Chapter 96: Unexpected
Inside the guest room, the morning light slipped softly through the windows, casting a warm glow across the carpeted floor. Axelius sat down, arms crossed, brows furrowed in disbelief. He stared at Elena like she just said the most ridiculous thing in the world.
"So that’s what you’re asking for help with?!" he said,
Elena puffed her cheeks, looking away as she folded her arms. "I-I can’t refuse my father, okay?! He scares me. And after that trial, everyone saw your fight—they think you’re some amazing hero! Now they want to speed up the engagement! B-But I’d rather die than marry you!"
From the corner of the room, Owen burst out laughing. "She has so much hate for you, hahaha! This is the best!"
Axelius groaned, dragged his hand down his face, then stood up suddenly. "Alright, let’s go."
Elena blinked fast, shocked. "W-wait, right now?!"
"Well yeah?! When do you want? After the wedding?!"
Elena let out a frustrated sigh, stomping her foot a little. "We need a plan, okay?! What if they don’t listen to you?! You think you can just walk in there and stop everything with your mouth?!"
Axelius smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets, the corner of his lips twitching with confidence. "I always have a plan."
___________
The air was heavy in the grand receiving hall of the Virelen estate. Expensive rugs lined the floor and golden sunlight poured through the tall windows. Axelius stood tall in front of a richly dressed man seated at the head chair—Elena’s father.
