Crownless Reincarnation: New World? Nah I'd win-Chapter 38: Engagement [5]

Inara looked at the man who stood beside her as she forced herself to keep standing tall.

"Yes," she said firmly. "I love Asher. I can't marry someone I don't even know, just to satisfy an alliance neither of us believes in."

The nobles' whispers swelled like a rising tide filling the hall.

King Aldric's expression darkened, his jaw clenching tight.

Torin stepped forward, his voice sharp and filled with rage.

"Is this some kind of joke, girl? You think this will stop a royal engagement?"

"I'm not joking," Inara said, her voice steady now. "I'm choosing for myself. And I choose him."

King Dael of Aure Kingdom glared, fury blazing in his eyes.

"This is an insult. You dare humiliate my son in front of every attending nation."

Aldric raised a hand, silencing her before she could reply.

"Inara," he said slowly. "Come here."

Inara stepped forward cautiously, her heart hammering.

But she didn't lower her head.

"Tell me," Aldric said, his voice barely above a whisper, "what are you hoping to gain from this scene?"

"My love," she replied, staring into his eyes. "Even if it costs me everything."

"..."

King Aldric glared at the woman without a word.

The rage he hid behind his calm facade was clear for everyone to see.

He drew in a deep breath as he looked at the far end.

Towards Akamir, who was still trying to process what was happening.

"Asher," Aldric spoke, his voice more like a growl. "What do you have to say about this?"

Akamir drew in a deep breath as he stood up from his seat.

As much as he sympathized with Inara's condition, he was in no way going to stick out his neck for her.

'You are on your own, princess.'

Akamir looked at Inara, who gave him a pleading look, like she was about to cry.

"I am flattered by Princess Inara's affection," Akamir began, his voice echoing in the hush.

"But... most may not know this—I'm already engaged to Lady Zaina of House Edevane."

The color drained from Inara's face. Her lips parted as though the breath had been knocked from her lungs.

Torin, who'd half-turned to storm off, halted mid-step.

He slowly turned back, a cold smile playing on his face.

But...

Before anyone could speak, anything.

"The engagement is just verbal." A voice echoed, making everyone turn towards it.

It was Erwald, Zaina's father, who stepped forward, looking at the king.

"And if the king accepts it, my daughter could be his second wife."

"What—No!" Akamir blurted. "I don't want two wives—"

"You should," came Duke Vareon's amused voice. "Even your father had two marriages. It would be good for the Vyavan family to grow."

'Shut up, you old fucker.'

Akamir almost lashed out at him, but he barely resisted the urge to yell.

'Wait, maybe Darvin.....'

His hope was crushed almost immediately as he looked at Darvin holding back his grin.

"I won't wait for your permission, father." Inara said suddenly, snatching the ceremonial ring from the priest's tray.

With a sharp turn, she moved towards Akamir, who was racing in his mind.

The nobles parted instinctively as Inara marched forward until she stopped in front of him.

She grabbed his hand.

Slipped the ring on his finger.

"You will regret it." Akamir mumbled, glaring at her.

Inara blinked and cupped his face with her hands. "I know."

Then, before he could stop her, she kissed him, letting him feel her soft lips.

Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave crashing against a dam.

Akamir's heart thundered in his chest, but not from passion—from pure, unfiltered panic.

The kiss lasted only seconds before she bit his lips clumsily.

When Inara finally pulled away, she looked into his eyes and whispered so only he could hear,

"You don't have to love me back. Just don't abandon me right now."

"She's mad."

"This is treason."

"A disgrace to both kingdoms!"

Aldric slammed his palm down on the armrest of his throne. "Enough!"

King Dael stood beside his son, Torin, who was glaring daggers at Inara.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"This humiliation will not be forgotten," Dael spat. "From this day on, there will be no trade between our kingdoms."

And with a dramatic flare of his cloak, he turned and exited the hall. Torin followed, seething.

Princess Sylari, who hadn't spoken a word, gave Akamir a long glance before she moved out along with her mother.

The hall remained stunned silent as no one dared to say a word.

Akamir grabbed Inara's wrist. "Come with me."

Inara flinched at the suddenness of his grip, but followed without a word.

They walked past the judging nobles before they entered a room.

The doors slammed behind them with a heavy thud, muffling the uproar that had begun anew within the hall.

Inara's footsteps slowed once they were alone. "Asher—"

He turned sharply. "What the hell were you thinking?"

"I had no one else to turn to," she said quietly, not backing away. "They would've married me off like property."

"That doesn't mean you get to blow up my life to save your own."

"You're already a duke's son! You'll recover—"

"Recover?" he snapped. "You made me an enemy of the entire Kingdom!"

Inara turned silent as Akamir paced around the room.

He groaned in frustration. "Ah! I'm so fucked!"

Inara said nothing as Akamir moved towards the table and grabbed the glass of water.

She watched as he grabbed a glass of water and rinsed his mouth.

"...What are you doing?" Inara asked, holding back her anger.

"Don't you know how to kiss?" Aimar grumbled, looking at her. "Or was it your first time?"

"...."

She opened her mouth but closed it once again.

Inara turned away, her cheeks burning. "I didn't think it through."

He drew in deep breaths to keep himself calm.

Akamir sat on the bed, rubbing his temples.

"So your solution," he said, "was to brand me as your lover in front of the entire Kingdom?"

She folded her arms. "It was either you or Prince Slimebucket. Forgive me for picking the man who doesn't drool when I talk."

"You just kicked off a diplomatic war, Inara!"

"So what!?" Her voice cracked. "I've lost everything already!"

"...."

Akamir quietly looked up at her.

"Think about it," she said, stepping closer. "You're the brother of my dead fiancé. Do you know what people will call me now?"

Akamir groaned. "I can't think of any good words."

He leaned back. "And let's not forget—I'm ten years younger than you."

'Why do I have to drag into all this?'

The frustration that he felt right now wasn't something he could explain.

'...Why did I even give her advice.'

Akamir wanted to slap his past self for being the guy who helped her.

Now, she had really thrown him under the bus.

'I don't know how the king will react now—.'

"Wait...." Akamir looked back at Inara, who stood frozen in place. "I didn't see Lucien."

Inara looked at him. "He was supposed to attend the engagement later on."

Footsteps echoed outside the room.

'It's him.'

Akamir stood up and walked towards Inara.

"What are you—"

Her voice died in her throat as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Slam!!!

The gate slammed open and a ragged-filled Lucien walked inside.

And he froze—

—as Akamir kissed his sister.

Not soft. Not tender.

A kiss meant to burn everything behind it.

Inara was too stunned to resist as his lips pressed into hers.

Her body stiffened in his arms.

Lucien's shout shook the room.

"Asher!!!"