How to Tame My Beastly Husband - Chapter 165

But when it came to it, Ludwig had not protected her. It was true that he was not yet king, and his father had been the one behind all of it. Ludwig could not oppose his father, even though King Selgratis had been her tormenter for two lives.

Thus, Annette perfectly understood Ludwig’s position. He was not naturally a political creature. On one hand, it meant that he was sensitive and empathetic. But on the other, it meant that he was too soft for any situation involving conflict with others.

Unless it was Raphael.

Would Ludwig really throw his support behind her just because of their childhood friendship?

Anxiously, she glanced at him through lowered lashes, wondering. Suffused with melancholy, her profile was almost crystalline, statuesque. In the long silence, Ludwig buried his face in his hands, ashamed.

“It is enough that I already broke that promise once. If I made the same mistake again, I could never forgive myself. I swear, I will never let anything bad happen to you ever again, Annette.”

“Your Highness…”

“Don’t worry. I will always be on your side. I will prove my faithfulness to you and protect you. I have to repay you for everything you did for me.”

His voice sounded much stronger than usual, and more determined. Lowering his hands, his blue eyes met hers. The air of a sensitive poet had vanished, and there was a flash of Raphael in his eyes. For the first time, he looked like a Crown Prince.

“But first, I need to know the details. Who is it that dares to threaten you? Tell me everything.”

* * *

After her discussion with Ludwig, Annette exited the teahouse, glancing around to see if there was anyone suspicious nearby. It didn’t appear anyone was spying on them, but then Railin owned this place. Security would be excellent.

She slipped down an alley so quiet, not even a rat would have dared to stir, and returned to the carriage. Celestine was inside waiting for her, and her face lit up as Annette climbed inside.

“How did it go?” She asked eagerly. “Did the meeting with His Highness go well?”

“Yes. Thank you for coordinating it.”

“It was easy. Though it would probably be more difficult to arrange a second time. What did he say?”

Celestine’s face was worried. Their future depended on Ludwig, and it was his father that had caused all this. Celestine had been collateral damage in his war on the Bavaria family, and Raphael had been one of his weapons, to be discarded as soon as he was no longer useful. Just as he had done with Annette.

And the reason for all of it was Ludwig. A weak Crown Prince. If Ludwig assumed the throne, he would not have the strength or will to get rid of Raphael, or to finish off the Bavaria family. King Selgratis had to clear these enemies from the field before his son inherited the throne. Posted only on NovelUtopia

Ludwig had been frightened to learn it. His face had been dead white, as if he had become a ghost.

“He needs to think,” Annette said, with the memory of his eyes in her mind. “He is probably confused.”

“He does not need to think,” Celestine said, firing up at once. “His Highness is so indecisive! His own flesh and blood has done something so despicable, and it is his responsibility to stop it! How much have both of us suffered, because of the King?”

“His Highness is conflicted, it seems.” Annette sighed heavily. “I thought his father hated him, but it turns out he has done so many things for him. Ludwig has always wanted his approval. I am worried it will weaken his resolve.”

A son who had always longed for his father’s love was easy to manipulate. Ludwig was torn between his father and what he wanted for himself, and there was nothing anyone else could do about it.

But maybe that was the best that could be expected. It was to her advantage that Ludwig hadn’t immediately sided with his father. She had never expected him to make a decision today; she had only intended to use his natural sympathy to make him feel guilty about what had happened to her, and prevent him from immediately supporting the King.