Panicked, the prime minister objected, yet the king was unfazed.
“In our country, a saint is protected as the king’s consort. She’s also a good match for you in terms of age, so I trust there are no complaints?”
“None at all, sire.”
Linus replied to his father with a blinding, flawless smile, and the king nodded, satisfied.
“What say you, Saint?”
Fiona struggled for words. This was the first she’d ever heard of a saint marrying a king. Moreover, as an imposter, it wouldn’t do for her to become one.
“His Highness’ wife will someday become the queen consort, yes? Wouldn’t a woman from a suitable lineage be a better match for him?”
“It is exactly as the Saint says!”
The prime minister almost interrupted her. Then he took a breath and focused his attention on the king.
“While I understand our customs, more than a century has passed since the last saint appeared. Such conventions do not suit the modern age, Your Majesty.”
Fiona needed the prime minister to prevail in this argument. Otherwise, this, too, would just be tacked onto her list of sins committed as a fraud. The king looked back and forth between Fiona, who nodded firmly in agreement, and the prime minister with his serious gaze, then mulled things over for a bit.
“Then we’ll postpone the engagement for now and think about the future together.”
At the king’s decision, the prime minister sighed in relief, and Linus frowned.
“First, you’ll attend the upcoming ball with the crown prince.”
A ball. The function was attended by nobles. Which meant out of the frying pan and into the fire for her.
“As a commoner by birth and education, I have no notion of how to dance or of etiquette. My wardrobe is lacking as well, so I don’t think I’m suited for such a venue…”
“Don’t worry. We can entrust everything to the crown prince. Isn’t that right, Linus?”
“Yes, sire.”
The beautiful father and son smiled at each other, and the king took his leave along with the prime minister. After they were gone, Charles sighed deeply.
“Alas, we have come to this moment.”
“Indeed we have, so let’s do our best to get engaged, hm, Fiona?”
“But, Your Highness, you have the right to choose your own partner.”
Regardless of their nation’s tradition of making a saint a consort, it was much too cruel of the king to ignore Linus’ thoughts as if the matter was already set in stone. Of course, as the crown prince, Linus’ feelings might not be prioritized when it came to marriage, but the woman chosen for him must be one with status, beauty, education, and more that would benefit him.
Not only was Fiona a commoner, but she was also a fake saint, which made her entirely unsuitable for him.
“I do, and that’s exactly why I want to marry you, Fiona.”
“I’m sorry?”
Had he settled on her because he couldn’t marry the woman he truly loved, and Fiona was someone he felt comfortable with? Or did he love black hair so much that he was willing to turn a blind eye to everything else? The latter was far more likely but also a terrible reason to choose a wife, so should the time come, she would simply hack off her hair and give it to him instead.
As Fiona seriously considered making an offering of her locks, Linus, who’d been watching her intently, grinned happily.
“Well, it’s finally open season, hm? I’ll tell you everything little by little.”
“Nothing is official yet, Your Highness.”
Linus’ smile only broadened at Charles’ sharp retort.
“How long have you known me? Do you really think I’m letting this chance slip?”
“Too long and no, I don’t.”
Charles groaned and hung his head in despair. Linus clapped him cheerfully on the shoulder.
“You’ve known what would happen for ten years now.”
“Perhaps, but I most definitely didn’t expect things to go so far or turn out like this. Regardless, I want you to think of Fiona first and foremost.”
“Of course. That’s exactly what I’m doing. Why else would I have become the crown prince?”
“You sure did grow up to be nasty, Your Highness. Every offense intended.”
“Aw, come now. Think of it as I grew up motivated by pure love instead.”
Linus looked happy while Charles seemed exhausted, yet she had no idea what they were talking about in the first place.
“Ummm…?”
In response to her confused, questioning sound, Linus gently clasped Fiona’s hand.
“Fiona, from now on, you’ll be treated as my future fiancée. Of course, I, too, shall think of you as such and behave accordingly.”
“A-All right?”
Except, didn’t the king just say moments ago that he would postpone their engagement and think it over some more? So why did Linus discuss it like it was already a done deal?
“This is where we part today. Be careful on your way home, hm?”
He smiled gently at her before bending down to softly kiss her cheek. Unlike when he kissed her hair, his pliant lips directly touched her skin and made her twitch. Fiona stared at him in wide-eyed shock. He simply nonchalantly waved as he strode out of the audience chamber.
“The cunning rascal sure didn’t waste time, eh?”
Charles exhaled after he saw Linus off, then noticed Fiona standing there frozen and unable to move. He gently patted her head.
“Are you all right, Fiona? If you don’t want any of this, just say so. And I give you permission as well to purify that scoundrel, body and soul.”
Purification of the soul almost sounded like death. Despite her confusion, Fiona nodded slowly.
“No, it’s fine. I was simply surprised by the kiss on the cheek since it was the first time he’s done that.”
“Oh ho! So, he did practice moderation! How unexpected. You still haven’t answered my question, though. Are you all right?”
“Yes. I suppose I’m used to it since he’s always kissing my hand, hair, and head.”
“And I must say, none of that pleases me either!”
Charles realized Fiona studied him intently as he raised his voice in agitation. Embarrassed, he scrutinized her face in turn.
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I am. I am, but I don’t know. I’m just surprised.”
“Yes, you already mentioned that, my dear. As for me…how can I put it into words? On the one hand, I didn’t want him to do anything to you out of concern for you, Fiona. But on the other, I know about His Highness’ circumstances, so I can’t help but want to support him.”
She had no idea what her father was talking about, but she understood he was worried about her. While she didn’t want to cause trouble for Charles, she also didn’t know what the right thing to do was.
“Listen to me, Fiona. Regardless of what His Majesty decrees, you have the right to refuse. Don’t get swept up by duty or honor. Instead, I want you to think carefully about this before you make a decision. Whether you become the crown prince’s consort or not, I’ll support you. And…if we need to flee abroad, let’s do our best together.”
“Why are my only options to marry the crown prince or flee abroad? Personally, I’d like nothing more than to live my life normally as a priestess.”
Was he perhaps talking about the worst-case scenario if she was exposed as a fraud? Even so, Fiona was the culprit, so she would leave the country alone.
“Regardless…we’ll do our best.”
“Haaah.”
She sighed. Ultimately, she didn’t know what exactly they would be trying their best at, but overwhelmed by Charles’ serious expression, all she could do was nod.