Uwah...I am a Rarity?! (Reincarnation) Editing

Chapter 7

Although she was inwardly panicking, the only indication of her surprise was a slight widening of her eyes. Not one to make a big fuss about anything, Shureii discretely tried to reduce the King's close proximity by tilting her neck slightly backwards. To her dismay, he leaned in closer.

Eh?

She tried it once more and he did the same.

Hah? Why is he doing this?

By now, her initial nervousness of unexpectedly meeting royalty so quickly had changed to confusion.

It was then that she noticed something she hadn't in earlier momentary lapse of calm: his eyes. His eyes were laughing. Laughing at her. Feeling an irk mark beginning to rise, Shureii fought to maintain calm before this egotistical king.

Well since he is already aware that I am uncomfortable, why not verbalize it?

She did precisely that.

"Your Highness, don't you think you a bit too close?" She asked in her most polite voice.

There! Any proper gentleman would back away. As a king, he should be the epitome of one--Eh?

She was completely taken by surprise when the King reached out to hold her chin between his crooked index finger and thumb.

"Ah, but you are mistaken, milady. We are not "too close" at all!"

Shureii's inwardly narrowed her eyes.

Now what nonsense is he saying?

On the outside though, she didn't lose her calm composure and merely lifted her hand to push his away...only to have it captured by his much larger one. When she tried to free her hand, he merely held on tighter. Then, as if nothing had transgressed, he continued.

"You see, I have several personal policies. One of them is reserved for beauties. There is no limit to how close one should get. Particularly for those who catch my interest. And you, milady..."

At this his voice dipped into a sultry whisper, speaking directly into her ear.

"...have captured my interest."

This...brat!

Shureii grew less and less fond of the king the more she heard him talk.

A king?! Ridiculous! More like a flirt who is an actor in place of the king! If only you knew! I'm nearly twice as old as you! You really--W-Wah! Stop breathing into my ear! That tickles!!! Stop it you...you brat!!!

Shureii momentarily stopped her struggles when she felt something against her back.

A column?

Somewhere during her inner rant, her body moved automatically away from the King and ended up being backed against a column.

Feeling one of his hands leave hers brought Shureii's attention back to the King. He was standing straighter, placing one arm above his head as he leaned over her.

The only thought that passed through Shureii's mind was: Huge! He's so tall!

Indeed, while she had been surprised at Louis' age compared to his height, she could see why that could be considered as average. The King would easily reach 7 feet. That much she could see even with the way he was leaning over her. She hadn't fully realized just how tall the people...or at least the men here were.

His next words were in sync with her thoughts as he huskily said, "You know, I never knew someone like you could exist. You are so petite and delicate...like a fairy. However I can sense that there is no magic within you."

No! You're wrong! You and everyone else in this world are just too tall! Petite and delicate? I'm neither of them...although...

Making note of how easily he held her hands captive with just one hand, Shureii had to admit that he did make some sense.

In the midst of her musings, she failed to notice that the King's eyes had long lost their initial amusement and were seriously looking over her form.

Really...She is unlike anyone I've ever come across. She does not care for my looks or power. Yet she is also polite, knowledgeable, and graceful. Her exotic features, subtle curves, and such adorable petiteness affects me like none other before.

Unconsciously tightening his grip on her wrists, he was surprised to find that he was happy to see her eyes turn to look up at him.

Yes...she is different. It makes me want to protect her.

Shureii's eyes widened when she saw him closing in on her, his hold getting tighter. His gaze was slightly dazed and had lost all form of mirth.

W-What is this stupid King thinking! Stop!

Just then she heard the sound of one of the many doors opening.

"Brother!! Just what do you think you are doing?!"

As if someone had drenched him with clear water, the King regained his clear gaze and backed away from Shureii, allowing her to see a handsome youth who seemed to be around Louis' age.

Another bishounen huh...At this point I really don't care. I'm just glad to be out of that suffocating situation."

"Ah...if it isn't my cute younger brother, Prince Albrecht!"

So his name is Albrecht...

"Brother..." came the low warning growl.

"Alright, alright. I get it."

The King said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. Before he left however, he turned to address Shureii, gifting her with a wink.

"Until next time, milady."

Not if I could help it...Shureii thought wryly. That was WAY too much...pressure...

"Lady Shureii, I sincerely apologize for whatever my brother did. If he had caused you any discomfort, something I am sure happened, you have my apologies again."

Ah...that's right...there is another bishounen....