The Masked prince
Chapter 164: More Lies Mixed With Truth

Chapter 164: More Lies Mixed With Truth

As Derrick had ordered, everyone gathered in Royal Court again.

The ministers had not yet left the Palace after knowing everything. Hence, everyone was again inside Royal Palace.

Arthur didn’t even need to be asked to step out and speak for himself.

Without even Derrick’s order, he walked to the centre of the hall and asked

"Your Majesty, Evelyn is my wife first then how can her marriage with Prince Regan be acknowledged to be real? I am sure that Alfaros’ laws and rules are not so progressive that women can marry more than once with their husband being still alive."

Derrick stayed silent but the ministers whispered to each other. Whatever Arthur said was true.

However before he could continue, Regan who had been seated silently with Evelyn by his side stood up and said calmly.

"Sir Arthur is not aware of Alfaros rules. I don’t blame Sir Arthur because Sir Arthur is not from Alfaros. However, as a prince of Alfaros I will be generous enough to tell Sir Arthur something."

Regan’s one hand was still holding Evelyn’s as he talked to Arthur. As much as Evelyn felt embarrassed, she didn’t try to remove his hold.

She just heard him silently.

"Sir Arthur, Royal Princes as well as His Majesty can marry any woman who catches their attention. It doesnt matter whether she betrothed, whether she is married of whether she is already a mother of a few children? I hope I am correct Your Majesty."

Regan turned to look at Derrick finishing his words and there was a very calm smile on his lips.

Derrick’s face was emotionless and he didn’t say anything so Regan said on his own.

"It has been a convention, an unsaid convention. As much as I remember, Late Queen Eugine, Elder Brother Rex’s Mother was already engaged to someone else when His Majesty married her. Late Queen Regina, my mother...even she was betrothed when His Majesty took Mazic under his control and asked her to marry him."

The Royal Court was silent. No minister could counter Regan’s words and neither Derrick could.

However, Arthur was not to stay silent and said immediately

"Both of the Queens were not married when His Majesty made them his queens. But I and Evelyn are already married. This marriage is not legal."

Again no one could counter Arthur.

However Regan was also not to be suppressed by anyone so he said calmly.

" A good observation Sir Arthur but still of no use. Unfortunately for you, Evelyn caught my attention and I am very unwilling to let her go. Still admiring your persistence, I believe that if there are two men claiming to be Evelyn’s husband then according to me she has the right to choose who she wishes to be with. Isn’t it Sir Arthur?"

Arthur’s body went stiff.

What could he say to that? Should he say yes?

But he couldn’t because somewhere a part of his heart knew that Evelyn didn’t wish to be with him. After all, she had not even looked at him since the moment she had entered Royal Court yet he had never moved his eyes away from her.

However, he was still forcing her.

Hence, he knew what Evelyn answer would be.

No answer came out of Arthur’s mouth and Regan smiled coldly.

"Previously Sir Arthur seemed to have very much affection for Evelyn but seeing your so little confidence, I wonder if you had forced Evelyn to marry you and hence you are afraid to agree with what I am saying."

"That is not the case."

Arthur denied immediately. He refused to accept that he had forced Evelyn to marry him.

"Then I will accept it as you agreeing with my plans, Sir Arthur."

Arthur stayed silent but Regan could clearly see the rage in his eyes as the latter stared at her.

After all, Regan had not left any way with him.

If he refused then it proved that he had forced Evelyn to marry him.

Hence, Regan turned to look at Evelyn whose favorite thing seemed to be the ground today.

His eyes were filled with gentleness as well as helplessness.

"Evelyn, it is your turn to decide. Tell everyone who do you wish to be with. Is it me or ...Sir Arthur?"

Evelyn raised her head this time.

She didn’t look at Arthur but she looked at Regan. Her green eyes were filled with sincerity as she answered Regan’s question.

"I will always choose the prince over anything or anyone."

Regan felt his heart skipping when he saw how sincere Evelyn looked when she said these words.

For a moment, he wished that everything would stop there.

He had such a strong urge to kiss her then and there that he even took a step more closer to her.

If it was not Arthur’s loud voice, perhaps he would have scared Evelyn away with the intensity of his love.

"I don’t accept this."

Arthur looked at Derrick and said

"Your Majesty, Evelyn marrying me after my brother’s death was my brother’s last wish before he left this world because he knew that only I could take good care of her..."

Before even Arthur could continue, Regan chuckled and said coldly

"I have witnessed how good of a care you had given her, Sir Arthur. You might not be aware but I when I saw Evelyn for the first time, she amongst many slaves was fighting for her life among forty lions. At that time, I didn’t see you there."

Arthur’s eyes were deathly cold when he heard these words and he said

" I did say that there were some unmentionable circumstances that separated us."

"What kind of unmentionable circumstances? I would like to hear from you more about them, Sir Arthur."

Regan was all set to frustrate Arthur to a point where he would lose his calm.

But Arthur was also well prepared with his lies and said immediately

"My mother didn’t like Evelyn after my brother’s death. She thought that Evelyn was the reason behind his death as they had married only a few weeks ago. So when she came to know that I had secretly married Evelyn, she sold Evelyn to a slave trader."