Alicia's POV I strode into the well-elaborated hall with a purpose of grace, head held high and body exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. I was ready to dance like someone distinguished to snatch a spouse. I smirked and got dominated by boldness when I felt the eyes of the majority of the men lingering on me. Although… My face was not open, but with the way my outfit fit me like a glove and the way it accentuated my attractive figure, I was confident to grip at least a powerful man or probably Prince Cone.I bowed in respect to Arnold who was sitting on a golden throne-like chair. I also noticed the way his eyes twitched and tightened. He was obviously struggling to contain his emotions. I could only pinpoint that he felt a surge of possessiveness and anger from the way he clenched his fist. His reaction kind of made me shiver in dread that he might try to stop me. I quickly moved sideways to greet all the Royalty dressed men. I tried to figure out the one that was Cone a

Alicia's POV A month later~~~~ It has been a tough month for me. I almost overlooked my scheme of wanting to serve Prince Cone, as my days throughout the month were spent with training. The only moment I spent interacting with people was during the late night at the quarters and the weekends with my lady trainer.I didn't set my eyes on Abel most of the month. That day at the garden, Arnold apprised me about him as my trainer. I recalled that I almost strangled myself by the news but of course, I had no say in making decisions for myself which gave me no room to oppose. I would applaud Arnold as the harshest master ever. I thank God that female servants are banned in his villa because if I were mistakenly assigned to his villa, I would consider it a nightmare. Days when I was training, Arnold would strain his cold eyes on me all day or leave me in the garden to attend to some business while I continued practicing. He wouldn't point out my mistake and he would make me do it o

Alicia's POV I gazed at Arnold mistrustfully, "What are you talking about your Highness?" I queried worriedly. He stared at me blankly and responded in a soothing voice "Do you want me to marry Fatou? You like me, don't you?" I scoffed unbelievably before I could stop myself "I won't dare to possess those types of feelings. That is not even possible. It's never happening, over my dead body"Within the wink of an eye, Arnold yanked me down on the mattress and covered me. He pinned my hands to the bed with his strong hands. I wheezed in fear at the realization of my words, but surprisingly, he didn't retain any violent expression. "And who said anyone can have you aside from me?! You are mine, Alicia. We were born to be together" he growled and hit his hand on the bed. I cringed in fear as my body went emotionless. I was mute and stiffened. Arnold noticed my behaviour and quickly got off me. He lugged me to sit on his lap and slowly massage my back "You are too stubborn" he

Alicia's POV Everyone arose from their bowing position. The priest then moved forward to crown Fatou. "Long life our Empress!!!"The Empress is not expected to be saluted just like the Emperor as the regal power is owned by him. I pitied Arnold for the type of person he will become now that the power is in his capability. The rest of the coronation ceremony took place in a way I could regard as boring. As much as the other Princes were trying hard to cover it up, you could still easily pinpoint that they weren't delighted by the coronation of Arnold. I caught a glimpse of Arnold wiping Fatou's face and I felt a sting of envy. My eyes sting as a tear slides down my face when I catch Arnold pecking her on her cheeks. There is nothing more heart-breaking in terms of love than seeing your mate being lovey-dovey to another person.At that moment, All pieces of hope were erased from my heart.The ceremony continued till the evening. No one could exit because Arnold didn't leave. He

Alicia's POV The guard who had challenged Prince Cone bowed his head on the ground, and trembled in fear "Pardon me for my mannerless personality, your Highness" Cone shrugged nonchalantly, "It's not your fault. In fact, I am impressed by your alertness. You can all arise" he ordered and walked away from the entrance, while I followed him behind. One after the other, they stood up to continue their activities and a guard volunteered to escort us around.A loud grunt trapped our attention and we walked into the nearby building that looked awfully scattered. The guard escorting us rushed to open the created door but Cone stopped him from doing so. Cone unfurled the door and I was shocked to see a guard beating an old man to a stupor. He looked presumably a few breaths to death, and yet the guard continued to beat him I screamed in horror before Cone or the guard that accompanied us could react. Without warning, I jumped to shield the old man. The cane swabbed my back very hard. It