𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐌𝐋𝐌

Bonds

-☆-

"You are such an interesting princess to talk to, Cerise," Lucian smiled at the 20-year-old Cruizarian royal as the two of them were sitting on the ledge of the marble fountain, facing the scenery of the palace garden.

"Thank you, Lucian. You are a breath of fresh air compared to the other bachelors vying for my hand in marriage," Cerise chuckled, twirling her dark blue tresses that fell over her tan shoulders with her slender fingers.

"You are also the only prince that I am able to trust to make this deal with despite the short time we have been getting to know each other," Cerise added, tilting her head as she put her hand over Lucian's after catching a glimpse of a figure of iron armour standing in the distance, "Could you keep this between us, Lucian? I have never told anyone about this, especially my family. So I really need you to keep this under wraps."

"I am extremely flattered that you already trust me although we have only bonded for a short time," Lucian's lips curved upwards in appreciation, "I understand. I am a man of my word, so you can tell me anything, and my lips are sealed."

"Do you see that knight standing there?" Cerise whispered to Lucian as she gestured towards the figure that was standing near the palace door by nudging him slightly and lifting her chin.

"Oh, yes. But why is he related to your secret?" Lucian tilted his head in confusion, furrowing his eyebrows before coming up with a few ideas of what the secret could be, "Unless..."

"His name is Gunnar," Cerise whispered again, her cheeks tinging with pink as she smiled, "He is my... lover. But, no one in the palace knows about us, so you are the first person that I have informed."

"Oh.. I see," Lucian nodded with understanding, somewhat relieved when he realised that Cerise was not abiding by their bethrothal.

"I am committed to keep our relationship hidden because my parents would not want me to be loving someone who is of 'lower class'. They are always saying, 'Marry a prince! It will be good for our kingdom,' and all that. But what is wrong with loving a knight? They are noble and kind, just like princes.." Cerise sighed as she ranted about her being part of the royal family, "And I am head over heels for Gunnar, so I need your help to maintain my relationship with him whilst satisfying my parents."

"Ah? I assume I still have to take part in this arranged marriage. Am I right?" Lucian chuckled, "I do not mind. I feel that arranged marriages are suffocating as well.."

"Yes! We only need the title of husband and wife, and we could do whatever we want. You would be free from the shackles of arranged marriage, and are then able to love whoever you want whilst you are married to me," Cerise nodded furiously, taking Lucian's hands into hers, "Could you do that?"

"Of course," Lucian agreed without hesitation and the need to think through the whole decision. He disliked the idea of being rushed into marriage. With this agreement, he would be able to do what is best for his kingdom by marrying Cerise while he was able to consider his own happiness by taking his time to find his true love — the best of both worlds.

"Thank you so much for helping me," Cerise wrapped her arms around Lucian excitedly, "Shall we say hello to Gunnar?" she added with a grin on her face.

"Indeed we shall." Lucian nodded as he wrapped his own arms around her in a gentle hug. As they pulled away, he suggested them to go and say hello to Gunnar. And the prince was curious to see how the scene will play out when they both confront his fiancé's sweetheart.

Apparently, the two lovers had their own secret code as well. Cerise bobbed a curtsy to Lucian and looked up at the knight who was standing near the palace door, Gunnar. Immediately, he alerted the other knight that he was on duty with that he had to take his leave for a while and stormed off to the back of the palace that was usually left unguarded and there were no windows facing it.