The Royal Engagement

Chapter 4

They silently walked through long, consistent hallways of the castle. Pyro had asked the servants to leave them as he accompanied Amy to her room. Amy's shoulders were tense, never letting down her guard. Pyro could sense her stiff and hesitant instinct and secretly gave it his full attention. Although he was her betrothed, he was a Sirium, meaning he was unpredictable and bold. And they were alone as well.

Starting to bore of the awkward silence that hung between the two royals, Pyro decided to start a conversation. He thought of a subject that would make her squirm. Smirking evilly at his plan, he began by complimenting her with a flirty grin.

"You know, your face truly does possess some attractive features."

She smiled gratefully at the praise and looked at him with sincere modesty.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm flattered to hear you think that of me."

Pyro narrowed his eyes in amusement. Cute. How humble and gullible. She's too naïve for own good. Pyro could already tell he was going to enjoy breaking her spirit.

"Yes, I seem to recognize that face though. Who was it? Oh! That's right! You bear astonishingly similar traits to that of your father's."

Amy's emerald eyes glimmered at the topic of her father, the man she admired the most. She responded innocently and enthusiastically, oblivious to the deceitful prince's fakery.

"You've seen my father before! How wonderful! I never knew! When did you first see him?"

With a wolfish grin, he responded causally.

"I remember them parading his spiked head around the town after our last battle with your kingdom. Quite a proud symbol of victory for Sirium, if I do say so myself."

At those words, Amy's expression and arms dropped as she detached herself from Pyro and paused her walking. Her face was concealed by her hair as she stared down at the ground. Pyro stopped as well and leaned against the wall with a satisfied expression, awaiting her response with crossed arms.

"H-how mean... You really are horrible... I'm such a fool to fall for your false friendliness." Amy's voice sounded drained and hurt. Pyro only chuckled apathetically.

"Well, it's good that you acknowledge your naivety. Although, you were very adorable when you were innocent to my tricks." He moved closer towards her and leaned down to her height. "Who knows, having someone like you to play around with, might turn out fun." Her glassy eyes met his mocking ones. "Do you understand the consequences of agreeing to the marriage now, Princess?" He returned to his normal height and towered over her with a taunting look.

"You're not in fact my first betrothed. Did you know that? I've had five other women betrothed to me." Amy watched him with an uneasy expression.

"Each of them were the fairest of their lands, had a unique personality and different age to each other. They were all fun to play with at the start, but, all of them only wanted the same thing. Riches, power and status. They tried to leach off me so, I drove every single one of them to end their lives..."

Amy inaudibly gulped and her face began to twitch in apprehension. Her reaction only fuelled Pyro's ego and motivation to scare her more. "It was quite entertaining to say the least...Discovering all the different ways they ended their lives..." His eyes then slowly turned to her, lighting up sadistically, "I wonder what method you'll use?"

Amy paled at the realization of the true nature of the boy she was marrying. Someone who kills and manipulates for entertainment. The worst kind of sadist. Someone who will make it his goal to drive her insane as he watches with glee. Through the panic inside her mind, she heard her mentor's voice piece through,