Once Maverick left, I began to plan how to annul the engagement to the crowned prince.

'I can't annul the engagement without a proper reason.'

I racked my brains for a proper excuse that won't make it look like Alina is throwing another one of her fits.

'I could use my sickness as a excuse but I don't develop serious symptoms till my birthday. I don't know if they could diagnose me now, I would have to try later.'

I made my mind up to wait til I could use my sickness as a excuse to annul the engagement.

'I should explore the duchy to familiarize myself with the place. I'll be living here after all."

I could care less about being under probation, I could finally relax after a life full of hard work and hardship. I never had an easy life, since I could walk I had to fend for myself. Before I became an orphan at the age of 6, I was raised by my drug addict mother. She soon died of overdose in her room, I wasn't found until the landlord came to collect the rent the next month. I was then brought to an orphanage, but the people there weren't nice to say the very least.

I left the orphanage as soon as I turned 18, to escape the hell hole that claimed to help children. I swore to start an orphanage to truly helped children. I struggled to pay for college, but once I graduated I struggled to pay off my student debt.

Sometimes I felt as if the world was against me. I grew up with no one supporting me, people either gave me a look of disgust or pity. Neither ever gave a helping hand nor support for me to lean on.

Nevertheless, I never wanted to be either. I was determined to work hard and soon be in a position to help others, but sadly that day never came in that life. I can at least make it come true in this life, but I need to survive to fully achieve that.

As I was deep in thought but was interrupted by Chrysta bringing me lunch.

"Miss, I've brought you your lunch."

She gently wheeled over the cart with multiple plates of food. However, I was in no mood to eat due to the stress of planning, but I noticed how weak Alina's body was and with no appetite. This body was a lot weaker than I had thought... making my plan easier.

'It has to be the beginning of Frigor Rubens. I might be able to to get diagnosed sooner than I thought, even if they don't diagnose me with it yet I now have an excuse to call off the doctor to see me. I'll just have to test my luck.'

"I have no appetite, I haven't been feeling well as of late. I would like you to call the doctor, make sure to bring the most experienced doctor."

The maid could sense a bit of urgency in my voice, so she quickly left.

Moments later Chrysta returned with Dr. Richard, he was a very short old man with white hair and large glasses. He carried a big leather bag that looked too big for his size.

"I would like to be left alone with Dr. Richard." I quickly dismissed Chrysta to prevent the spreading of rumors, I didn't fully know if she was trust worthy.

Dr. Richard seemed like a no nonsense doctor and quickly got to examining me and asking me questions.

"What are Miss' symptoms?"

"I have been feeling weak with no appetite, as well as cold. I get dizzy spells often throughout the day."

I truthfully explained.

'It feels strange to be waiting to be diagnosed with a sickness I already know I have.'

As I was in thought the doctor asked for my hand, he continued with several other procedures before having a grave expression.

'Horray! He's found it!'

I quickly rejoiced in my head but kept a calm outward appearance.

With a grave expression the doctor hesitated for a while before speaking.

"Miss, I'm sorry to inform you that you have Frigor Rubens. You do know what that is right?"

I nodded my head, afraid that my happiness would be heard in my voice if I spoke.

He had a regretful expression while looking to see what kind of expression I would make. But in his surprise I just smiled warmly, I couldn't contain my joy of being able to escape the crowned princes clutches.

"Thank you, Dr, Richard. You've served me well, but there is one other thing I would like to ask of you."

I smiled warmly, and thanked him sincerely. He seemed surprised that there was no sign of sadness on my face. However, no matter how hard I tried the smile wouldn't leave my face.

"I'll gladly do anything within my abilities."

He quickly agreed, he felt as if he needed to something for her after such devastating news.

"I would like for you to wait to tell my father about the news until tomorrow, and I will join you. I have a pressing matter to discuss with him."

I would also like to keep rumors from spreading and damaging Alina's reputation further.

"If that is what you wish I will wait, just call for me when it is time to report to the Grand Duke."

*

*

*

Dr. Richard soon left to prepare medications for Alina. Once he closed the door he couldn't help but be shocked at the princesses behavior, If not for personally witnessing some of Alina's tantrums he would think of her as a lovely girl from what he just saw.

'....It's really odd, it seemed as if she already knew that she had it. Her reaction was off, she only smiled warmly knowing she would suffer from unbearable pain with no cure.'

He soon stopped his thoughts and hurried to begin to make medicine for Alina.