In Place of Losing My Memory, I Remembered That I Was the Fiancée of the Capture Target - Chapter 4.6
“Lovers…”
“Yes, we had pledged our future to each other. But we weren’t allowed to proceed because it was deemed unacceptable for two consecutive queens to come from the same family. I was forced to find another fiancé.”
For a moment, he furrowed his brows in pain, then quickly regained his smile.
“That’s when we made a promise. When my brother ascends to the throne, I will be demoted to a vassal and will no longer be royalty.. Then, no one can object to our relationship anymore. So, until then, we swore not to engage with anyone else, not even with our fiancés.”
“…That’s the promise?”
“Yes, that’s why you mustn’t get close to that fiancé of yours.”
His sapphire-blue eyes pierced into me.
…Is that why… I disliked Patrick…?
“Xia. You are my sole reason for existence.”
Tenderly, the prince’s hand caressed my hair.
“Letting you go even once was a mistake. Allowing you to become another man’s fiancée… You’ve been hurt because of me. I must protect you.”
“Your Highness…”
“Why won’t you call me Leo?”
…It’s frightening…
His voice and expression are so gentle, yet…
Those eyes— they harbor a light reminiscent of Marguerite’s when she tried to stab me at the ball.
A strong will and an intimidating aura that brooks no refusal.
“Leo…”
As I said that, the prince’s eyes lit up with joy.
“Hey, Xia. Shall we leave this country together?”
“…Huh?”
“I can’t wait until my brother ascends. Besides, I can’t bear the thought of you belonging to another man even once.”
Leave the country…? Elopement?!
Isn’t that Patrick’s route?
“Your… Leo. That’s not possible…”
“Why not? We could be together without anyone’s interference.”
“But… That’s impossible… and it would cause trouble for everyone…”
“It’s because of everyone that we were torn apart.”
“But even so… Leaving the country is just… impossible…”
“…I suppose it’s tough for you, Xia. Then…”
The prince leaned over me.
I was pushed down onto the sofa, lying on my back.
Right before me… His face was so close that our noses were almost touching.
Wait… This is… not good, is it…?
“Xia.”
His breath brushed against my lips.
“Do you know what ‘fait accompli’ means?”
Huh…?
“If we were to become ‘that kind’ of couple, surely the engagement would be annulled.”
His hand slid down from my cheek to my neck.
His sapphire-blue eyes… were filled with determination.
“N-No…”
“Why not? We’re lovers, after all.”
“No…”
“No? What?”
His gaze turned stern.
“…Xia… You wouldn’t possibly…”
“What are you doing?”
A cold voice echoed in the room.
At the entrance stood Theodore.
His eyes were fixed directly on the prince.
“Theo…”
“Please step away from Xia.”
With firm steps, Theodore approached, placing his hand on the prince’s shoulder and pulling him away from me.
“Are you interfering?”
“It’s not interference. I’m protecting Shia.”
Theodore positioned himself between me and the prince.
“Xia is no longer yours, Your Highness.”
“Nor is she yours.”
The prince chuckled lightly.
“Your gaze at Xia hasn’t changed, has it? From when you were a child to becoming Xia’s ‘brother.’ I understand your feelings for Xia, but perhaps it’s time to give up on an this unrequited love.”
“I’ll return your words right back at you.”
—
My head was spinning.
Caught in the tense atmosphere between Theodore and the prince, or perhaps overwhelmed by the prince’s sudden confession earlier—my fever seemed to rise again.
The prince and I were lovers?
Even though I don’t remember anything like that…
I disliked Patrick because of the promise with the prince?
I don’t know. I don’t know anything about that.
I… Who I like is…
“Ugh…”
Feeling dizzy and breathless, I exhaled, sensing Theodore turning around.
“Xia?”
“Xia… Are you okay?”
His Highness’ voice sounded worried.
Someone’s hand touched my face.
“My… fever…”
“Xia!”
Overcome by severe dizziness, I lost consciousness.