Chapter 7
“No, Gigi! I won’t let you leave me!” Maurice grabbed my hands in agitation. “All we need to do is consummate the relationship, and you’ll be mine. Then, you can marry me! I’m
sure Uncle Gideon won’t take away what’s mine!”
He swooped in, wanting to kiss me. The figure on the rooftop moved, and I took the opportunity to kick Maurice in the groin. He released me from the pain, and I backed away.
“Did you just kick me?” He stared at me in disbelief.
“You tried to take advantage of me! So what if I kicked you?” I eyed him disdainfully.
“Aren’t you worried that I’ll tell Uncle Gideon about what happened between you and me? Do you think he’ll still want you when he finds out?” he cried.
Maurice and I had never once crossed the line, but I couldn’t deny that it was true I’d had feelings for him. If rumors were to spread about us in the capital’s gossip circles, it
wouldn’t bode well for my reputation.
“What exactly did you want to tell me?” The figure on the rooftop landed lightly before Maurice and me, looking as elegant as a god.
I’d already known Gideon was eavesdropping from the roof, but Maurice had been oblivious. He was surprised to see Gideon appear out of nowhere. “What are you doing here, Uncle Gideon?”
“Gigi is my wife–to–be. What’s wrong with me being by her side? You, on the other hand… Why are you at the Chancellor’s Manor?” Gideon asked.
Maurice pointed at me. “Uncle Gideon, I’m the one Giselle has liked all these years! How could she possibly be interested in you all of a sudden? Don’t let her trick you!”
I glared at him in displeasure. I was sick of him thinking that I was still in love with him, and I hated that he was saying these things to Gideon’s face.
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Gideon held my hand. “Is that so? So what?”
+25 Bonus
He gave Maurice a taunting look. Maurice evidently didn’t expect this and snarled, “I’ve already had my way with her, Uncle Gideon! She’s used goods! Don’t tell me you’re still interested in having her!”
I wanted nothing more than to slap him, but Gideon beat me to it. He punched Maurice squarely in the face, making him fall to the ground. “I’m warning you, Maurice–say something like that again, and I’ll kill you!”
He exuded the intent to murder, and he didn’t sound like he was joking. I watched him dazedly, wondering whether he would seriously kill Maurice.
ן
Maurice seemed to remember something terrifying. He turned tail and fled without
another word.
Gideon only turned to me with a smile once he was gone. “When did you realize I was hiding on the roof?”
“You only turned back because you noticed Maurice, didn’t you?” I asked in return.
We exchanged a look and laughed.
Gideon approached me and pulled me into his arms, stroking my hair. “You’re right. Are you sure you won’t regret marrying me, Gigi? You won’t regret having to go to Morbeck
with me?”
I snaked my arms around his neck and shook my head. “I won’t regret anything as long as
ith you.”
looked me in the eye. “Are you genuinely willing to marry me?”
“Of course.” I nodded and pulled out a pouch from my sleeve. I’d embroidered a pair of lovebirds on it. “I made this a few days ago. I don’t know whether it’s to your liking.”
He seemed surprised as he took the pouch. He scrutinized it for a long time before saying, “I wouldn’t have expected any less of a proper lady of the Chapman family. Your
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embroidery is top–notch.”
+25 Bonus
Something occurred to him, and he pulled out a green moonstone pendant from his sleeve. He gave it to me. “My mother gave this to me, saying that it would keep me safe. I’ve kept it with me all these years while battling our enemies. I’ll give it to you now if you don’t mind having it.”
I saw streaks of blood on the pendant and knew that it had been with Gideon through many life–and–death situations. How could I possibly accept it?
I waved frantically, saying, “I can’t take it, Your Highness. It’s far too valuable!”
Gideon was confused by my reaction. “Is it too cheap for you?”
I shook my head vigorously, knowing he’d misunderstood me. I explained, “The late empress gave this to you, and it’s been with you through life and death. I wouldn’t dare accept something so
priceless.”
