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ARAMINTA’s POV

My pulse quickened as I stood rooted in front of my Father's hall, I could hear laughter and conversations. I wanted to be sure I was not hallucinating, “that voice—”

My stomach curled with pain as I prayed silently it wasn't who I thought it was, I wasn't sure if I was ready to face the monster. There was no way I could mistake the voice I heard that night for another.

Kai’s voice sounded in my head suddenly “Ara!! Run….he is going to kill you!!!

I held on to the door’s handle tightly to avoid crumbling to the floor. I inhaled in and out to steady myself when one of the palace guards' voices reached my ears. “Your Highness, are you okay?

I quickly formed a smile and nodded at him to assure him that I was fine. But that was a blatant lie, I was not fine and I could feel it terribly, I hated myself for feeling this way after I had sworn a thousand times to ruin Althan. I opened the door majestically and walked into the hall, I was greeted by the fine and bright lights of the hall and the palace guards at each corner, different kinds of snacks were present also.

“So much just to reject,” I thought to myself.

So many simple yet classic decorations to welcome the guests. I seldom visited that huge hall but here I was again. My eyes landed on my father who was smiling timidly at me. I smiled at him back and walked over to him.

“Araminta, this is Prince Noah from the Althan Kingdom. He is here to ask your hand in marriage” My father said to me casually before he signaled and pointed to a person sitting on his left side. My eyes found him, the monster. Lumps formed in my throat as I sighted him.

“Holy fuck! I mumbled to myself, blinking my eyes so many times to be sure I was staring at the real Prince Noah. There he was, I was staring at the monster in flesh, sitting so arrogantly yet majestically with his thighs apart and his hand on his chin staring so intensely at me. I realized Imogen was not exaggerating because damn! Noah was beautiful, way too beautiful for a human. His style jet-black hair and little strands of it on his forehead, his long and curly eyelashes, and his deep-set grey eyes were so pretty to look at. His jawline and his face structure were too outstanding…..

“Hello Princess, allow me to introduce myself” Noah stood up and said loudly jumping me out of my thoughts. Before I could register what he said, I found him in front of me. Imogen had always told me my height was perfect but with Noah’s height, I felt totally insecure. Prince Noah stood tall in front of me with his broad chest, I could not help but feel intimidated.

He cleared his throat and flashed me a tiny smile “I’m Prince Noah, Well, I must say, the rumors are pretty true. You are so pretty”

“Aren’t you too forward, Prince? I blurted out a little too harshly but I didn't care. I wasn't going to act nice all because of some compliments. I never for once imagined the monster to be a young handsome man, I had all my life thought he was an old wicked hag. It took me all my strength not to confront him right there on the reason he ruined my life.

A playful glint shone in his eyes, “Fair warning, nice meeting you Princesa” I nodded to acknowledge him, and when I thought the pleasantries were over, Noah moved closer to me and took my hands in his rough but still soft and smooth palm. He placed a gentle kiss on it and flashed me a smile before he went back to sit. I was dumbfounded, not because of the kiss well maybe a little but because of his scent!!!! He smelled like dark chocolate combined with forest, I craved to inhale more.

“Damn, I'm fucked. Reject him fast, Father” I thought to myself inwardly in my seat as I waited for the usual comment from my father. “Thank you for taking the time to come to check on my daughter, however, I'm afraid we won't be moving forward with this proposal” That was how my Father rejected every one of my suitors, I never for once thought I would pray for my father to reject a suitor after I had always resented him for keeping me in his palace for that long but here I was waiting eagerly to hear the words. Yes, I wanted revenge but not this way, I could not bear the thought of getting married to that monster all in the name of revenge!

My father dropped his teacup and I knew it was time, my eyes met with Noah’s and he flashed me his beautiful smile, and this time his white and perfect tooth set was revealing. I curled my mouth in disgust and ignored him, “Can't wait to have you, Princesa”

I twitched my mouth and smirked hard but I was anxious inwardly, “Must be a trait in Althan to always be too forward”

“Araminta” my father called out

“Wait—hold on!

Why was —my father calling me instead of Noah? I calmed myself and stared at my dad, I failed because my heart was racing as I noticed my Father’s serious expression.

“After so many considerations on Prince Noah's proposal, your mother and I concluded this is the best one and the right one for you. We have kept you for a long time and it is time to let you go, Prince Noah will be leaving with you in a day to his Palace as we have finalized the arrangements for now——the wedding will take place soon before his coronation”

My world stood still and I saw my whole life shattering in my eyes. “I'm damned….

“I’m damned—

“I can't….this can't be happening…..

All those words could only sound in my head, I was too shocked to say anything. My eyes wandered to Noah and saw him smiling sheepishly. I clenched my gown hard and bit my tongue so hard to stop myself from losing it in front of my Father.

“Queen Araminta of Altan, how does it sound Princesa? Noah’s teasing deep voice rang in my ears.

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