[Original] The Alchemist of Rozarre [Novel-Length] [Complete!]

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

"If that is what you wish," Prince Caspian said. "Then so be it. I will make you barely cling to consciousness while I beat some sense into you. I won't let you slip through my hands again...I will earn back my title and have you at the same time! Even if you loathe me, even if you resist me, you will love me!"

"You're despicable!" Roselle said before she drew her rapier and lunged towards Prince Caspian. However, before Roselle could lay a hand on Prince Caspian, the combat medic nurse used a train martial art technique that cut off sensation to her nerves. Roselle collapsed in a heap, gasping. Her rapier slipped out of her hand and she was face down on the ground, unable to move. Just what technique did Viola use on Roselle?

"You hurt her!" Cerise said, immediately gathering Roselle in her arms and glaring at Prince Caspian. "I will duel you in her place, Prince Caspian. You did something absolutely unforgivable, and I won't let her fall in your hands to use her as an object! She's a person of strong will, she is my love, an I won't let you have her!"

"What can you do against me?" Prince Caspian said. "I can control the wind and seas. I have power beyond your imagining. What can a little girl like you do against me?"

"Do not underestimate a woman's wrath, especially when her lover is concerned," Cerise said coldly to the Prince. "And don't hide behind your Viola, Prince Caspian. I want to duel you myself."

"You're not even worthy of such consideration," Prince Caspian said. "Roselle is mine. Not yours. She was supposed to be mine. Yet you, Cerise de Vernase, are nothing but a little homewrecker that got involved in the affairs of royals. Someone with no status or money or of prestigious bloodline can hope to ascend beyond their station of life. Losers will be losers. ONly the strong rule the week, and only the strong and the people in a position of power should make decisions for the little lambs that flock to their open palms."

"Roselle..." Cerise said. "Would never think of something like that. She wanted to marry for love, and you have none to give to her. The only thing that you truly love, Prince Caspian, is yourself, and you view Roselle as an object and want her for your status and prestige instead of loving her for herself."

"How can you say that your love for Roselle is great than mine?" Prince Caspian said. "You wanted to marry Roselle because it was an order by your Queen. Otherwise, you never would've agreed to it. And you wouldn't have forced Roselle into such an awkward position, as well, if you haven't meddled in a tournament."

"I will defeat you," Cerise said, her heart thumping in her throat. :"For Roselle's sake. I can't hand her over to the likes of you."

—x—

Caspian wondered what that red-haired peasant was saying. Did she honestly think that she stood a chance against him? That homely girl who had nothing to her name, no status, no power? Roselle was his, even though she didn't know it yet. Having his dearest Roselle enamored with that peasant was unacceptable. Roselle deserved someone who was of high status, handsome, and nearly perfect in every regard. His mother always told him that he would be a great ruler of the Soreno Kingdom, and his sister often whispered how perfect he was. He was destined to be King. They told him as much. It was ordained by the Gods.

And now his plans for kingship were thwarted by a mere peasant girl, who claimed to love his beloved Roselle. Roselle of the sandy gold hair, of angelic blue eyes. What did that red-haired peasant think that she could keep up with Roselle? He liked her feisty spirit, her never give up attitude despite insurmountable odds. He knew that her mother told her that she should never lose to anyone, and she grew up fighting and dueling to become the best in the world. Caspian fell in love with Roselle when she first told him that a timid boy like himself could become a great ruler. Even Roselle herself said it. That he would be a great ruler, that he would be destined to be King.