Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 493: An Unwanted Engagement III

Chapter 493: An Unwanted Engagement III

Daphne then understood why Queen Lavinia came to look for her. While she was worried about Daphne’s hurt feelings and didn’t want any misunderstandings to crop up, underneath it all, her priority was ensuring her niece’s happiness.

"Queen Lavinia, you have nothing to worry about. Atticus wouldn’t agree to such a ludicrous arrangement, even if Cordelia was forced to accept this," Daphne confidently said. "A marriage cannot take place without his consent."

Her voice cracked at the end, though it was not out of doubt for her own words― it was due to anger.

How dare King Marinus attempt such a thing? She, Atticus’s rightful queen, was still alive and kicking, not to mention brimming with magical power. Yet, he was trying to replace her with his own pawn― his own daughter, nonetheless, uncaring of the fact that they were best friends.

With such a father who was willing to trample all over Cordelia’s desires, it was no wonder Cordelia would rather stay in Xahan with her aunt and uncle all the time.

Daphne’s hands clenched into fists by her sides. She felt a burning heat rise to her skin, and she hadn’t even noticed that her hands had been on fire until the smell of burning fabric entered her nose. Lavinia gasped in surprise just as Daphne did, and the latter quickly put out her flames before anyone else could notice.

Unfortunately, her dress did not escape unscathed. There were now two black holes in her silver dress, one on each side. Hopefully, no one would notice. Then again, it was more likely that no one would dare to comment on them even if they noticed the burn marks unless they wanted a matching burn on their faces.

"That’s what I wish to hear," Lavinia said, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I wanted to let you know that I will support whatever decision you and your husband make, as long as Cordelia is not wed to King Atticus."

Daphne breathed out. Good. At least Queen Lavinia had some sense too. The more people who were against this terrible marriage plan, the better.

"Please I know it might not be my place to say this, and you might have a lot of things on your plate, but do look out for Cordelia during this trying time. She puts on a brave face so often that she often bites off more than she can chew," Queen Lavinia added with a tired sigh, glancing at Cordelia with barely concealed worry.

"The both of you are bosom friends, and I do not want my brother-in-law’s plans to ruin a brilliant sisterhood," Queen Lavinia continued. "Truth be told, Queen Daphne, Cordelia has led a very lonely life. My sister died young, leaving Cordelia motherless as a child, and she isn’t close with her step-siblings either. My children are too young to be her close confidantes. You are the closest person she has to a sister."

Daphne’s heart ached. She realized through her friendship with Cordelia, that Cordelia had never opened up to her about her family’s circumstances, despite constantly providing Daphne with support.

"I’ll look after her," Daphne promised. She wasn’t going to let Cordelia and Atticus suffer from the plots of an ambitious old man. "Don’t worry about it. I will look into this matter and have a talk with my husband."

The two of them were the only two magic users in the world. Surely their minds could come up with a solution to counter King Marinus’s schemes. She had a feeling Atticus might simply advocate for lopping that old man’s head from his neck, but Daphne hoped for something less bloodthirsty.

"Thank you. That sets my old heart at ease," Queen Lavinia said gratefully. She balanced her baby with one hand and clutched Daphne’s hands with the other. "If you need anything, just ask. I’ll convince my husband for you."

Queen Lavinia turned back to look at King Calarian, who was entertaining guests with Princess Nesrin a distance away. He looked over nearly immediately; it was as though he could sense his wife watching him. When Lavinia’s eyes met with Calarian’s, both of them broke into a synchronized smile.

"Speaking of husbands, have you resolved your arguments with King Atticus?"

Daphne paused, wondering how much she could possibly tell the older queen. It seemed that despite her best efforts, she had not managed to hide the rift that appeared in the marriage. Queen Lavinia tutted gently.

"Here’s a word of advice, from an old woman to you. No matter what problems you face as a couple, it would be best if you did not make it obvious to bystanders. Your courtiers and nobles are sharks, and they will sense the slightest hint of discord like blood in the water," Queen Lavinia said, her tone surprisingly somber.

Daphne swallowed.

"My husband and I have had multiple grievous arguments, but we made sure we were nothing but supportive in front of our people. You cannot show that you have grievances towards each other."

"Now more than ever before, you and King Atticus have to display a united front, especially when most parts of the world have grown a resentment for Vramid and its powerful leaders. If they spot infighting, they’ll stop at nothing to exploit it," Queen Lavinia finished quietly.

Daphne graciously thanked Queen Lavinia for her advice, watching as she nodded after speaking her words of parting and then returning to her husband’s side. The meaning of Queen Lavinia’s words couldn’t have been clearer.

She had to pretend to be deliriously in love with Atticus again. Whatever her misgivings about Atticus’s actions, she could not let them show. They had to be the very picture of marital bliss in public since the rift between Atticus and Daphne had already become more than obvious for anyone keen enough to observe.

And there were many who were keen on observing the couple that monopolized magic, looking for the slightest hint of weakness to exploit so as to benefit themselves. Daphne would bet her newfound powers that one of those forces was King Marinus, Cordelia’s mercenary father.

She gritted her teeth in frustration; King Marinus was practically a world away, but somehow he was still able to get his hands on such valuable information.

That meant that her relationship issues with Atticus were practically public knowledge. How else would King Marinus have the misplaced courage even to kick such a hare-brained scheme to fruition?

He must have assumed that since Daphne was less than happy with Atticus, Cordelia might be able to use this chance to worm her way into his good graces, forgetting that Cordelia spared Atticus no affection to begin with.

Daphne continued to watch her best friend and her husband interact from the balcony; they seemed to be undergoing a heated discussion, from the way Cordelia’s hands were jabbing into the air.

Atticus’s expression had faded from the wintry cool of before to something more incredulous, as though Cordelia had started speaking like a fish. It was hard to see which party was more unhappy to be in this conversation, but none of them made a move to leave.

Then, Daphne couldn’t help but notice the various curious eyes cast in her direction, tinged with pity and gleeful delight.

Sharks indeed. Daphne bit the inside of her cheek as she realized how the scene would be interpreted by an outsider.

With Cordelia stuck outside in deep conversation with Atticus while she was left alone, this gave more credence to the rumors that her marriage was on the rocks.

Perhaps it was time to remind everyone, including her husband and best friend, that she existed.

Daphne made her way to them and pulled open one of the sliding doors. Both of them turned to stare at her, their faces brightening when they saw her.

"Daphne!" They chorused in unison, before shooting each other equally baleful glares as if resenting the other person for addressing Daphne.

"Atticus, Cordelia, whatever’s the matter?"

"Your husband wants one of Nedour’s prized pearls to fix your kelpie’s eye. Why should Nedour lose one of its priceless heirlooms to rectify his mistake?" Cordelia demanded. "I like Nereus well enough, but this problem is simply not Nedour’s to solve."

"Would you agree if I was the one asking the question?" Daphne asked. "I could beg if you like." Nereus was a dear friend; what was pride in comparison to his happiness?

Cordelia drew back, an affronted look on her face. "Don’t be ridiculous, you’re now the most powerful woman in the world. You can’t be begging people like this, especially not on behalf of someone like him."

Cordelia shot Atticus a dirty look from the corner of her eyes. Atticus gave her a mocking smile, causing her to grit her teeth.

"Does this mean you would agree?" Daphne asked hopefully.

"Daphne, my apologies, but my answer would remain the same," Cordelia said. "In fact, I might be even angrier if you’re asking me on his behalf. A man should clean up their own messes and not expect his wife to lower her head on his behalf!"