My Enemy, My Love

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔖𝔦𝔵

Lord Chuo [First]

Getting ready for Lord Riya's summer party had never been an ordeal before, but tonight felt different. Everything felt heavier, more significant. As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the folds of my golden silk scarf, I couldn't help but replay the events of the past week.

The Princess of Chiang Mai had visited me privately, her family in tow, with a proposal that could change everything. A potential union between the House of Kelasin and the Kingdom of Chiang Mai. A marriage proposal. And not just any offer -- the Kingdom of Chiang Mai was offering financial support in exchange for military protection. War was on the horizon, tensions brewing in the West. It was flattering, of course, to be considered worthy of such an alliance, especially by someone like her.

And I loved her, still. 

Chariya was every bit as captivating as I remembered, and despite the scandal, her beauty, poise, and kindness remained. But she had always been much more than that -- there was a strength in her eyes, a quiet intelligence that made her more than just a pretty face. For a brief moment, I had considered accepting right then and there. The allure of having her as my wife, the power such a union would bring, was undeniable. But I knew better than to rush into something so delicate. I needed time to think, to weigh my options. The Kingdom of Chiang Mai could easily retract their offer if a more prominent suitor presented himself. 

And there was no shortage of men who would kill to be in my position. 

Saetiao was one. 

I sighed, pulling the scarf tighter around my shoulders. The thought of Chariya's offer stirred something in me -- an old flame, perhaps -- but I couldn't let myself be swayed by emotions. Not yet.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"My Lord," a servant said as she entered, bowing slightly. "There's someone downstairs, waiting for you."

I frowned, glancing at her in the reflection of the mirror. "Who is it?"

"He didn't say, my Lord."

That wasn't exactly comforting. "Didn't say?" I repeated, my irritation rising. "Fine. I'll see who it is, thank you."

Straightening my posture, I made my way down the grand staircase, my hand grazing the polished banister. As I descended, my eyes fell on the figure waiting in the foyer below, and my heart sank.

Saetiao.

He stood there, dressed impeccably for the party, his dark hair slicked back, his suit cut perfectly to accentuate his broad shoulders and lean frame. There was something infuriatingly handsome about him, a natural charm that made me grit my teeth in jealousy. And yet, despite my frustration, I couldn't help but feel the familiar pull of attraction. It was maddening. 

He was maddening.

"What are you doing here?" I asked coldly, refusing to let my irritation slip. I descended the last few steps, forcing myself to maintain composure.

Saetiao smiled, the kind of smile that had always gotten under my skin. "I've come to make you an offer."

"An offer?" I narrowed my eyes, folding my arms across my chest. "I'm not interested in your offers, Saetiao. I've no intention of getting involved in another one of your bets."

He shrugged, clearly unfazed by my hostility. "This isn't about a bet."

Before he could continue, I cut him off, my nerves beginning to fray. "We're going to be late. If you insist on tagging along, then let's go." I avoided brushing past him as I fiddled with my cuffs, feeling the awkwardness settle in as he watched me. I hated how easily he unnerved me.