(That smile is making me really suspicious, Nokto. What are you planning?) But there was no way I could ask Nokto that in front of our hosts, so I kept my mouth shut as we were shown to the dining hall. Soon we were enjoying a lavish meal, and I listened quietly as they discussed politics and trade, until at last the conversation lulled.
Nokto: Thank you so much for inviting us to this wonderful feast. And I apologize that you're stuck with my company, when really, my father or one of my brothers should be here instead.
Merchant: Not at all. We're glad to have you here, Prince Nokto-you understand us better than anyone.
Nokto: Well, thank you for saying so. That makes me feel better about the situation. But I hope you don't mind my asking... what was it that prompted this particular invitation?
I didn't know much about diplomacy, but even I could feel the sudden tension in the air that greeted Nokto's question. I glanced across the table at Licht, who hadn't said a single word since he'd arrived. His expression was as bland as ever, but he stopped eating and put his fork down, and I bit my lip uneasily. The merchant cleared his throat pointedly his expression shifting, and something in his eyes told me that some sort of negotiation had begun.
Merchant: It's nothing important, really. I was just hoping to ask you a question, that's all. Has anything changed recently in the fair kingdom of Rhodolite?
(Oh no...) I knew immediately that he was referring to the death of the king, and it took all I had in me to keep my expression calm. Nokto was silent, and I wondered what he was thinking.
Merchant: Or perhaps I should be more direct. Has something happened recently that you're hiding from us?
Nokto let out a slow, resigned sigh, and my heart began to clamor uneasily.
Nokto: We've been friends for far too long, haven't we? I should've known I can't hide anything from you. The truth is...
(Nokto- No one is allowed to know about the king's death, right? Especially not anyone outside of Rhodolite. So-)
Nokto: ...I've gotten engaged.
(...Wait, WHAT?)
YOU ARE READING
Beauty and her Beast (Nokto)
Ficción GeneralYou've been selected as "Belle" to choose the next king out of the eight princes. If that wasn't hard enough, the princes turn out to be hot...and deadly. In a world of war and intrigue, will you be able to save his heart and yours as you enter your...
