Chapter 180: Pending Death
Chapter 180: Pending Death
“Oh...I see...” I mumbled while wondering what was behind this sudden development.
“This is Master Bradons’ idea and order,” Jenna said with a smile.
“Right. Well, I’m glad to have you with me,” I replied.
I should have known that this was Bradon’s idea. As to why he went out of his way to do something like this, I had absolutely no clue once again. Perhaps, he wanted her to watch and report on me?
Zain could have gotten the same job done as well, but perhaps the fact that he is a man kept him from being with me at all times. I plastered a smile on my lips as I wondered if Bella would be sticking to my side like glue.
“Thank you very much, My Lady!” Bella exclaimed excitedly.
I had no idea why she looked so happy but I was glad for her. Having an enthusiastic and friendly maid could go a long way in helping out with my life. I also didn’t want to dampen her spirits with any cruel or suspicious remarks about the work that she had been assigned.
What is Bradon really after this time?
“If you’re going to work for me, then you’ll have to follow my rules,” I said.
“I’ll do anything that you ask of me, My Lady,” she quickly replied.
“First, stop calling me ‘My Lady’. Just like everyone else, I have a name. You will address me as Diana unless there are other people around. Is that clear?” I instructed.
“Oh...” she mumbled as her eyes glanced over at Jenna.
“Jenna does the same. Just call me Diana,” I insisted.
“I will do that, Diana...” she replied obediently.
**Ring Ring**
Suddenly my phone started ringing. I quickly excused myself when I saw that it was my troublesome father calling. I just went on that honeymoon that he wanted and all the photos and videos that were taken of Bradon and me during the trip gave his campaign a big boost of support and attention.
What does he want now?
“What?” I asked without hiding my irritation the moment that the line connected.
“Have you seen the great news for our family?” he asked while sounding like a show-off that he is.
‘Our family’, what a joke...
“What is there to see?” I asked passively.
“It’s all over the news. The internet, social media, on television. It’s everywhere! Have you not seen or heard of it? Are you living in a hole underground somewhere that I’m not aware of? Turn on the television right now,” he said before laughing loudly.
I rolled my eyes but decided to do what he wanted me to because I knew that he would keep on pestering me otherwise.
The moment I turned on the television, I immediately knew what news he was referring to. The preliminary election poll results were out. Although it was nothing more than a result based on surveys of the people with the right to vote, it had always proved as a pretty good indicator to predict the outcome of the election.
“What’s the big deal?” I asked dryly.
“We’re leading by a mile! Can’t you see?” he replied in his loud booming voice.
“You mean that you’re leading...” I corrected him.
Despite taking my sister’s place in her arranged marriage, I didn’t want to count myself as being involved in my father’s political career. I stared at the bar chart showing how far ahead my father was in the run for Prime Minister. I scoffed at how ridiculously happy he seemed. As if this was the fruit of his efforts.
“Soon enough, I’ll be the Prime Minister and everything will return to how it should be,” he declared.
“Whoever has the royal family’s backing will win the election. I have no idea why you’re so surprised about this outcome,” I muttered while feeling bored.
“Not everyone has the backing of the King and the royal family. Our family is special and you should never forget that,” he reminded me sternly.
“You mean, your family...” I corrected him before rolling my eyes.
“There will be a few events to celebrate this milestone. You and that husband of your will need to be there,” he stated and I knew that it wasn’t an invitation.
“Why bother? It’s clear that you’re going to win anyways,” I muttered darkly.
“Isn’t it obvious? We have to show everyone that we are dedicated and that we’re trying our best. Even if we don’t need to do anything to convince the people, we need to show the royal family our dedication,” my father replied calculatingly.
“Whatever...” I mumbled.
“We need to take a break here because there’s been an important announcement from the royal palace...” the sudden announcement on the television caught my attention.
My eyes widened as I listened intently to the news reporter reading out the official announcement from the royal palace. It was frankly bad news for everyone living in the kingdom; however, the news brought a twisted smirk to my lips.
“Did you hear that, father dear? Your precious support might be dying soon...” I uttered with malice dripping from my words.
“What?! I need to go to the palace, no, the hospital at once!” he yelled before the line disconnected.
You better watch how you play this game, Phillip Alnault.
The King’s health had been an issue for many years now although most people have likely forgotten about it. Many years ago the king had cancer but was lucky enough to survive when the cancer went into relapse. Unfortunately for him and for many, the cancer that had laid dormant was now back. I had nothing against the king directly. Even though he indirectly made my life a living hell by supporting the head of the Alnault family, who happened to be my father, I understood that it was the natural thing for him to do.
The royal family is nothing but the head with no arms without the supporting help of the nobles. With the longstanding history between the two families, it was natural for the king to continue to support my father.
–To be continued...
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