My father's gaze was so sharp that I let out a small shriek.
Of course Father had to be furious. After all, the engagement had happened at my foolish request. If it were simply called off, the palace's reputation would be tarnished.
"Princess Leonora, do you think a royal decree is a game? Don't talk nonsense."
I lowered my head weakly. Whenever Father called me by my name, it meant he was truly furious. Still, I understood why he was angry with me.
However, Felix's and my future safety were at stake. So I had to try to persuade Father as best I could until I succeeded.
I gently stroked Father's hand with a smile, hoping to ease his anger a little.
"I don't feel ready to get engaged, Father. It would be better if Lord Felix chose his own partner without being forced into it," I explained.
Father let out a long sigh, trying to ease the tension caused by his daughter's request, which had sent his blood pressure soaring in an instant.
Then he leaned against the wall and glanced at his spoiled daughter.
"I agree. Seeing how careless you are, it would be better for you not to get engaged yet," he declared coldly.
I gave a bitter smile. Father wasn't wrong to think I was childish. But hearing him say it directly was surprisingly painful.
"Unfortunately, this engagement has already spread everywhere. So it won't be easy for me to withdraw the decree," Father continued.
I smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Father. We can give him land and a title. That would be fair compensation for his contributions to the kingdom. I'm sure Felix and the others will understand. Besides, there are plenty of people who don't like this engagement," I explained, remembering all the people who had gossiped about my engagement behind my back. Of course, most of those who objected were young ladies who liked Felix.
"Very well, if that's what you want. But from now on, you need to think long and hard before asking for something," Father warned, and I nodded obediently.
Of course, this time, I wouldn't make another foolish decision like I had before.
After speaking with Father for a while and making sure he had finished drinking his potion, I left his bedchamber and let him rest in bed again.
As soon as I stepped outside, I broke into a wide smile.
At last, the engagement that had threatened our lives was canceled. I immediately let out a sigh of relief. Now I didn't have to worry about the execution from my past life. In this life, I was already on a different path.
I hoped I had made the best choice.
As I made my way to my palace, I was startled by my stepbrother, Raymond, who was now standing before me.
Memories of my past life suddenly flashed through my mind.
How could they not? In the future, Raymond would become King after Father died. Of course, he was the mastermind behind the trap and the one who sentenced Felix and me to death without showing us the slightest mercy.
I clenched my fists tightly. Honestly, the moment I saw his face, anger flared in my chest. I wanted nothing more than to smash his head in. But as an honorable princess, I couldn't do that.
"Have you just visited His Majesty the King?" Raymond asked.
I nodded. "Father is resting right now. If you want to see him, you'd better come another time," I replied.
Raymond sighed softly. "That's too bad. I wanted to see how he was doing."
I rolled my eyes lazily. It was obviously a lie. Raymond's relationship with Father was terrible.
After all, Raymond wasn't Father's biological son. He was the son of the former queen consort and her lover. To protect the palace's reputation, Father had been forced to accept Raymond as his own son.
Of course, it was a secret known only to a handful of people.
I hadn't paid much attention to him before. I thought Raymond was weak and naive. But that had only been a mask he kept hidden behind.
After he became King, his cunning nature was finally exposed.
But in this life, I had to be wary of him.