Let's break the engagement

Brock savored the sight of Rose throwing one of her typical tantrums. She resembled an enraged tiger—fierce yet ultimately harmless. To avoid revealing how entertained he was by her antics, he kept a stoic expression.

We perceive the world through distinct lenses, and our purposes and life goals are evidently in conflict. It would be both unfair and selfish of me to ask you to lower yourself to a commoner's level when you were born and nurtured as a queen.

Brock stated with a voice filled with calm melancholy.

But you do not have to live as a commoner when the world is already at your feet.

Rose interjected, her fist tightly clenched in anger.

Why would anyone in their right mind choose to live like the common folk, denying themselves the pleasures of life and wallowing in the dirt alongside beggars and the undeserving?

The idea of living as a commoner was unimaginable to Rose. She yearned to sit beside Brock on the throne of Zaza and assist her father in finding the invaluable crown that would enable her to unite the seven kingdoms, thereby establishing her as the supreme queen of all seven realms.

The throne has always felt like a lifelong burden to me, laden with unending responsibilities and strict limitations. Although we enjoy a life of luxury, savor exquisite meals, and adorn ourselves with expensive clothing and perfumes, this material wealth and privilege are accompanied by relentless expectations that often feel impossible to meet.

Brock asserted with a faint smile.

He was certainly not naive enough to be swayed by the whims of Rose and her father, Olu Bethmot—an ambitious man willing to sacrifice his own people for the sake of power. Brock found himself questioning how they managed to convince his father, the king, to agree to the marriage alliance while he was away.

As Daniel informed him, Zaza could protect its territory without relying on a political alliance. In reality, Olu Bethmot stands to gain the most from this arrangement rather than Zaza itself.

Witnessing Rose's intense disdain for mingling with the lower class and commoners only reinforced his determination to break off the engagement. A person like Rose Bethmot, who lacked empathy and compassion, driven solely by her thirst for power, would not only lead to Zaza's downfall but also usher in a wave of misery into his own life.

Brock’s determination to oppose the marriage alliance originated from his conviction that it would be detrimental to Zaza’s people. He recognized that Rose was filled with rage and struggling to maintain her composure, yet he continued to provoke her in order to reveal her genuine motives. To him, their engagement was simply a scheme to seize power; Brock realized that behind her seemingly sweet and angelic exterior, Rose desired this marriage even more than his mother did.

A playful grin flickered across Brock’s face. He had orchestrated the scenario perfectly, and Rose had fallen for it. Now it was time to reveal his hand.

He needed to play the game strategically if he hoped to win this war. Olu Belmoth was not one to accept defeat easily. Both cunning and clever, he was infamous for betraying his own family and orchestrating the downfall and exile of his half-brother, the crown prince at that time.

When the announcement of Olu Bethmoth's ascension to the throne of Iduim spread abroad, people were shocked at how cruelly he had obtained the throne. Olu Bethmot was notorious for his womanizing ways, viewing women merely as playthings to satisfy his desires.

Rose, his only surviving legitimate child from his first wife, Queen Rilia, was five years old when her mother tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances. There were whispers suggesting that Olu Bethmot had strangled her, deeming her no longer useful, but his men swiftly silenced those rumors. Brock had no intention of associating with such a manipulative figure through marriage.

It’s evident that our life goals differ, and as such, we cannot provide each other with the happiness we both deserve. I will speak to the king to annul the betrothal engagement, as it was arranged without our knowledge or consent,” Brock stated just as the waiter returned with their meal.

Brock said with an unreadable expression.

To safeguard your reputation, I will take full responsibility for the separation and assure the public of your innocence and integrity. Additionally, I will adequately compensate your kingdom with military weapons, horses, and a sum of gold and silver.

Brock added as his fingers danced along the tip of the golden cup in his hand.

Rose was taken aback by how swiftly the situation had shifted against her. Her intentions of luring him into bed for the night, aiming to tarnish her innocence and compel him to take responsibility, would have to be postponed. She realized she needed to do everything in her power to prevent Brock from ending the engagement.

It was at that moment that Rose understood she had fallen into Brock’s trap; his true intention had always been to find a reason to call off the engagement. She felt a surge of restlessness and anger toward herself for not recognizing it sooner.

It was a delightful evening, but I must take my leave, Rose stated as she rose from her seat.

She was eager to speak with her father right away, hoping he could devise a plan before Brock returned to the palace for the weekend and the engagement was officially broken.

Please, have something to eat before you leave, Your Highness,” Brock urged, feigning the role of a gentleman.

That won’t be necessary, she replied, walking away with her bodyguards following closely behind.

Brock let out a sigh of relief. Wow! That escalated rather quickly.

Keep a close watch on that girl and take her out when the chance presents itself, Rose directed her bodyguard as they stepped outside. Sam nodded in agreement, remaining silent.

Jess Smith, if you were to be removed from the game, I wonder if Brock would still oppose this alliance, Rose pondered as she climbed into the carriage.

Regardless of Brock’s feelings, she was determined not to relinquish her role as his future wife and queen without a struggle.