The Melody Of Destiny

chapter 13

Prince Alexander the 57th:

"Play nice your Highness. The next one is Princess Lavanya from the Northern Kingdom." Hisses Kalani oh so politely.

"The neutrals." I mutter under my breath.

"An astute observation, your Highness. Now it is paramount that we secure their alliance, so... be on your best behaviour." She says.

"Fetch me some wine – the service here is appalling," I command, eyeing the princess with a slight smirk.

She pauses, wine glass in hand, glancing at me briefly, and laughs: "Oh, how precious. Is someone lost?" she quips, not really addressing anyone, before turning back to her conversation.

I chuckle lightly bemused - a quick one, are we? Well, that did not go as expected. Did she really? Wait. Why I am I upset? I do not want to be shmoozing a princess, so I shrug: "Oh well I tried." and start walking away.

But before I can retreat, Kalani steps in. "Engage with the princess, Your Highness." She insists.

I roll my eyes at her.

"We can't afford to lose her Favor, Your Highness." She insists again.

"Fine." I mutter going back to the princess: "Now, I really must find the Princess." I tease tapping her on the shoulder.

She pauses glancing back at me: "Oh, really? And who might you be?" she asks sarcastically.

I chuckle, sensing her playful challenge. Kalani steps in smoothly. "Meeting your esteemed acquaintance your Highness is the Crown Prince Alexander the 57th, future Emperor of—"

Princess Lavanya interrupts with a sweet smile, raising a finger gently to Kalani's lips shushing her while staring deeply into my eyes with a sight smirk. "I'm rather occupied," she says pausing her assistant leans in whispering to her. "With very important matters," she adds, her gaze lingering on mine with a hint of a smile before she turns away, leaving me standing there.

I stand there, momentarily taken aback. Gathering my composure, I flash a confident smile. "Well, I bid you salutation," I say with a laugh, turning to walk away. But Kalani grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

I freeze my smile fading as I turn glaring at her, narrowing my eyes. "Eager to visit the dungeons, are we?" I ask through gritted teeth.

Kalani quickly releases my arm, her eyes widening slightly: "Forgive me, Your Highness." She stammers regaining her composure. "We cannot afford to offend the princess."

I maintain my stare.

"I meant no disrespect... The imperial Empress will not be pleased your Highness." She continues, her voice trembling slightly.

"Not my concern." I say brushing her grimy prints off my sleeve.

"Securing the Northern Kingdom as allies is paramount." she insists.

"What do you expect me to do?" I ask, exasperated.

"Dance with her, Your Highness." she replies.

"I could have you arrested for touching me like that." I warn.

"After they become our allies, Your Highness." she counters.

"Careful." I say my voice low and threatening.

Stepping up once more, I extend my hand. "Princess Lavanya, may I have this dance?"

She smiles playfully. "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't think I know the princess." she jokes, her eyes twinkling with mischief.