Elysium: Desired by the Cold-hearted Princess [GL]
Chapter 214 214: The condition

Seraphina's POV

I could tell from the way Darius was looking at me—his eyes sharp with curiosity and mild disbelief—that he had a million thoughts running through his head, and I didn't blame him.

My decision probably seemed sudden, but it wasn't something I had decided on a whim. As much as the idea of getting engaged wasn't something I'd thought I'd be doing anytime soon, I realized today that making this decision wasn't just about the engagement—it was about survival.

But he probably didn't understand that, so I'd have to explain myself to him.

After what had just happened with Gianna, it had become painfully clear that I couldn't deal with her alone. If I refused the King's proposal, then the next two years of my life would be absolute hell. I would be locked up in my room whenever Gianna saw fit, isolated, and constantly monitored like I was her prisoner.

And the worst part? She would win.

She would steal everything from me—my father's inheritance, my dignity, and my freedom.

Unfortunately, no matter how stubborn I tried to be, I wouldn't even be able to stop her because I didn't know the first thing about defending my legal rights.

I wasn't powerful, and by myself, I wasn't connected, but Darius? He was enough to prevent this problem, and I assumed my father already knew I wouldn't be able to handle his second wife by myself, which was why he arranged this proposal with the king.

Darius coming to my house—personally—to get me out of Gianna's grasp had sealed my decision, and it had made me realize something crystal clear.

If I wanted to survive, if I wanted to gain my freedom eventually while having everything intact—then I needed to align myself with a family that Gianna wouldn't dare to cross.

And that family? Was the royal family.

Darius was still staring at me, his lips slightly parted, as if he was waiting for me to take back what I said, but I didn't.

Instead, I met his gaze directly and said, "I know you're shocked, Darius, but I meant what I just said."

His eyebrows raised slightly. Then, after a moment of silence, he leaned back against the car seat and let out a low chuckle.

"Well," he mused, shaking his head. "That escalated quickly."

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Look—"

But he held up a hand, stopping me.

"No, no—don't explain just yet," he said, smirking slightly. "I think I already have a theory about why you suddenly want to be engaged to me."

I crossed my arms. "Oh, do you?"

He nodded.

Then, with an amused expression, he said, "You realized I'm devastatingly handsome and decided you couldn't resist me."

I stared at him. Then, after a full three seconds, I reached over and slapped his arm.

"Ow!" He laughed, rubbing his shoulder. "Alright, alright—kidding."

I rolled my eyes. "Your highness, please be serious."

He exhaled, but his smirk remained. "Fine. Tell me your real reason, then."

I paused. Then, quietly, I said. "I'm agreeing simply because I need protection."

Darius's smirk faded instantly.

I continued, "I know I can't handle Gianna alone, and if I refuse the King's proposal, I'll be stuck under her control until I'm twenty. I won't have access to anything my father left behind, and legally, she'll still be my guardian."

I swallowed. "And… I don't know how to fight for my inheritance. I don't even know where to start. It'd be way too easy for her to take everything from me, and I can't let that happen."

Darius was silent for a moment. Then, finally, he let out a slow breath. "So," he muttered, "you're saying you need this engagement to secure your place in Aldoria."

I nodded. Darius tilted his head slightly, studying me. "And what do you think I get out of this? I'm just curious to hear your thoughts."

I held his gaze, rolling my eyes at his obvious question.

"If you let the kingdom believe you're marrying the daughter of one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the kingdom," I said quietly, "then you'll be securing your throne."

Silence, and then—Darius smirked.

"Well, Seraphina," he drawled, his voice smooth. "I do love a mutually beneficial arrangement, but what do you mean, if I let the kingdom believe we're getting married? Aren't we going to get married?"

I let out a slow, measured sigh, forcing myself to calm down as I prepared for what I had to say next.

This was it. This was the moment I had to lay everything out—my condition, my reason, and yet, for some reason, I felt nervous.

I had never had to say it out loud before. Not to anyone. It wasn't that I was ashamed of it—I wasn't, but this wasn't just a casual conversation.

This was a negotiation with the Crown Prince of Aldoria, and he was also someone I didn't know well enough to decide how open-minded he was.

I took another breath before finally speaking.

"Well, there's a condition I have if we're going to make the announcement," I said, keeping my voice steady.

Darius arched an eyebrow, his expression still amused. "Oh?"

I nodded. "Even though I'm agreeing to let the royal family announce our engagement… it will only last for a few years—probably two."

His smirk faded slightly, replaced by a look of mild confusion. "And then what?" he asked.

I swallowed. "After two years, we call off the engagement."

The moment I said it, Darius's expression shifted entirely. His eyes widened, and I could see the irritation flicker across his face. "Hold on—" he started. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

I nodded, keeping my gaze steady. "Yes, I am."

Darius let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening slightly as he processed what I just said. I could tell he was annoyed, and I didn't blame him.

I was essentially telling him that I was using the royal family for protection and then backing out of the arrangement later.

"You do realize," he said after a moment, "that this is a pretty insulting conversation, right?"

I nodded again. "I know."

He frowned, waiting for me to explain. I hesitated.

Then, finally, I forced myself to say it.

"Darius…we can't get married."

His frown deepened. "And why exactly is that?"

I paused, gathering my courage. Then, quietly, I admitted, "Because I like girls."

Silence. I could feel Darius staring at me, his expression unreadable.

I swallowed before continuing. "And there's… someone I have feelings for right now."

Another beat of silence.

Then, finally, Darius let out a low whistle, leaning back in his seat. "Well, damn."

I clenched my fists, waiting for him to say something else. Instead, after a moment, he grinned. "You should've led with that," he said. "Would've saved me from wondering if you just personally hated me or something."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding.

Darius wasn't angry. If anything…he looked more amused than anything else.

"So," he continued, resting his chin on his hand. "Let me get this straight—you're using me to escape your evil stepmother, and I get to play the role of your perfect fake fiancé for two years before we dramatically break up?"

I nodded slowly. "Basically."

Darius smirked. "I do love a good drama."

I blinked. "Wait—so you're okay with this?"

He shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be? This works for me too, Seraphina. You think I want to be forced into marriage by my father? I mean, I'm not being forced, but I'd also like to marry someone I choose, so this just gives me two years to stall before I have to deal with it again."

I exhaled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Darius studied me for a second before smirking. "So, tell me… who's the lucky girl?"

I felt my face heat up.

I turned my head toward the window, muttering, "None of your business, your highness."