38 - Handled
The tension in the hall did not dissipate immediately after the Holy Knights withdrew.
Their armored footsteps echoed through the marble corridor outside, each metallic clang fading slowly into the distance until the enormous doors of the Luminaris hall finally shut with a heavy boom.
Only then did the suffocating pressure ease. Mariana exhaled without realizing she had been holding her breath. Her mind, however, was anything but calm.
Engagement…
The word lingered in her head like an unwanted echo.
Yes, technically, it was true.
The original Mariana had clung to that engagement like it was her greatest treasure. She had boasted about it to every noble gathering, every tea party, every banquet. Anyone who would listen had heard the same declaration from her lips.
“I am the Crown Prince’s fiancée.”
Back then, Mariana had been obsessed with him. Possessive. Delusional.
The entire aristocratic society of Clematis had whispered about it behind silk fans and wine glasses. But that was the old Mariana. The Mariana standing here now felt something very different.
I want absolutely nothing to do with him.
Her shoulders stiffened slightly as that thought crossed her mind. Unfortunately, fate clearly disagreed. Because standing beside her was none other than Crown Prince Zafiel Abaddon Morrigan von Clematis.
And right now, he was looking directly at her. Those calm amethyst eyes softened slightly. As if he had read her thoughts. Which was… unsettling.
Before Mariana could step away, Zafiel slowly reached out.
His gloved fingers gently brushed against a loose strand of golden hair that had fallen across her cheek. Then he tucked it neatly behind her ear. The movement was slow. Intimate. Possessive.
Mariana froze. Her heartbeat skipped.
Not because the gesture was romantic. But because of what it meant. Every noble present in the hall saw it. The knights. The servants. The attendants.
Even the Holy Knights who had not yet fully exited the building. A crown prince touching a woman like that in public could only mean one thing. A claim.
Zafiel spoke quietly, his voice calm enough that only those closest could hear. “Do not worry.” His tone carried a faint gentleness that contrasted sharply with the terrifying authority he had displayed earlier. “You handled that well.”
Mariana blinked.
Handled… what?
She had barely said anything.
Zafiel’s lips curved slightly, as if amused by her confusion. “Allowing me to handle the Temple was the correct choice.”
His voice lowered just a fraction. “They would not have listened to you.”
Mariana stared at him.
That… is unfortunately true.
The Temple of Astrid held enormous influence across the continent. Even royalty often tread carefully around them. If the Crown Prince himself had not stepped in, the Holy Knights might truly have attempted to take her by force which would have been catastrophic.
Zafiel straightened slowly. And when he did, the faint warmth in his eyes vanished. The cold prince returned. The man who could threaten a holy order with war without blinking.
His gaze shifted toward the doors where the Holy Knights had disappeared. “They will report everything to the Pope.” His voice carried a note of calculation. “Which means the Temple will soon make another move.”
Mariana’s stomach sank.
Another move? That sounded ominous.
But before she could ask anything—
“Mariana!” A voice filled with panic and maternal concern cut through the hall. Grand Duchess Darelene rushed forward. Her elegant composure had completely shattered. The moment she reached Mariana, she pulled her into a tight embrace. “My child!”
Mariana gasped slightly as she was engulfed in layers of silk and warmth.
Darelene held her like she had nearly lost her. Her voice dropped to a whisper against Mariana’s ear. “It’s alright." Her arms tightened. “You’re safe.”
Mariana felt something warm bloom in her chest.
Darelene continued murmuring softly. “They won’t take you. I won’t allow it. No one will take you from Forebros.” Her tone, though quiet, held the iron authority of the Grand Duchess of House Vernon. The family that ruled Forebros.
After a moment, Darelene pulled back slightly and examined Mariana’s face anxiously. “Did they frighten you?”
Mariana hesitated before answering. “... a little.”
That was an understatement. Being surrounded by Holy Knights demanding you accompany them to a divine investigation was not exactly a relaxing experience. Darelene’s eyes immediately hardened.
“How dare they.” Her voice carried pure aristocratic indignation now. “To corner the Grand Princess of Forebros like criminals in an alley…” She turned sharply.
Only then did she seem to remember someone else was present. Zafiel. For a brief moment, Darelene looked at him. Her expression was complicated. Surprise. Wariness. And something else.
Because earlier, for a moment, she had almost forgotten something important. That Crown Prince Zafiel was one of the most dangerous men in the Empire. Not because he was cruel. But because he was terrifyingly capable.
He had threatened the Temple with war so casually it had chilled even the Holy Knights. Yet moments later, he had turned to Mariana with a gentle smile like nothing had happened.
That contrast was… unsettling.
Darelene cleared her throat slightly. “Your Imperial Highness.” Her tone was polite but guarded. “You have my gratitude for intervening.”
Zafiel inclined his head politely. “The Temple was overstepping its authority.” His voice was neutral. “Mariana is under the protection of the Vernon household and the imperial family.”
Darelene studied him carefully.
Then she gave a slow nod. “That she is.”
There was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The political reality had become crystal clear.
Mariana was no longer just the Grand Princess of Forebros. She was also the Crown Prince’s fiancée. Which meant the Temple attempting to take her by force was not just an insult to the Grand Basilica. It was an insult to the Empire.
Darelene’s eyes softened slightly when she looked back at Mariana. But her voice remained firm. “You will not go anywhere you do not wish to go.” She brushed Mariana’s hair gently. “If the Temple wants an audience, they can request one properly.”
Zafiel spoke again. “And wait.”
Darelene glanced at him.
Zafiel’s crimson gaze remained calm. “They need her.” His words were deliberate. “Not the other way around.”
Mariana blinked.
That was… a bold statement... but also true.
If the Temple was sending Holy Knights and the Pope himself was investigating, it meant her divine power was something extremely rare. Something valuable. Which meant they could not afford to antagonize her too much.
Zafiel folded his arms lightly. “They will approach more carefully next time.” His lips curved slightly. “Or they will risk igniting a war neither side wants.”
Mariana shivered faintly.
He said things like that so casually.
Darelene sighed softly. “Well.” She took Mariana’s hand. “It seems the Temple will not be leaving us alone anytime soon.”
Mariana grimaced internally.
Great. First death flags, now divine investigations.
Her peaceful villainess survival plan was falling apart faster than expected.
Darelene squeezed her hand gently. “Come.” Her voice softened again. “You’ve had enough excitement for today.” She cast one last glance toward Zafiel before leading Mariana away. “We’ll return to the estate.”
Mariana allowed herself to be guided forward. But as she walked, she could feel it. A gaze. When she turned slightly, she saw Zafiel still standing in the hall. Watching her.
His expression was unreadable. Yet there was something almost amused in his amethyst eyes. As if he already knew something she didn’t. Mariana quickly looked away.
Why do I feel like things just got even more complicated…?
Behind her, Zafiel quietly murmured to himself. “Indeed.” His faint smile returned. “This will be interesting.”