being a princess, Gabriella was a girl who harbored romance and dreams in her heart.
“I’m not asking for much. I know better than anyone that I am a princess. I just want to experience dating someone I love for once.”
Gabriella’s face had cooled down, and her voice softened as she spoke.
“So please, I’m begging you, Lady Irving. Just once, help me make my love come true.”
Observing the ruby-like red eyes shining with sincerity, Selena nodded firmly, determined to assist the princess in her quest for love.
“Please trust me, Your Highness. I will make sure your love ends in a happy ending,” Selena assured, her two clenched fists resting tightly on her knees. She was determined to ensure the success of the princess’ love, even if she had to face a sword at her throat.
* * *
Although she had made that resolution…
“Choose. Will you die here or refuse the request?” The voice cut through the air, sending a chill down Selena’s spine. She looked at the man standing before her, holding a knife to her throat.
Silver hair, red eyes—a face reminiscent of the princess but with a more masculine touch.
Prince Maximilian. He was currently wielding the knife and threatening Selena. Read ahead here.
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