Chapter 124

"My father treated me well, but his kindness always felt... off."

"Ever since I came of age, the way he looked at me grew stranger."

"Fortunately, his health declined with age. After falling gravely ill, he became bedridden."

"And my elder brother, the Crown Prince..."

"To secure his throne, he betrothed me to that sixty-year-old general from Lancang."

"If I refuse to return for the wedding, they'll torment my mother."

"This trip to the Empire was my last desperate bargain—won only by threatening to take my own life."

"We're but strangers who crossed paths. Perhaps it's best we part ways here."

"You're from the imperial family, aren't you? A pity... even you can't save me."

Henry Valdemar didn't rush to reveal his identity. With a faint smile, he asked, "I take it you despise this elderly general?"

Alina Kalmien bit her lip and nodded. "Who could love a man one foot in the grave?"

"To my brother, I'm just another pawn to strengthen his reign."

Henry leisurely fastened his robe. "It's not hopeless yet."

"You're fortunate to have met me."

"From this day forward, you needn't worry about such troubles."

"Become mine, and I'll ensure no harm befalls you."

Alina gave a bitter laugh. Even if he were royalty, he couldn't overturn a royal marriage between nations.

For now, she only wished to cherish her remaining days in the Empire.

"I must return. The envoy will be searching for me."

"Tonight... I'll find a way to slip away."

"There are still so many places in the capital I haven't seen. I want to spend what time I have left... with you."

She dressed hastily and left before Henry could stop her.

Watching her retreating figure, Henry's lips curved slightly.

Though court had been suspended today, he should return to the palace soon—lest his grandfather worry.

......

Clutching the returned deposit, Alina hurried toward Westminster Abbey.

She'd prepared excuses for Marco Lombardi, unaware the entire envoy now languished in prison.

Henry knew little of the Khmer Empire.

This kingdom, called Angkor by its people, was known elsewhere as the Khmer Empire.

Though well-read, his knowledge came only from Ministry of Rites reports.

He immediately summoned Minister Xavier Valence.

"Your Highness." The minister bowed.

"At ease. Be seated."

Once settled, Henry cut to the chase. "Update me on the Khmer Empire's situation."

Xavier pondered briefly. "Since establishing relations in the sixth year of Hongwu, we've maintained peaceful ties."

"This year marks their tribute cycle. Their envoy currently resides in the capital."

"The delegation includes a princess—a striking beauty of mixed heritage..."

The minister stole a glance at the prince, wondering if he'd taken interest in the princess.

Little did he know Henry had already claimed the Khmer princess the night before.

"How fares their nation now?"

As Xavier elaborated, Henry grasped the situation.

The once-mighty Angkor, after six centuries, now teetered on collapse.

That their Crown Prince relied on marriage alliances revealed how far the empire had fallen.

......

Alina stood panic-stricken before Westminster Abbey.

Inquiries revealed Marco had been arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard—that dreaded agency few entered alive.

In desperation, she remembered Henry.

"If he's imperial family, perhaps he can help..."

Yet she knew nothing about him beyond his surname.

At nightfall, Simon Roland appeared outside the abbey.

"Princess Alina, Lord Henry requests your presence."

Eagerly, she followed him to The Savoy.

Pushing open the private chamber door, she met Henry's amused gaze.

Alina threw herself into his arms. "My lord, do you have connections with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

"They've arrested my entire envoy!"

"How dare they detain diplomats without cause!"

Henry arched a brow at Simon.

"My apologies, Your Highness!" Simon hastily explained. "Last night the Khmer envoys caused a disturbance at the Moulin Rouge, so we—"