Tangled By Fate

"How was your day? Do you like this city?" Arthur inquired. Veronica ventured into the city with her friend. He wanted to know how much she liked the city he grew up in. After all, he took great pride in taking care of the capital city of Tybu.

The carriage was moving at a brisk pace. The noise of the horses' hooves felt soothing somehow. Both Veronica and Catherine were enjoying all the views of the city from the window while they chatted.

Veronica couldn't wait to tell Arthur everything. She excitedly replied to his query, "This is an amazing city. I've never thought that there could be such tall buildings in the city. The city is so vibrant. We had so much fun. We ate tons of street food. This is the first time I've ever done shopping with someone. This is just the best!"

Arthur chuckled. "I see. It's all good then. You can come here often with escorts and shop to your heart's content." He saw all the packages and asked his wife, "So what did you buy today?"

Veronica rested her head on his shoulder and then gave him a list, "We bought food and some antique items."

Arthur was a bit surprised. "Why didn't you buy dresses and jewelry? I thought girls love that kind of thing."

Veronica told him, "In the morning, I saw many clothes and jewelry in the drawer. I don't think I need more than that. Moreover, I don't like jewelry that much. Hence, I didn't think I should buy something I already have."

She glanced at her friend and questioned her, "Cathy, didn't you complain that you didn't have enough clothes? Why didn't you buy those today?"

Catherine answered smugly, "I had no plans on buying clothes today. I just came to look around. I gathered enough knowledge. After going to the tower, I will make a list of trending clothes and make a budget. The next time I come, I will bring money to buy my clothes."

"That's a brilliant idea!" Veronica exclaimed. Since she didn't know what to buy, she didn't make a list. Moreover, Arthur gave her a pouch of gold coins. She didn't have to think about the budget. However, after listening to her friend, she realized that as a Mistress of the Magic Tower, she should do the same thing. She questioned her friend, "Where did you learn that?"

"Well, I was bragging to Ovior in the morning about what I was going to buy and what I would do. He heard me and gave me this advice. Now I understand how this tower is still intact without Arthur's presence. It's just that Ovior is too competent." Catherine snickered. 

She was indirectly calling Arthur 'incompetent' in front of him. 'She sure has guts,' he thought. 'Or maybe she doesn't care since I'm her friend's husband. She thinks I won't do anything to her or my wife will be upset.' 

Veronica turned toward Arthur, "Speaking of Ovior, I've heard that you brutally murdered the Second Prince to avenge Ovior. Is that true?"

Arthur paused for a second before commenting, "Story spreads fast. Who told you?"

"That's not important. Tell me! Is it true?" Veronica urged him.

"That is correct." Arthur clenched his fists unknowingly.

Catherine who was sitting across the carriage saw it and stayed quiet.

He added while squeezing Veronica's hand, "Let's not talk about it, okay? I know what you are curious about but I'd rather not talk about Ovior's personal matter."

"Fine, I won't ask you about him. Then tell me why you went to the palace alone when we were both invited." Veronica decided to pester him till he blurted out everything. 'As his wife, I deserve to know this much,' she thought.

Arthur narrowed his eyes. He didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Did Sebastian tell you that?"

"Don't change the subject. Answer me!" Veronica was getting impatient.

"Do you really think I would let you have any contact with any royals after what happened to Synetia?"

"…" Veronica cringed. She couldn't find words to defend herself.

"Huh? What happened in Synetia?" Catherine became curious. Judging by his friend's expression, she could tell something disastrous happened in Synetia. Something that was hidden from her. Veronica hardly kept a secret from her. She wanted to know what it was.

"Mm…" Veronica averted her gaze. She didn't want to say that she disobeyed Arthur and almost became the fifteenth wife of King Edward V.

"Won't you say? Fine, I will tell Arthur why you disappeared for six months." Catherine grinned like an evil woman.

"You…" Veronica was astonished by the betrayal of her friend. "How can you try to blackmail me? Is this how a friend should act?" she complained. She couldn't accept this act of betrayal.

Arthur stroked his chin. "I don't mind, I'm rather curious about where you were for six months and why are you trying to hide it."

As if Catherine got approval from Arthur. She stuck out her tongue and winked at her friend.

Veronica glared at them. Those two were the closest to him. She couldn't believe they cheated on her just like that. 'I'll never tell her anything important in the future,' she swore.

In the end, she was forced to spill the beans. Catherine's eyes turned into a pair of soccer balls. "What the hell! Fifteenth consort?! Is that guy a pedophile? His eldest son is five years older than her. And the old man had the audacity to ask your hand in marriage?! Unbelievable!"

Veronica lowered her head. She didn't have the face to look up. "And this happened because I didn't pay heed to Arthur's warning and did whatever I pleased."

"At least here you can do whatever you want. This is the best for you," Catherine told her.

"This isn't the only reason I didn't take her to the Royal Palace. I have other reasons," Arthur remarked.

"Other reasons?" Veronica inquired, "What other reasons do you have?"