7. Risky Bait

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    She ignored Aurelius's presence for the whole week as she handled her plan by herself. It seemed quite.. odd.

"Welcome to Ashbourne Gardens, your Grace."

Lord Hieron strutted into the Ashbourne gardens with an overconfident air. His clothes were adorned with pompous decorations, and his demeanor radiated arrogance. He approached Kalyna with a slight bow, though his tone dripped with subtle condescension.

"Princess Kalyna, what an honor. To imagine, the famed Vitaliana beauty summoned me for a cup of tea."

"Spare me. I would just want a word since my father brought your name as my soon-to-be-husband." She chuckled slightly as it tasted bitter.

Hieron chuckled, a smug expression on his face.

"Soon-to-be? My dear Princess, I assure you this arrangement will be a blessing for both our lands." He paused, his eyes roaming over her figure, a hint of lasciviousness in his gaze.

"Or perhaps you're here to discuss our wedding night?"

She sipped her tea as she tried to ignore his words. She is trying to engage with this pompous for a while yet her mind is still with Aurelius..— wait no, focus.

Hieron leaned closer, a sly grin playing on his lips.

"Rumors, dear Kalyna," he purred, his voice laced with a mocking tone. "They suggest a woman of great allure and grace, a princess who can disarm even the mightiest suitors. But tell me, princess, are the rumors truly accurate, or do they fall short of the mark?"

Hieron leaned back on his chair, his eyes fixed on her. His lips curled into a smug smile. He had noticed Kalyna's subtle reaction.

"Ah, I see a flicker of recognition, Princess," he teased. "Could it be that there's a particular suitor who's captured your interest?"

There was a gleam in his eyes, a mix of curiosity and intrigue as he pressed further, trying to gauge Kalyna's true feelings.

She knew that she had to lie. Her mind wanted to deny up until now. But, thinking back, her time with Aurelius etched from the bottom, darkest corner of her heart. "Unfortunately, there is one."

Hieron chuckled softly, his tone laced with a hint of mockery. "Ah, a man who's captured the great Princess Kalyna's heart. How unfortunate, and yet, how intriguing. Tell me, princess, who is the lucky suitor who managed to break through that icy wall you've put up? It must have taken quite a bit of charm and persistence."

His gaze pierced hers, eager to decipher any signs of vulnerability or weakness in her façade.

It was never a weakness, instead a determined facade. "It's Aurelius Ashbourne." She spoke softly as her fingers lightly caressed the tip of her tea cup before she looked up to his eyes.

Hieron's eyes widened at the mention of the future king. A momentary flicker of concern crossed his face, but it was quickly masked by a smug, self-assured smile.

"Aurelius Ashbourne, the future king, eh? An ambitious choice, to say the least. But I can assure you, princess, that his position doesn't intimidate me."

Hieron leaned back, his arms folded across his chest, trying to give an impression of composure despite his initial surprise.

"Is that so?" She brought her arms over the table as her chin leaned on her hand. "Then tell me my dear lord, care to give some glimpse of your work and how you sustain your land?"

Hieron chuckled, his voice tinged with arrogance. He began listing his exploits.

"Why, my fair lady, as a lord, I have many talents. I oversee my lands, collect taxes, raise and train soldiers, organize feasts and tournaments. I'm adept at politics, negotiation, and ensuring the prosperity of those under my care. You see, princess, being a ruler is a multifaceted endeavor, and I excel in all its aspects."

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