Throne of Silk and Smoke

The imperial guards swiftly seized Camilla and tied her up. She cried, "Mo, save me!"

Maurice turned to me in a panic. "What are you doing, Giselle? Tell them to let Cami go!"

"Camilla took my wedding gifts without my permission—everyone here saw it happen. Why can't I have her captured?" I asked.

"Don't blame me for getting nasty if you don't stop this, Giselle!" he yelled.

"Use your brain, Maurice. Do you think Her Majesty would bear to give me so many things as wedding gifts if I were marrying you?"

"What does that mean?"

I said, "It means these wedding gifts have nothing to do with you. Since Camilla had the nerve to steal what's mine, why can't I have her seized?"

Camilla wanted to beg for mercy, but the imperial guards took her away. Before hurrying after them, Maurice snapped, "I won't ever forgive you if anything happens to Cami, Giselle!"

After he left, the chamberlain spoke to me about Gideon. He said Gideon would be back in the capital in two days; His Majesty and Aunt Melanie were going to arrange for us to meet so we could get to know each other.

I'd only met Gideon a handful of times. All I remembered of him was him being cold and aloof. He didn't easily let anyone in.

…

When it was time to meet Gideon, I made sure to dress nicely before entering the palace. He was a few years older than me, but I was the one who'd asked for this marriage. I didn't know whether he was willing. Naturally, I didn't want to leave him with too bad an impression.

When I got to the imperial garden, I saw His Majesty and Aunt Melanie seated in a courtyard. Someone sat across from them, but I could only see his back. He wore a thick, black robe.

Springtime in the capital wasn't that cold, so the robe was overly thick for the weather. I figured this was a habit Gideon had gotten into after all his years in Morbeck. He probably couldn't change so quickly.

His Majesty beckoned to me when he saw me. Only then did I get to see Gideon up close. He was handsome, and his gaze was sharp. Appearance-wise, he was definitely good-looking. The only thing was that his skin was coarse and that he had a scar marring his cheek.

I curtsied. "Greetings, Your Highness. I'm Giselle Chapman of the Chapman family."

Gideon was taken aback. Then, he hurriedly helped me up. "Please, Ms. Chapman. There's no need to be so polite."

His Majesty and Aunt Melanie were happy to see that we didn't have any problems getting along. His Majesty approached us with a smile and said, "What do you think of this brat now that you've met him, Gigi? If you feel like you two can get along, I'll issue a decree for your marriage."

I was surprised he was asking how I felt and not Gideon, but I soon composed myself and nodded. "I'm very pleased, Your Majesty. I'll leave my marriage in your hands."

Maurice suddenly appeared as soon as the words were out of my mouth. He looked panicked. "I'm not happy with this!"

His Majesty was confused. "What are you unhappy about?"

"You have no idea what Giselle's true colors are like, Father! She's a jealous and petty woman! I will not marry her, no matter what she's told you!" Maurice cried.

He eyed me, his gaze turning wicked. "However, if you give the order to set Camilla free and let me marry her as well, I'll consider letting Giselle be my wife."

"What are you even talking about?" His Majesty grew angry.

"What do you mean, what am I talking about? Weren't you guys discussing my marriage to Giselle?"

That thoroughly angered His Majesty. "We were talking about Gideon's marriage!"