Rebirth: The unfavored Princess is the Tyrant King's favorite-Chapter 43: I don’t care about the others

"You are Talon?" Luciana asked, her voice a pitch higher than intended. ’How did 2nd Prince David become Talon?’

"You..."

"Princess Consort, I’m glad you are safe."

"My lady, are you alright?"

Dominic and Dora, who appeared out of nowhere, said simultaneously, interrupting Luciana’s words.

"I’m fine; let’s go back to the auction house," Luciana said and was about to leave with Dora and Dominic when David held her wrist.

"Luciana, we need to talk," he said.

Both Dora and Dominic stared at the 2nd Prince’s large and calloused hands that were holding Luciana’s fair wrist with different thoughts running through their minds.

Wasn’t the second prince afraid of rumors going around? It was frowned upon for a man and a woman to have such close physical contact. Especially if the woman in question is married.

’Doesn’t he realize they were in the company of others? What did he want to say to her when things were already so complicated?’ Luciana thought inwardly and was about to tug her wrist free from his grasp when she heard the sound of a gentle voice full of uncertainty. She had that look that resembled a deer caught in the headlights on her face.

"Um... Did we interrupt something? I hope nothing is wrong with Princess Consort," Evelyn’s soft voice sounded behind them, and Luciana used the distraction to pull her hand away from his grasp.

"Thank you for saving me earlier, second Prince," Luciana said in a robotic tone, stressing the words second Prince, before she turned and walked away, ignoring Evelyn. What she did not expect was the woman to follow her.

"Princess Consort, wait for me; let’s go together," she said, a gentle smile on her face. Luciana irritably turned to face the woman. ’What was she even doing here? Did she follow her? Why did all of them have to meet together like that?’

"I thought your morning sickness was so severe you couldn’t even walk, but look at you, so far away from home, up and about as soon as you were left alone with no supervision," Luciana said straightforwardly, in a matter-of-fact tone, causing Lady Evelyn’s smile to falter.

"Princess consort, I’ve indeed not been feeling well, but thanks to the tonic the imperial physician brewed for me, I was feeling quite better and decided to come out," she said, her expression looking like someone who has been misunderstood.

"It’s not only today. You always look quite healthy, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d have thought you’ve been feigning your morning sickness," Luciana taunted, a knowing smile on her face and causing the atmosphere to become thick with tension.

"Does the princess consort not want me here? Are you angry because I interrupted your conversation with the 2nd Prince earlier? I’m sorry, I didn’t know the two of you were so close and addressed each other on a first-name basis." She said demurely as if she had been bullied and was on the verge of tears. It was as if what she had heard would put her in a predicament.

"Are you misunderstanding something? 2nd Prince David just saved me from a crazy horse. Why does it sound like something else in your mouth?" Luciana asked, her gaze sharp, cutting through the thick tension like a knife.

Lady Evelyn gulped in fear seeing Luciana’s fierce gaze, but she wasn’t willing to back down; she had gotten hold of the princess consort’s secret.

"I know you are innocent, but many people saw you and the 2nd Prince, and you know how wild rumors can fly. Princess Consort doesn’t have to worry; I’ll make sure no one knows about what happened between you and the 2nd Prince today," she added with an understanding smile on her face.

Luciana just ignored her and walked away; she would be a fool if she believed even a single one from that viper’s mouth.

"Did you also come to the auction house to get a suitable gift for the empress dowager?" Evelyn’s annoying voice asked behind her.

Luciana paused briefly before continuing on her way. It seems she knew why Lady Evelyn had followed her. Was she so desperate to compete against her? Then she shouldn’t blame her for turning the tables on her later.

"I didn’t know you and I would one day share the same thoughts. Indeed, I’m here to get a priceless gift for the empress dowager. I’m the princess consort, after all, and it would be best if I received recognition from the empress dowager. You wouldn’t mind being in the background and helping me shine on that day, right?" Luciana asked.

Lady Evelyn nearly rolled her eyes at the Princess Consort’s stupidity. ’Why should she be satisfied with being in the background and allow only her to shine? Who hated recognition? She had already hogged Nicholas’ attention all to herself, not forgetting what she had just seen earlier. The 2nd Prince wasn’t one to act recklessly in public, but he was practically all over her a moment ago. What was so special about her that she was always the center of attention? No way! She wasn’t going to allow her to win this time.’

Even though in Evelyn’s mind, she was plotting Luciana’s downfall, on a face was a sweet smile that could only be a replica of the one on the faces of angels.

"Sure, Princess Consort, I’ll gladly act as a canvas for you to display your talents and would make you shine very brightly on that day," she said in a tone full of sincerity. Unknown to her, Luciana could already see through her fake smiles.

"I knew you would understand. You have such a kind heart," Luciana said.

"You flatter me, princess consort," Lady Evelyn answered.

~~~

The Pearl Auction House was one of the largest auction houses in the Windermere continent. It had branches in all six countries with the exception of Zubrekacadesh, and its reputation was well known across the lands.

The auction house had three floors in all, and people who came to bid and participated in the auction were arranged according to their social standing and family ties.

The super-rich, or those from the royal family, sat on the third floor in private rooms that had a thin veil covering the door. The people inside the room could see what was happening on the main floor, but those outside wouldn’t be able to tell the identities of those on the 3rd floor since the veil was a one-way see-through. It was meant to protect the identities of the VVIP customers.

Members of the rich society, or aristocratic families who usually held positions in the government, sat on the second floor. It also had a veil covering the entrance, and their privacy was protected to some extent. These people were considered VIP customers.

The first floor was for medium-income families, scholars and men serving in the army, merchants, and everyone alike. There was no privacy for these people, and everyone could see them.

In one of the private rooms on the 3rd floor, Eric, the right-hand man of 2nd Prince David, was on his knees in a very sorry state. 2nd Prince David, who sat on a chair, kicked him in the chest forcefully, causing his ribs to crack. There was a menacing look on his face as he stared at his right-hand man.

"Tell me, how do you want me to punish you?" He said in a cold voice, causing Eric’s hair to stand on end.

"My prince, I deserve to die. I didn’t know scaring the horse a little would make it crazy and try to hurt others. I’ll never allow something like this to happen again," he pleaded.

"I don’t care about the others; you should know how important she is to me. Did you think I wouldn’t kill you if something had happened to her because of your stupidity?" He growled, and Eric nearly jumped in fright. He had never seen the prince looking so bloodthirsty and angry like this before.