?

　　My eyes snapped open as a sudden epiphany came to mind. I did not want to run away after coming this far. If I were to turn around and refuse the throne, then all those words I had told Lady Marie and the others in the council room would be empty words. I would forever be deemed to be someone without any resolve, someone who gave up on my father’s final will. It would haunt me forever. I had to do whatever it took to get on that throne.

　　I walked towards the door, feeling Gideon’s eyes following me. “Princess?” he called out.

　　“Could you gather the alphas in the council room?”

　　“Why? What are you planning to do?”

　　“I am going to make a decision.”

　　“Cordelia!” He called out, forcing me to stop in front of the door. “Let us think rationally about this. This is a major decision to make and I believe you will need proper time to consider your future with each of them. You must not act rashly.”

　　“Do not worry, Gideon, I know what I am doing. You may have lost hope in this plan of ours but I simply cannot walk away now.”

　　“I have not lost hope, princess. It’s just…I cannot bear to watch you get hurt.”

　　“I appreciate the sentiment, Gideon, but you must have foresaw that danger and risk was always a part of this plan of ours. The moment you convinced me to agree to Lady Marie’s terms and fight for the crown, you knew that my life would be in danger. So, do not ask as if you have had a change of heart.”

　　“Yes I knew of the risks but now that I am properly aware of this reality I do not think I could ever forgive myself if anything were to happen to you.” Gideon wore a sad expression and it hurt my heart just to see him like this.

　　I smiled at him. “That’s quite alright, because I would forgive you even if you don't forgive yourself.” I turned as the door was pulled open for me.

　　“Princess! Where are you going?”

　　“I have something I need to do, but please do as I say. Gather the three of them in the council room and I shall be there shortly.” I walked away before Gideon could attempt to convince me not to do this. I focused my gaze ahead of me as I hastily made my way back to my room.

　　I was going to gamble with my own fate by making this decision but I cannot see any other way to approach this predicament. My heart was racing, abnormally fast to the point where I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears. I pushed my room door open and went to the drawers. My mouth was parted as I tried to calm my nerves by breathing loudly.

　　I reached into the cabinet, reaching far and deep until my fingers brushed against cool steel. What I was about to do would probably give Gideon a heart attack and yet I had already made my decision. There was no turning back now.

　　I pulled out the dagger and tucked it away, hidden from plain sight.

　　*

　　“I’m surprised she made her decision so fast.” A voice that sounded like Isaiah said.

　　“Maybe she gathered us together just to dismiss us.” Cassian chimed in.

　　“What? You saying you failed to charm her? That’s surprising.”

　　“By the looks on your faces, I doubt any of you managed to woo her as well.” He countered. “What do you think about this, Gideon? Is she going to reject all of us or does she have her eyes set on one of us?”

　　“I do not know.”

　　“Come on now, old timer, no point in wasting our time here. Just tell us.”

　　“The princess did not tell me her decision before leaving, therefore I am as clueless as the lot of you.” Gideon sighed, clearly annoyed that he had to be here to entertain the three of them as he was waiting for me to return.

　　“Aren’t you her advisor? I would have thought that you would advise her on which one of us to pick.” Cassian said.

　　“Honestly, I do not believe that any of you made a positive impression on her.”

　　Cassian laughed. “Well at least now I know that you two are on my level huh?”

　　“Don’t you dare compare me to you, vermin.” Isaiah snapped.

　　“You have a very interesting way of insulting me every time we mean, Isaiah. If I didn’t know any better, I would assume that you were flirting with me.” Cassian coyly said.

　　?“Keep saying shit like that and I’m smite you,”

　　Cassian laughed. “What about you Prince Augustus? You’ve been quiet ever since we came here. Are you not worried that the princess would reject you?”

　　If Augustus had replied, I could not hear him. Footsteps then made me turn to the source. Rodrick and two of his men approached me. “Right on time,” I smiled, speaking soft enough to know that the people on the other side of the door would not be able to hear me.

　　“What is going on princess? I was surprised that you had suddenly summoned us.” Rodrick asked, matching my tone as he glanced towards the closed door of the council room.

　　“I just need you to be present in case anything happens.” I reassured him.

　　Rodrick frowned while the other two guards exchanged curious glances to each other. “I do not understand.”

　　“I’m about to make my decision and truthfully I would like you to protect me.”

　　“Protect you from what?”

　　“Alphas.” I confirmed before pushing the door open.? I walked in and instantly their eyes were on me. The nerves were quickly rushing over me but somehow having Rodrick around was somewhat comforting.

　　“Oh? You brought guards to escort us out?” Cassian commented.

　　“Not exactly.” I smiled at them as I stood at the end of the table so I had a full view of all of them. Cassian and Augustus sat next to each other on the left while Isaiah sat on the right. Gideon stood behind me and so did Rodrick and the other two guards. “I appreciate the three of you for coming all the way here on such short notice and even agreeing to the sudden change with the proposal. Thank you for your cooperation with the marriage interviews.”

　　“Ah, I’ve seen this before. Women always thank me for everything before dumping me.” Cassian interjected.

　　“No one cares about your dysfunctional love life.” Augustus said, causing Isaiah to burst into laughter.

　　“I like you already, Ghost Prince.”

　　“I cannot say that I share the sentiment.”

　　Isaiah continued to laugh until he looked over at me. “Get on with it, Princess. If you are going to say no to all of us then cut the crap and fake niceties. I told you that I do not like wasting my time.”

　　Cassian chuckled. “Well, there goes your hopes in getting picked. What a brute.” He said under his breath.

　　“Learn how to shut your mouth.” Isaiah warned. Cassian held his hand to surrender.

　　“Now that you are done bickering like children, I am standing here to reveal who I am going to choose as my future spouse.” I said. I could see their expressions changing right before my eyes. I could tell that Isaiah and Cassian were about to interrupt me once more but before that had the chance, I spoke up. “I choose all three of you.”