The Hero's Forsaken Princess
Chapter 66: Apologize

Chapter 66: Apologize

The slap stinged a lot but this was the reaction Thalia wanted to get from Eve. She deliberately screamed aloud, capturing everyone’s attention. And to make the scene more dramatic and convincing, she even made herself fall to the ground.

Thalia held her cheeks, her eyes tearing up. The image being portrayed to the crowd was a beautiful princess being bullied by a wicked ugly princess.

"Gosh! Have you all seen that? Princess Thalia has been slapped by Princess Eve."

"Princess Eve is getting violent again. Earlier she attacked the royal guard. And now, she is bullying Princess Thalia!"

"Is she trying to stir a conflict between the two kingdoms? How could she harm Princess Thalia in front of the Eldara’s royal guards?!"

"She is creating more trouble for the kingdom! Is she trying to offend the Crown Prince and the nobles of Kingdom Eldara? How could she lay a hand on Princess Thalia!"

The crowd uttered their respective sentiments, reprimanding Princess Eve’s harsh and violent behavior.

Meanwhile, seeing their princess falling to the ground, Eldara’s royal guards dashed to her spot. Some aimed to swing their swords at the woman who hurt their princess.

However, before they could get near Eve, an imposing presence stopped them. Alaric stood before them with a warning glare– ’Take another step and I’ll slash you.’

Sensing the murderous aura emanating from him, the royal guards changed their minds about attacking the woman standing behind Alaric. Meanwhile, Averion knights who had taken a rest from Gideon’s attack, also approached the group.

The atmosphere around them was filled with heavy tension.

"General Stormholt, we didn’t want to fight you. But someone from your kingdom hurt our princess. We seek justice for her. Punish the woman who did this to our princess," The squad captain of Eldara’s royal guards said, demanding Eve’s punishment.

"Crown Prince Cassian will not also tolerate this kind of disrespect," he added with a threat.

Putting on a pitiful face, Princess Thalia spoke up. "General Alaric, I didn’t expect that Princess Eve would get offended by my sincere words. I just advised her to go home quietly since her knights caused a big ruckus, attacking the royal guards."

Thalia took advantage of Eve’s disability. She couldn’t speak for herself so she came up with various lies to make Eve look like she was at fault. She was confident that the crowd would support her claims.

"General! Princess Thalia is speaking the truth! When we refused to let Princess Eve enter the palace because she didn’t have an invitation, she suddenly became aggressive and violent, pointing a sword at my neck. Her knights had beaten my comrades." The leader of the royal guards stationed at the palace entrance started accusing Eve.

"Yes, That’s true, General Alaric! We can attest to that! Princess Eve abused her power." The bystanders also expressed their support to the royal guards.

Alaric remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"I don’t want things to escalate further by raising this matter to my brother or to the king and queen of Averion. It might affect our alliance. Tonight is meant to be a joyful celebration between the two kingdoms. All I want is for Princess Eve to offer a sincere apology." Thalia was good at her words. She just wanted to humiliate Eve in front of everyone, including Alaric.

"General, please don’t listen to them. Princess Eve is not entirely at fault here! It was me who offended the royal guards!" Randolf wanted to take the blame.

"No one asks your opinion here! Don’t you forget that you will be subjected to punishment for what you’ve done!" Averion’s royal guard spat back at Randolf.

As they continued to point fingers at Eve, Gideon just observed them silently. He hid his presence in the crowd, avoiding Alaric. He knew that the young general had sharp eyes so he might see through his disguise.

’What will you do now, Hero? Are you going to stand by your wife’s side or are you going to disappoint her?’ Gideon smirked as he watched Alaric.

On the other hand, Eve’s strong facade broke down as soon as she saw Alaric’s figure. Finally, she found the man she had been waiting for the whole day. Despite Thalia’s words, Eve felt the urge to hug her husband to make her feel better.

However, Alaric never glanced at her even once. He just stood there without saying a word, his back facing her.

’Did he not miss me at all? Eve mused to herself. ’I want to confront him about Thalia. Will he tell me the truth?’

Eve didn’t care if all the people out there continued scolding and ridiculing her as long as Alaric would choose to believe her and side with her. That would be enough for her.

Furthermore, there was no way she would apologize to Thalia. She insulted her late mother. It was something she would never forgive.

Eve found her courage to step forward, attempting to approach Alaric. She was dying to see his face. She hadn’t seen him for three weeks.

Just when she was about to hold his hand, Alaric spoke up in a stern cold voice. "Apologize to Princess Thalia, Now!"

Eve’s body stiffened upon hearing that, her hand hung in the air, almost touching his wrist. His words shattered her heart almost instantly.

’He didn’t even ask for my explanation. He chose to listen to Thalia’s lies, commanding me to ask forgiveness.’ Eve shook her head in disbelief.

Even Randolf and Gideon were surprised by Alaric’s action. Meanwhile, Princess Thalia rejoiced inwardly, her eyes sparkling with delight.

’Fuck this damn hero! He couldn’t even protect his own wife!’ Gideon cursed under his breath, clenching his fists tightly. If one look could kill, Alaric would be dead by now.

"Admit your mistake and apologize," Alaric coldly said, urging Eve once more.

"I trust Princess Thalia’s words... one apology is enough to resolve this matter," Alaric said meaningfully, staring at Thalia with a warning glare.

"Yes! I won’t pursue this slapping incident as long as she apologizes to me sincerely," Thalia replied, smiling sheepishly.

"But Princess Eve couldn’t speak. Instead of writing her apology, it’s better to kneel in front of Princess Thalia to make it look more sincere!" The leader of the royal guards butted in, wanting to humiliate Eve further. It was his revenge.

Randolf clenched his fists tightly, glaring at the royal guard. He was about to retort but Randolf met Alaric’s warning gaze. He was compelled to shut his mouth.

Eve, who remained standing behind Alaric, lowered her head, fighting back her tears. ’Am I really this insignificant to him? Alaric, you are so cold-hearted. I hate you!’

Eve felt like her heart was going to explode. Unable to stand this injustice and false accusation, she finally stepped in front of Alaric. With tears streaming down her face, she swung her arm and slapped him hard.

Pak!

’Go fuck and apologize yourself! I’ll never bow down to your mistress!’ Eve thought to herself, gritting her teeth.

Everyone gasped and was silenced by Eve’s action once more.

Alaric narrowed his eyes on her while pursing his lips in irritation. Eve just stared at him with defiance.