Tamed the Monster Prince - Chapter 3.1

She had no prior experience with such a weapon. The thought of being able to inflict harm with her limited mobility was a frightening prospect. The smoky aroma of the fireplace permeated the room, creating an atmosphere of somberness. With no partner to share the bridal chamber, the bride had few options for occupying her time.

“Ugh…”

Irena of the House of Flores released a heavy sigh for what felt like the hundredth time. This day marked her marriage to His Highness, Prince Cesar of the Empire.

Irena, an illegitimate child of the House of Flores, was taken in and raised as a family member at seven. The House of Flores had previously been bestowed nobility by the renowned wizard Cosimo Flores in recognition of his heroic feat of slaying the dragon.

She was consistently placed in a subordinate position, even lower than the household staff. It could be argued that she was even lower than the horses and canines they owned. But when she turned eighteen, her adoptive mother, Celestine, summoned her to the sitting room.

Celestine’s authoritative tone revealed the reason for her presence in the mansion.

“The House of Flores has a long-standing legacy of producing princesses. You have been selected as the betrothed of His Highness, Prince Cesar de Rosa Constanti.”

She was astonished at the discussion of an engagement between her, the youngest daughter, and the second son, even though the eldest daughter, Geovineta, who was slightly older, had not yet been betrothed. It was inconceivable that they would offer Irena, the youngest daughter and a prince, such a prestigious role.

She eventually comprehended the purpose of the Duke of Flores’ invitation to the mansion; it was for the engagement.

For years, there had been speculation surrounding Prince Cesar, the first-born son of the late Empress Adelaida. He had been in poor health since childhood and was rarely seen in public. Unfortunately, the Empress had become mentally unstable and had passed away due to suicide.

Upon the arrival of Empress Adelaida to the Isabrian Kingdom from the Empire, she gave birth to Cesar under mysterious circumstances before succumbing to her illness and taking her own life. Since then, rumours and speculation surrounding the first prince Cesar have been circulating.

The Cursed Prince

Rumours of a curse surrounding the prince made it challenging for him to find a suitable marriage partner. As a result, all foreign royal proposals were declined. To safeguard the prince’s reputation, the royal family took proactive measures by arranging a marriage with a noble family, adopting a girl without a dowry, or having a child out of wedlock.

Irena was located on the streets and welcomed into the family because a prominent family had already lost four or five members in response to the proposal of marriage from the prince. Although it seemed appealing to outsiders, it was essentially a futile endeavour.

If the three girls who had married a prince were to pass away suddenly, it is uncertain what the consequences would be for her. She could be accused of killing a prince, and her life could end in prison.

Irena was filled with dread at the thought.

‘Aspire to be a princess.’

Her words dissipated like a mist that could not be seen even a short distance ahead. Indeed, she was suddenly betrothed to someone she had not even laid eyes on, the cursed prince.

‘You will attain the highest level of distinction within this empire.’

She should not have taken those words to heart. Such was an unfortunate decision. Even now, she is not a naive seven-year-old with the dream of becoming a princess in a fairy tale. She had to discover the harsh truth that nothing in life is gratuitous.

‘…Then…’

She was left with no alternative but to consume the poison, as no other options were available.

‘I’ll do it.’

She had no other option but to agree, a faint glimmer of hope accompanied by a feeling of unease like a dark cloud looming.

‘I am to be wed to the Crown Prince.’

Should that occur, she would confront her demise in a dignified stance, a reversal of the standing she could have had for an instant. A period of grandeur. All for that.

Irena quickly retrieved the documents as if she expected her decision to alter. Once she had signed the documents, she applied her thumb to the seal of the oath.

“Congratulations, you have now been officially appointed as a Crown Princess. How do you feel?”

Irena was filled with a profound sense of relief that left an indelible impression on her memory.

She had to put the memory aside to manage the situation effectively.

‘I’m a Crown Princess…’

She elected to do this, even though it was likely detrimental. She chose to take the risk and accept the cup, aware of the potential consequences.

She had no alternative but to take hold of the powerful yet decaying fruit, even if it meant a path towards destruction.