Deep Curiosity

V. Freedom and Honesty

"No! I refuse. I am going home right this instant! I will not marry that man! Not in a million years!"

Clara panted as she pointed at Xander who, rather, looked relaxed on the study's couch. James worriedly tried to calm her down. His friend and knight, who I troduced himself as Fredreich earlier, continued to sigh. "Alright, alright. James, F, please leave us. I believe my betrothed and I have matters to discuss." Both of them shuffled out of the door which left them in deadly silence.

"Now, now, Miss Clara. I apologize for the-"

She quickly snapped back at him, "You purposely lied to make fun of me, didn't you?! To make fun of someone who seriously responded to the will of our ancestors! Do you think of me as someone who will bow to your whims just because you're his highness, the prince? Accuse me of treason, for all I care. I have shamed my family because of a sick bastard's prank!" Xander raised a brow and cleared his throat. "Let us discuss things in a calm manner, Clara. It was only an initial assessment as to see the woman's reaction with a a series of predicament."

"A series of predicament? Excuse me, Xander, or is it his royal highness Prince Frances Raizl? I understand your concern regarding the matter of assessment but your way is clearly ridiculous. You purposefully left out the status' details in that letter of marriage. So, maybe I was too stupid not to reassess everything about your background but dammit, why did you have to fabricate everything about your personal details?! Suddenly appearing in front of me to embarass me, further? Why, thank you very much."

She frowned as he scratched his nape. He stood up, "Fine. I'm sorry, see? I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything. You just seem interesting. Plus, I really, really meant to introduce myself to you as soon as possible but I can't help but to feel... playful." She huffed and walked towards the door, "I'm still not convinced."

"Wait-I-Fine. Cool down a bit. We can talk after you calmed down."

Claire sighed and clutched the doorknob as continued to speak, "I guess you're that angry at me, huh? I was planning to share Therese's cookies. You know her, right? The patissier and-" She turned to look at him, in a questioning gaze. Then, he turned away. Damn him! She huffed as she turned back.

"...and her muffins."

She bit her lip and faced him, "Fine! Apology accepted." Xander looked at her and grinned sheepishly by which turned into a smirk in a flash. "And, don't give me that look, your highness. I might forgive you for now but I will never forget how shallow you are." Xander frowned as he watched her cross her arms. He is not shallow. He just happened to be amused at her carefulness. Being all lady-like when she has a sailor's mouth, to begin with. He sighed and looked at her, "Well, how about we talk about this engagement? As much as I'm trying to be devoted to you, I have to work on some thing that-"

"Do not give me that "busy" card, your highness. Oh, I know what you do behind the curtains."

His mouth hung open. Is she... kidding or what? She shot him a glare and uncrossed her arms. She, then, strode towards the cushioned seat across him and sat gracefully. "Fine, then. Let us talk sensibly and no, kidding this time." He smirked, "No promises, you grace."