Crowned In Thorns

3. Friends?

   
Trigger Warning: Knife

He traced his fingers along her cheek, his touch light and sensual, as if trying to decipher her every thought.

She gave him a curtsy bow as she turned her back at him. She doesn't care what people had witnessed. She is clearly running away from it, again. She started to walk away from the dance, the ball, from everything.

He chuckled, admiring her boldness. "Well, Kalyna, It seems you've lived up to your name: a woman of Vitality. But remember, the chase is often the most thrilling part of the hunt. Until next time."

With a faint smirk and a glint of mischief in his eyes, he watched her flee.

Kalyna's younger sister became a royal consort to Aurelius's younger brother to continue Ashbourne lineage, a political and business purpose after all. The Vitaliana's family together with Kalyna is staying at Ashbourne palace for the moment. Kalyna's on stretch on avoiding meeting Aurelius for days after their last encounter.

Stealing a kiss with a stranger? Creating a scandal? What the hell is with him, she furrowed her brows as she was staying at her own chamber.

Aurelius sat alone in his library, his mind consumed with thoughts of her. The taste of her lips, the feeling of her body against his, every moment of their dance played over and over in his mind. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping an rhythmless melody on his desk, his brow furrowing in frustration.

The door of the library swung open, revealing a familiar figure: his younger brother and the newly wed husband of Kalyna's younger sister, Cassian.

"Brother." Cassian nodded respectfully. "I was told you'd be here, I have a bit of... interesting news to share."

Aurelius glanced up from his thoughts, his face a mask of mild curiosity. "Speak, Cassian."

Cassian stepped closer, a sly smirk playing on his lips. "Well, it seems our princess Kalyna is quite the elusive one. She's been avoiding us like the plague."

He took a moment, relishing in the moment. "I can't blame her though, after the scandalous kiss you two had in the middle of the dance floor during my wedding night."

Aurelius rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Scandal? It was little more than a fleeting moment, my dear brother. Nothing Kalyna can't handle with her.. Vitali-sass."

Cassian chuckled softly, the amusement in his eyes evident. "If that's how you describe it. But, the rumors have spread like wildfire. Everyone's talking about it. It seems you've made quite an impact on her."

He leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "But I suspect you already know that. You never do anything without a purpose, my dear brother. Is there something more to this... encounter?"

Aurelius's gaze hardened, his voice growing serious. "Cassian, you know what our father desires. A strong alliance with the Vitaliana family, to solidify our position and ensure our people's safety."

He paused, meeting Cassian's gaze with a hint of defiance.

"But my interests lie beyond mere political alliances, Cassian. I want more. I want a union borne of love and desire, not just strategic advantage."

He sighed, his expression softening slightly.

"And I think Kalyna...Kalyna is that person."

For the love of hell.

She mumbled to herself as she was having a cup of tea this morning with the Lords and Dukes. Ever since that night her father still couldn't stop pestering her to match with nobles even though they are staying here in Ashbourne palace. Shame.