Chapter 2
I didn’t sleep at all that night.
The barbarian lord of the North was notorious for for hating us, the Central Kingdom of Aurella.
In the past life, Selene couldn’t even last a year after marrying him. She ended her life from the torment.
That tragedy sparked the war–and Garrick died shielding me, arrows piercing him from all sides.
If I could win that barbarian’s trust, maybe the war would never begin.
But how could I be sure?
After washing up, I stepped out the door–only to be slammed against the wall.
“Why are you so set on sending her to that barbarian marriage?”
His grip on my shoulder hurt like hell. My maid Maude rushed forward but froze when Garrick shot her a glare.
“Back off!”
He reeked of alcohol. Clearly, he hadn’t slept either.
“Do you want Selene dead that badly?!”
Let go, Garrick!” I growled.
But he just tightened his hold.
“You’re jealous, petty, and cruel to your own blood. What makes you think anyone could ever love someone like you?”
“You really thought begging for a decree to marry me would make me obey? Keep dreaming!”
My whole body froze.
That look in his eyes–furious, accusing was exactly like the one he wore in our past life.
Smack!
I slapped him. Hard.
“Mind your place, General Aveline!”
His hand had left angry red marks on my neck. I clutched my shoulder, teeth gritted as I glared at him.
That slap seemed to sober him a little.
His eyes flicked to my neck, his throat bobbing.
Regret flashed across his face.
“I’m sorry… I was drunk”
I turned my back to him.
“A royal marriage is a matter of state. Who marries who is not your concern, General. Everything will turn out exactly how you want it.”
Every word was laced with bitterness.
But he only gave a hollow laugh.
With Your Highness around, what hope does Selene have?”
I spun around, furious, but he was already walking away.
My hands clenched inside my sleeves. I bit back the sting in my throat.
Don’t worry, Garrick. I won’t chase after you this time.
Less than an hour later, he sent a servant with a vial of battlefield ointment.
The kind used to treat sword wounds.
I didn’t touch it.
I knew the only reason he cared at all was because, after the Avelines died serving the kingdom, it was my mother who raised him.
To him, I was just family.
Yet I spent a lifetime loving him like a fool.
