Mina flopped onto the coushion and snorted.

"Sit properly, you are the Siren's precious princess, the apple of your grandparents' eye, your actions represent that of your family and kingdom. Your people will depend on the peace that comes from the marriage alliance with the Fate's son, Prince Teague. You can not be wilfull on this. You don't have the right to refuse it either."

Mina blew her bangs from her face and sat up. "I can't refuse? What if I already have someone I like -"

"Who dares to steal my precious daughter's heart? Has some ill mannered brute tricked you into loving them already?" A warm, deep voice booms and reverberates throughout the study.

"Honey."

"Dad." Mina whispers softly. I'm so screwed, she thinks.

His wife and daughter answered at the same time.

"No one did. I'm just asking if, if." Sitting up properly, Mina answers slowly, nearly panicking. A flattering expression on her face.

If they find out that she may or may not like Johnny, then she'd have to explain where she goes every week. She couldn't afford to go under house arrest right now.

"If it would keep you from this engagement? My precious pearl, we can not go back on our word. The Fate's messenger is already here." Sighing softly, he motions the servant to let in the messenger and serve tea.

"His Highness allows you inside, sir."

Hypnotizing blue eyes meet hers, and her chest constricts in fear. Fear for her future. Fear for herself. Fear of him. Mina snaps her attention on her father.

Why is he here? Isn't it supposed to be a messenger from The Fate's castle?

"I'm here for dinner." A playful smile adorns his face as if he knew her thoughts. "Aren't I welcome for a night, Fiancée?"

And he's staying?

"Though not customary, it would do you both good to get familiar with each other. Since Prince Teague is already here, we can also discuss the important details of your wedding."

"Mm, my mother, Queen Maeve, has already begun searching for reputable designers for your gown a year ago. However, you'll need to come to the palace for measurements." Teague says as he elegantly eats his meat pie.

Nodding, her mother agrees. "I've been wanting to teach her the rules for a while now, but this slippery fish always runs off to who knows where. How about this. You go back with Prince Teague tomorrow morning, stay there until the wedding to learn the rules, discuss ideas for your wedding, and get familiar with the palace."

"Mom..." Sara cuts her off with a death glare, warning her to watch her tongue in front of the company. "Go entertain the guest." As she shoves her naughty daughter to the drawing room.

...

They truly wish to sell me off to this tyrant of a prince? Mina stares at the closed door, dumbfounded at her mothers resolve to abandon her daughter.

"You think coming here and being friendly with my parents will somehow convince me to like you?!" Crossing her arms as she turns and glares at the proud prince that's sitting comfortably in a chair, in an attempt to hide her fear.

" You believe I did this because I want you to like me!?" He scoffs. "How naïve of you."

"Then why did you come in the first place?" She demanded.

"For dinner..." he trails, "and to pass on my mother's message. You really are quite dumb." He smirks as he shifts his hands behind his head, as though he wasn't a guest but the true owner of her home.

"Hmm... I'd say they loved having me, don't you think so too, princess? Should we have another family dinner again?"

He chuckles as she rushes out of the room in annoyance as her heart pounds frantically.

She needed to escape. She'd have to go to her grandparent's first. Then, convince them to end this engagement so she could be free.

Completely unaware, destiny had other plans that night.

End Chapter 5

Special thanks to my best friend Baphy who helped me edit and write this out. Another special thanks to the random reviewer who reminded me this exsisted, I'm doing this for you. If you find any inconsistencies or typos, I deeply apologize. I haven't reread the original book since the last time I updated previously. Again, thank you and I'm sorry.