Chapter 82 - The Confusion

"Ha! You were my daughter and you will always be my daughter!" he declared in a haughty tone as he tried to snatch the letter from her hands, but before he could do so. 

She hid the letter behind her back and passed it to Richard who took it calmly and then tilted his head and stared back at the man.

"Don't you dare to touch her without her permission or I will break this hand of yours this time!" He knew that it was not a threat but the truth. So, George did not move even an inch but it did not stop his mouth from speaking further.

"Can you see, your highness. The man is taking the benefit of his height and muscles and forcing my daughter to be with him.

Or else my daughter would never have chosen him as her husband. He even dared to threaten me in front of you.

He did not respect you at all. This is not my daughter's mistake. She is young and naive. This man was the root of all the trouble. 

Your highness, I plead with you as a helpless father to take this man and put him in the prison where he would not be able to threaten anyone else ever!" his voice was heartbreaking that Alcastra blinked.

If he would not have known the truth, he would have surely believed the splendid performance of the count. 

"I wonder why did I even go to the theatre? I should have come here whenever I feel bored!" he shook his head as he mumbled that loud enough for everyone to hear it and feel embarrassed,

But George could not let this chance go! He would not accept defeat until he convinced the crown prince in sending this person to jail and accepted her foolish daughter. Even if he would take her as his mistress after knowing about her affair, it was fine with him.

"Your highness, I know that you are disappointed. I am ready to kneel and apologise to you for that. But please do not give up on my daughter.

She is naive but she is one of the most beautiful girls you have ever seen. She is my pride. You would never feel regret after taking her as your lover!" he replied in a humble tone, as he cleared that he would not mind if her status would fall as a queen instead of the empress.

After all, the queen was still more powerful than a useless count's daughter. But he was not done yet, 

"But this man! He should die miserably. He had tried to kill me by breaking my bones.

I am telling you he is a violent person who can attack anyone anytime." his tone turned furious as he pointed at Richard who did not even blink or cared as he continued to stare at Alcastra with bloodlust. If it would not have been his wife standing in front of him, he would have already snapped his neck.

Yet Richard felt fear when his gaze landed on him and took a step back instinctively and hid his hands behind him.

Alcastra had never been this much frightened and infuriated in his whole life. Why did he even come here? He was regretting his decision to accept her wish.

If he would have known that he was going to be the cannon fodder then he would have played sick card.

And what the hell this man was speaking. If he did not want to live anymore, then he could go and die. Why was he dragging him with himself?

He shook his head as if his life was depending on it and then glared at the man who was slandering him,

"What nonsense are you spouting, count? Do you not want to live anymore?" His words were cold and dripping poison. If possible he would have taken out a poisoned dagger and killed the count right there. 

George was bewildered and frightened when he heard the cold voice of the crown prince. But the first thought that came to his mind was.. 'He did not want her even as his mistress now! Should he offer her as an anonymous lover then? At least, he would still get a good amount of treasure in her exchange.. What would he get if she ran away with this beast!' 

He was about to bow his head and change his offer when the crown prince continued, 

"When have I tried to convert your daughter? Do not slander me for nothing. I had never even met your daughter before today!!" though he was clearing the matter to the count, his eyes were on Richard.

He was trying to convey to him that he was getting involved without any rhyme or reason.

Of course George knew that the crown prince had never met Hazel before. She was never allowed to leave the palace and was never taken to any royal party much less where the crown prince will visit. But if that was not the reason then why was he here and trying to protect her all this time. He even ran and stood in front of her carriage to stop her from leaving!

If this was not the trait of a lover then was he crazy to do these kinds of stunts randomly! But all he could do and gulp and bow his head in front of the crown prince.

But the man in question was the crown prince. He could not ask these kinds of questions to him. Even Amelia and Diana who were watching the scene from the sidelines frowned when Alcastra denied any kind of involvement with hazel. Was he not trying to speak for her all the time?

They both exchanged glances and finally Amelia collected all her courage and took a step forward.

"I apologize for the words spoken by my father, my lord. He must have misunderstood but Then.. .what is the reason for your presence in our humble abode, your highness?"