ARIELLE
"Miss Arielle," the King's low voice made me jolt back to the present, my body instantly going tense under his cold glare.
"Yes, My King," I jumped to my feet, offering him a nod.
"Thank you," his voice suddenly turned softer as a small smile played on his lips. "Not only have you caught the assassin, but you also saved an innocent child whose only wish was to get better and keep on living. For that, the Moon Goddess's Temple and the Royal Family itself are very grateful."
A loud wave of applause exploded through the crowd, and I couldn't help but feel heat spreading across my entire body.
I did it. I actually did it. I saved the day and stole the spotlight once again.
But it wasn't just about that.
Now that I had won the King's favor, my father would not look down on me anymore, putting me on the same level as Serena.
And that meant… that I'd become a valuable asset to him, too. It meant… that he would no longer wish to mate me with a lowborn like Raiden.
***
