The Evil Empress Adores Me

Feeling a mix of emotions I couldnt quite describe, I simply stared at Damian instead of answering.

Then, Damians expression turned ardent as he spoke vehemently.

Oh, of course! If youre in love with someone else, Im really sorry and

Its not like that.

.just what is he rambling on about now?

I think Im going to lose it with the rollercoaster of emotions Ive experienced today!

As soon as he heard my straightforward answer, a relieved Damian smiled.

Well, thats a relief.

But Im not relieved, especially by what you did back there.

I added in a low voice.

Damians smile became crooked.

Huh?

You could have explained it to me from the beginning, couldnt you?

I scrunched my brows and approached Damian as I reprimanded him.

Since its an engagement out of necessity, I have no qualms with it but the least you can do is show some understanding.

Damian at the moment looked crushed.

Hey, why are you making that face?

I decided to plant my feet and continue this boldly.

Right? Im the one whos suffering the most from this arrangement!

All of a sudden I found myself to be engaged, so naturally I misunderstood Damians intentions!

Well, maybe, Damian might be romantically attracted to me and so offered the engagement

Theres a small chance, but thats what I thought!

To hide my embarrassment, I raised my voice.

If you had explained beforehand, would I have been so surprised?

No, Lize. Wait a minute

Damian, who seemed on the verge of protest with a dismayed look, sighed heavily as he touched his forehead.

..okay. Lets go ahead with the engagement.

What do you mean go ahead?

I couldnt hide my dissatisfaction.

And then.

Damian lifted his head and looked at me with a fierce expression.

First and foremost, lets stop with the Your Highness.

P-Pardon?

From this moment on, youre my fiancee, growled Damian like a beast.

.it means youll be the only person who can call me by my name.

Why is saying his name so important to him?

I tilted my head and called out to Damian.

I will, Damian.

His expression softened in a blink of an eye.

W-What?

I was a bit surprised at that reaction.

Was I seeing things?

Just a second ago, he gave the impression of a snarling tiger with its teeth laid bare, now he resembles a vulnerable kitten!

Haaaa.

After a long sigh, Damian sat beside me.

He then rested his head on my shoulder.

I, um, Damian?

.just for a while, Damian muttered as he rubbed his cheek against my shoulder.

Wow, hes really hes acting like a kitten?

Ill be like this for a while longer

No matter what youre going through, as crown prince you should have some dignity, right?

I wanted to tell him that.

The urge to tell him rose to my throat but-

.okay.

I changed my mind about it.

Im sure today must have been nerve-wracking for him.

Yes, Ill just let this one pass.

I raised my hand and placed it on his shoulder.

Damian smiled bashfully.

For a time, there seemed to be a peaceful atmosphere but

..wait, hold on.

I immediately narrowed my brow.

Damian.

Yes?

Before, when we were talking about Viscountess Antes.

Damian, who was purring like a kitten, flinched his shoulders.

I widened my eyes and glared at him.

Are you mad at me, Lize?

Hmm? Oh, noit just so happens

How are you still mad?

I raised my voice again to the top of my lungs.

IM A VICTIM, I never got the chance to turn down this engagement!!

Im sorry!

Damian hastily cried out an apology.

Well, if you have a conscience you should be sorry!

I commanded in a savage tone.

Get away from me right now.

Lize, can you cut me some slack today?

Do you want to see me angrier?

Damian backed away, looking at me like an abandoned puppy.

If Im going to forgive him at this point, I cant have him leave.

I folded my arms, my eyes narrowed at him.

If youre truly sorry.

If youre truly sorry? Damian responded with a hint of concern in his tone.

Kneel down in front of me with your hands up.

Erm, Im a little worried about treating the crown prince like this, but

Its just the two of us, right?

No matter how naive he is, hes not actually going to do what I say, is he?

I put on a brazen expression, sticking to what I previously said.

And.

.are you going to do it? I questioned.

As soon as those words left my mouth, Damian meekly knelt in front of me with his arms raised high.