C12 CHAPTER12

Devon cleared his throat and rose to his feet. “Greetings, Royal Father, and greetings to you, King Miller,” he began.

“Oh, please! Just get to the point, will you? Father, can't you see he's just dragging this out?” Alexander interjected, rolling his eyes.

Royal Father Christian silenced him with a stern glance.

“Continue,” Christian instructed Devon.

“To start, I must express my deepest apologies for all that has transpired, and for the pain I've caused you and Olivia in particular. It was never my intention to bring her any sorrow,” Devon said, his face etched with remorse.

“I understand your hesitations about marriage, but rather than distancing yourself from my daughter, you ought to draw nearer to her. That way, you can both address this case of cold feet together,” King Miller advised.

“I will heed your advice, King Miller. I truly regret the trouble I've caused. In fact, I plan to visit Olivia tomorrow to check on her well-being,” Devon assured him.

Alexander was stunned by Devon's submissive tone in the presence of the Beetle King.

“That's reassuring to hear. Now, I shall take my leave, but before I do, when is the wedding to take place?” King Miller inquired of Royal Father Christian.

“In six days' time,” Christian responded.

“Very well. My Beetles will begin the preparations, and rest assured, I'll keep you informed about Olivia's condition,” King Miller stated, rising from his throne. He then addressed Devon, “I'll share the good news with my Princess; she's surely eager to see you.”

With that, King Miller exited the throne room.

Once he was gone, everyone in the room, save for Devon and Alexander, exhaled a collective sigh of relief.

“I was afraid you'd botch it all up, Devon,” Liam confessed, approaching his brother for a tight embrace.

“I simply had to do what was right,” Devon replied. “Although, there won't be a wedding at all if the groom is dead,” he quipped.

Liam stiffened. “What?”

“You're crushing me, brother,” Devon gasped, and Liam promptly released his grip.

“My apologies,” Liam said, retreating to his seat.

“I'm at a loss here, Devon,” their father started, his brow furrowed with confusion. “I've been trying to persuade you to accept this marriage, but I can't help wondering why you agreed so readily as soon as you laid eyes on the Beetle King. Is there something I'm not seeing?” he questioned.

"I can't help but question why you're asking something so obvious, Father," Alexander said, his voice dripping with contempt. "Surely, you've realized by now that your third son is nothing but a coward, especially in the face of that foul Beetle!"

His disdain for his brother was palpable.

"Can't you just lay off for once? Why must you constantly go after him?" Liam interjected, his voice raised in Devon's defense.

Devon took in every word but remained silent. His mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with extricating himself from his current predicament, uncertain if he could count on Hector's help.

"If I had it my way, I'd send the lot of you packing to enjoy some peace and quiet! This meeting is adjourned—leave my throne room at once!" bellowed Royal Father Christian. His sons quickly exited, their heads bowed.

Devon didn't miss a beat; he leaped onto his beast and sped off to the Beetle Clan. Seeing Olivia and making amends was his first priority before he could even think about his next move.

The guards recognized him and granted him entry to the Princess's chambers. As he entered, he blinked repeatedly, struggling to maintain his composure amidst the oddity and the pervasive stench. Olivia lay in bed, being nourished through her prothorax—a sight so revolting that Devon had to feign indifference.

Damn it all!

"Devon!" she exclaimed weakly, tears streaming down her face. "You've come back for me! I just knew it!"

Internally, Devon rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin for such dramatics.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you, Olivia... I just got cold feet," he said, forcing a smug smile.

"It's okay, I completely understand. I'm not angry... just heartbroken," Olivia admitted, managing a feeble smile.

"Thank you for being so understanding. I can't wait for our wedding in six days," Devon lied, praying his voice didn't betray the falsehood.

Miraculously, Olivia seemed to believe him, her smile broadening, while Devon averted his gaze from her unsettling 'teeth'.

"I must be going now, Olivia. I need to sort a few things out back home before our big day. Please, take care and get well," he said, rising to his feet.

"Okay, take care of yourself too," Olivia said, her smile gentle.

Devon returned the smile and exited the chambers, eager for a breath of fresh air. What was it about the Beetles that produced such a stomach-turning stench? The thought of marrying Olivia, with that unbearable odor clinging to her, was unimaginable. How was he supposed to kiss her, let alone be intimate with her? The very idea made him shudder in disgust.

Mounting his beast, Devon made his way home in just a few hours. He headed straight to his room to freshen up and sat on his bed, his mind racing for a way to derail the impending nuptials.

"Master? Dinner is ready," Sia called from the other side of the door.

"Bring it in," Devon responded.

The moment he laid eyes on Sia, an intense urge to confide in her about all his troubles washed over him. But why did he feel this way?

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