KRYSTAL’S POV

"No!" I cried out protesting my mother and father’s decision for the umpteenth time. I was tired, fed up, and didn't want to do this ridiculous competition anymore.

“Krystal, you have to do it. You can't argue or refuse."

"How long do I have to do this?" I asked irritably with my hands clasped around my waist. "I'm sick of having to do this ridiculous competition!"

“Krystal!"

I fell silent as my father snapped at me loudly. He glared at me until his voice echoed in the palace halls.

"This competition won't continue if you don't act all haughty and powerful in front of them. Please behave like a royal princess, Princess Krystal."

"Oh, father should have more carefully selected the candidates with the best skills. Don't blame me if they lose the battle!" I snapped in annoyance.

“Krystal." I looked at my mother who had a disappointed look on her face. She was the only one who regretted my rebellious attitude as well as the first person to feel sad about what happened to me.

"I won't do this anymore. Besides, the results are already visible. They'll never beat me. Never! So, you'd better stop this competition right now."

"You must find a capable partner to be the future king. This is your duty, Krystal. You have to do it, whether you like it or not," he insisted.

I couldn't help but sigh heavily. This is the third time this year that I've conducted a competition. And it looks like it's not going to pass easily. But, I will never let them all win because I will show no mercy at all.

"I hate you, Father!"

I ran out of the palace in a fit of rage. It's not fair to me. Why did they have to make it a rule that only princes could inherit the kingdom? I can do it without even having to look for a future king!

I can't marry another man, I can't. Even this contest was just an excuse for me to avoid marrying any man of my father's choice. I suppressed this pain for a long time. Hiding my true feelings from everyone.

I only loved one man. I had loved Marcos for a long time. And I only wanted him to be the man I would marry later. The man who's been making me hold on to this victory.

And the good news is, he's coming back. Specifically coming to my birthday party to celebrate my 21st birthday. I smiled happily. I couldn't wait for him to arrive.

I dressed up as best I could. Making sure I looked beautiful in front of him. But as I walked down the stairs to the party hall, all I saw were the alphas looking at me as if I were their prized prey. The alphas that my father had deliberately invited, hoping that I would choose one of them.

But that was impossible.

"Sweetie, come here."

I approached my father as he extended his hand to welcome me. With a sweet smile full of courtesy, I saluted my mom and dad.

I frowned as I saw a man standing before me. With a well-built body that seemed so arrogant and haughty.

"Pay your respects to him," he said.

I half bowed, with the fringe of my dress pulled up slightly to show him some courtesy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

“It's good to see you too, Princess Krystal.” He smiled meaningfully.

I stared at him intensely as he returned my greeting. Thinking a lot about what my father was planning.

"Father, tell me what you're planning," I whispered as I glanced at him.

"He was an iron ore merchant from the kingdom of Ruby. I'm just giving you more space so you can get to know him better. It would be great if your relationship goes well. It will benefit our kingdom."

"What? No! Never!" My face paled at his words. "Don't use my marriage as a bargaining chip."

"You have to."

"No! Don't force me, father. I have the right to refuse!" My eyes were already glaring warningly at my father, but he completely ignored them.

"Be nice to him and use this opportunity to establish good relations with him."

"No. I won't!"

"Do it or I'll punish you, Krystal. Take him around the palace. Now," he insisted.

I could only grumble with a frowning face without being able to refuse his order. As I walked toward him, I suddenly felt a great sense of nervousness. I hated the way he was looking at me. I felt like I was sinking to the bottom of a dark ocean. It made it hard for me to breathe.

Like he had been waiting for me to become his prey for a long time and there was no escape for me.

As we walked together. I kept glancing back with an uneasy feeling. He kept standing behind me, walking at a leisurely pace but I felt like I was being stalked. It's like being scared when you don't know when you're going to be pounced on from behind.

"Can you walk beside me? It makes me uncomfortable," I grumbled. I didn't care if he found me annoying, because I had no intention of making him fall in love with me. Let alone a relationship that ended at the wedding altar.

"As you wish, Princess Krystal" He smirked. Making me feel even more uncomfortable.

Silence engulfed us for a few minutes. It felt very awkward that we were just spending time in silence.

"I heard you're good at fighting?" he asked.

I took a glance at him and answered briefly. "Yes."

"Swords?"

"Swords and arrows."

"What an amazing woman."

"Um." I forced a smile.

"Tell me about the things you like."

"No idea. I've never thought about it."

"What about hunting in the forest?"

"Well, yeah. It's quite interesting."

"You want to go hunting in the forest? I can accompany you. ...."

"Stop," I whispered to him.

I stopped walking and reflexively smiled widely when I smelled Marco’s sweet scent from the direction of the forest. I couldn't wait to see him. To hug him.

"Marcos," I whispered.

I hurried to the source of the scent I smelled. Ignoring Prince Federick without saying anything. I ran excitedly. With my heart beating so fast. It felt like there were thousands of butterflies flying in my stomach.

My heart was beating even faster as the scent got closer. Only a few meters away from me, I could see her silhouette. Until I realized there was another smell mixed with hers.

My steps halted with my hands shaking. My eyes heated up, and my chest felt tight like a boulder had hit it. My heart was pounding, but it wasn't love, it was fear that made me feel the horror.

Right in front of me. Under a big tree. I saw Marcos making out with a woman.

"No way," I whispered in a trembling voice. I stepped back with a shattered feeling and tears that I couldn't hold back anymore. It felt like my world was crumbling as I watched my lover betray my love.