The Devil's Good Girl-Chapter 240: Rot next to me

[FLASHBACK]

The wedding between the crown prince, Quentin, and the cousin of the Duke’s Fitzroy proceeded without a hitch. The empire was more than happy to welcome their crown princess. It was an auspicious occasion, and the masses were relieved when they saw how the crown prince looked at his crown princess during their parade.

When nighttime came, the last part of the wedding came. The crown prince and the crown princess would consummate their marriage.

Quentin had been waiting for this time to make Latrice his. All he could wish was for Latrice to feel the same. So when he came into their matrimonial chambers and saw her in a thin nightdress, he almost carried her to the bed and stripped her bare. But he didn’t. He took things slowly like a gentleman, afraid he would scare his delicate wife.

Hovering over her, Quentin placed his hand on the side of her head. His other hand caressed her cheek, smiling lovingly. He slowly lowered his head to claim her lips for the second time in the day. The first one was to seal their marriage, but it was a quick peck. Tonight, he planned to kiss her until they were both out of breath.

However, he stopped when his lips were inches from hers. Quentin slowly drew his head back, confused.

Latrice carried the same look on her face. It was a look that was hard to read because there was nothing to read. No curiosity, no interest, no evil scheme, nothing.

"Why did you stop, Your Highness?" she asked, this time curiosity briefly shone in her eyes.

"Is everything alright, Latrice?" he returned, trying to see through what was on her mind. "You seemed a little distracted."

"I am alright."

Yet, she didn’t deny she was distracted.

Quentin smiled and pushed himself away from her. "Forget it. Today is an exhausting day. It’s better if we rest tonight, don’t you think?"

Latrice looked at the crown prince, who was seated beside her. She didn’t say anything, though.

"I don’t know how others do this and multiple times at that." His back collapsed on the bed and he sighed. "The wedding preparations are already too much work, but the wedding itself is more tiring."

He turned his head to her and smiled. "Don’t you share the same sentiments, my crown princess?"

"It is a little tiring." The smile on her face was meek. "But I do not mind doing my duties as the crown princess."

"Latrice." Quentin slowly rolled on his side, propping his temple against his knuckles. "May I ask you a question?"

She blinked.

"What do you think about this marriage?" he asked and this time, curiosity appeared on her face. "Do you think it is a simple task you must complete?"

"I do not think it is a simple task. It is a hard one."

"In other words, it is still a task?"

"Was it not?"

Quentin looked at her with genuine wonder in his eyes. He knew Latrice was a little mystifying. Even the first time they met, she was akin to a blank canvas that was waiting to be painted. But the more he spent time with her, he realized a blank canvas was quite a farfetched idea. If anything, she was akin to a canvas painted in one color.

"Latrice, I understand being the crown princess is a huge responsibility. However, I do not want to burden you with a loveless marriage," he explained while cradling her hand. "Please believe me when I say I do everything sincerely. I fell in love with you the first time I laid my eyes on you, and my heart will not easily wane. I have proven that when I sent you to the South and patiently waited for this day."

His heart was true, but had he ever asked her about what she felt about it before, until now?

"Your Highness, what do you think of a marriage that is founded by love?" she asked out of pure curiosity, making him raise his brows.

"It’s when two individuals marry for love, of course."

Love each other mutually, was the detail she wanted to add.

"Latrice, I will make you the happiest empress in the history of the empire," he declared with conviction. "So, you do not worry. I will not do anything until you are ready."

Yet he didn’t give any other option for Latrice.

Ever since the day they met, Quentin had treated her like a thing he picked up and claimed. Latrice might’ve gone with the flow for personal reasons, but she knew exactly what kind of person Quentin was.

"Quentin." Latrice slowly sat up and gazed down at him. "What would you do if I refused your marriage proposal?"

Quentin furrowed his brows. "Did you want to refuse my marriage proposal?"

"I did."

"Do you still think of that now?"

This time she didn’t answer, making him sit up.

"Then why did you marry me?" he asked, confusion laced in his voice.

"Should I answer that first before I hear your answer?"

"Well." Quentin cleared his throat. "If you refuse, I’ll still try. I will only give up until I have exhausted all my resources."

"And by exhausting your resources... does that include mobilizing your military power?"

"That is a stretch, Latrice. Would I have to wage a war with another country just to get what I want?" he chuckled, but then realized how many times he had engaged in war to get what he wanted. So he added, "If I must, then probably."

Latrice smiled and nodded. "I see."

"Why are you smiling?" he asked, wondering if that moved her.

"Nothing, Your Highness." Her smile stretched. "It’s just that I’m glad I didn’t make the wrong decision."

"If that wrong decision is referring to you denying me, then you didn’t." He smiled back. "Because I promise you that I will only dote on you forever."

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[PRESENT TIME]

Jackson let out a groan before he opened his eyes. The second he did, his eyes landed on the side of the bed where Fil was. He furrowed his brows when he caught her staring at the ceiling vacantly.

"Sweetheart?" he called, propping his elbow on the mattress. "My love, are you... okay?"

Jackson trailed off as soon as he got a clearer look at her eyes. They were blank as if she was asleep with her eyes open.

"... forever," Fil whispered. "Rot next to me, Your Highness."