In Time And Memories

Chapter Eleven

Isn't it fascinating how can a person change expression so quickly- That you can't help but wonder if they're the same person?

For Urus, it is. Especially when can clearly see his horrifying reflection on the girl's eyes. He remained his indifferent expression while looking down on her. That kind of look is nothing but a normal event for him.

"Please forgive me, Your Royal Highness. I merely thought that it was the second prince as I've been waiting for him," Azelaine broke the awkward silence between all of them.

For a girl who looks so scared right now, She did well on regaining her composure. Although Urus already expected her answer, it's still amusing. How can a well-composed lady just hug someone because she thought it's her boyfriend?

Or perhaps, their relationship is closer than he thinks?

"Pfft-" It's Xiel. Great. Now, it became more awkward between them. Urus gave him a side-eye and Xiel bowed his head.

"I apologize for the unnecessary reaction but it was amusing that someone mistook the crown prince as the second prince and I didn't mean to embarrass you, My Lady." Xiel respectfully said and asked for Azelaine's hand then planted a kiss on it as a curtsy.

Xiel let go of her hand with a smile plastered on his lips. There's nothing she can do but nodded while feeling the hotness of her face.

Urus walked past Azelaine to go closer on the chair and sat on it. Seems like he didn't pay too much attention to what she did- Which is a relief actually. She would rather become an invisible person than have the crown prince's attention.

Pierre noticed how nervous Azelaine is; her body is trembling and her face is flushed. It must have been a shock for her since this is the first time she met the crown prince.

Aside from the nasty rumors about him, she knew nothing about the crown prince at all.

He offered his hand to her and she gladly accepted. Both of them walked towards the couch then sat in front of the crown prince.

"Serve us more tea, please," Xiel commanded the servants.

Azelaine shifted on her seat. It's making her uneasy with the presence of the crown prince- If only she had come later then maybe she wouldn't bump into him or more like accidentally hug him.

She glanced at Pierre, who's just calmly sipping on his cup of tea. There's no hard expression on his or whatsoever. He even looks comfortable enough to enjoy his drink while the crown prince is watching him.

"By the way, I haven't properly introduced myself to the lady yet. How rude of me." It was Xiel who broke the silence again.

He even chuckled to himself as if he's used to this unsettling tension between the two princes.

What is the crown prince doing here in the first place?

The crown prince has his own palace, near the emperor's palace or more likely known as the Ezckelian Palace- Where the emperor resides and the major meetings and gatherings were being held.

Quevilian Palace; the crown prince's palace is far from the prince's palace. A carriage is needed first if you want to travel between the two palaces.

"I'm Xiel of house Arthoion, one of the Imperial knights that serve the crown prince," Xiel introduced himself in a friendly manner. Azelaine has heard a lot about the young duke of house Arthoion but just like the crown prince, she hasn't met him until today.

Women adored Xiel because of his physical appearance and mysterious demeanor. Some said that he's not as cold as his cousin but when it comes to the battlefield, he can be a cold-blooded killer too.

"Azelaine of house Laurence. It's nice meeting you, Young duke Xiel," Azelaine introduced herself too.

"Of course, I know you, My Lady. I heard a lot about you and I've seen you in some banquet before." Xiel paused and looked at her intently. "The young lady who is good at everything and has everything."

That's what people have been saying about Azelaine and most of them even said that to her directly but she felt chills crawling through her spine when the young duke said that to her.

The eerie ambiance in the room became heavier after silence fell again between them. But it wasn't long before Pierre spoke.

"What brings you here, Your Highness?"

Your Highness.

Even though they are half-brothers, their relationship is nothing but a rivalry on the throne. The black wolf and the empire's prince- That's what people referred to them.

Urus crossed his arms and look up at Pierre. "His Royal Highness has been looking for you. He's worried that you haven't visited him since the winter started." Urus tilted his head with a faint smirk on his lips.

Pierre doesn't like Urus' guts; it's also the same with Urus to Pierre. They were raised to hate each other, to fight for their title.

"You didn't have to go all the way here just to say that, Your Highness." Pierre smiled but everyone in the room- Except for Azelaine, could tell that his smile is fake.

In Urus' eyes, Pierre is a two-faced maniac and a puppet of the queen. But nobody could tell which side of him is true, even Urus.

When he saw Pierre with Azelaine, it seems like he's a different person from what he remembered. Looking at the young lady with such affection and adoration in his eyes. Treating her like a porcelain doll that can't be broken or touched by anyone.

Those foreign things he saw on Pierre made him curious about the young lady.

Or maybe...

He already knew something.

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