Chapter 1066 I Refuse
“You knew what was going on between Helma and me?” Bastien certainly hadn’t expected this. “I do. That’s why I never wanted to get myself involved,” Natalie stated icily. “Natalie.”
The woman pursed her lips and ignored Bastien. At that very moment, a five-star servant appeared before Natalie, blocking her path.
“Greetings, Miss. His Majesty would like to speak to you and the prince.” This servant was the king’s most trusted aide, and despite the smile on his face, he gave off an air of intimidation to those around him.
Natalie was speechless. I just can’t get away. She could only make her way toward the king alongside Bastien. Following Loang customs, the woman gave Mikhail the most supreme form of greeting, rising back to her feet only after gaining the latter’s permission.
“What is your name?” the king asked while fiddling with a ring—one with the image of a dragon, signifying his absolute authority—on his middle finger.
“Natalie Nichols.”
“Where are you from?”
“Dellmoor, Chanaea.”
“So, you’re not a noble?”
“I’m not. I’m just a businesswoman stopping by in Loang,” Natalie answered candidly.
Frieda’s expression clouded over as she listened. She only wanted Helma as her future daughter-in-law, not this woman standing before her who had nothing to do with Loang.
I won’t let him marry her!
“Your Majesty, this lady here may not understand the significance of that dance since she’s not from here. That said, I think we should just leave this matter as it is. Let’s not delve any further into it,” she advised with a smile.
Yet, Cynthia couldn’t resist fanning the flames. “Even if she doesn’t understand it, it doesn’t change the fact that she danced. Besides, it’s not like Bastien isn’t aware of the significance behind this waltz, no?”
“Cynthia! You—”
“Cynthia didn’t say anything wrong, Frieda,” Shirley chimed in.
Disregarding the little drama going on between his father’s wives, Bastien stepped forward and declared earnestly, “Father, I’m well aware of the meaning behind that dance, so I’ve absolutely made my choice.”
Mikhail’s eyes left Bastien and fell on Natalie once again.
She looks just like her twenty years ago!
When he was young, Mikhail used to be hopelessly in love with a woman who had unfortunately lived a short life. Now, looking at a woman who reminded him of her made him develop a favorable impression of Natalie.
Logically speaking, he wouldn’t have allowed Bastien to choose a commoner as a bride.
Yet, the man seemed especially fond of Natalie merely because she resembled someone he once adored.
“If this is what he wants, then it shall be,” Mikhail responded with a chuckle.
Having initially thought his father would make things difficult for him, Bastien was especially surprised to see him looking so carefree. However, the woman next to him wasn’t having it.
“I refuse, Your Majesty,” Natalie announced.
All the royals’ expressions took a turn.
Cynthia and Shirley stared at Natalie in bewilderment.
Meanwhile, Frieda sighed internally, relieved that this woman had said no.
Bastien turned to Natalie with a conflicted look in his eyes. I know I tricked her, but I really like her. I want to look after her for the rest of our lives, but she’s turning me down in front of everyone?
“Natalie, you—”
The woman shot him a frosty glance. “There’s no denying that you helped me, but how much do you truly understand me?”
Then, she turned to face Mikhail’s inexplicable gaze and explained frankly, “My reason for saying no is simple, Your Majesty. I’m already married and have five children. I believe I pass none of the requirements for marrying into the royal family of Loang now. Am I right?”
A smirk played on Natalie’s lips as everyone became filled with shock.
“That’s impossible!” Bastien furrowed his brows.
“You couldn’t find out anything else about me, but that doesn’t mean what I’m saying isn’t true,” the woman replied, blinking. “You should know that a lot of my details are encrypted. Sure, you managed to find out that I came to Loang for business, but how sure can you be that you know everything?”
Bastien was unable to respond.
There was indeed nothing else to the information Joseph had dug up.
The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.
Cynthia covered her mouth, failing to stifle a laugh. “Well, just when I thought she was just a commoner, it turns out she’s even married with kids! What a stir you’ve caused this time around, Prince Jonathan.”
