Treasures of Andalia Chronicles: Ring of Flames

Chapter Twenty Three: On my Way to a Dragon's Lair

AMARIS

My legs faltered. I almost collapsed after King Ravi and Queen Haria stormed out in fury and shame. I couldn't help but sigh a long breath of relief, and leaned against the table full of pastries—tarts, macarons, éclairs, blueberry mini pies, cannoli, and my favorite—chocolate-dipped pretzels.

Rihaan took a chair from the other side and gestured me to sit, and I did. Flipping the fan on my hands open and cooled myself furiously with it. The Crown Prince tapped Rihaan in his arm, chuckling. Celebrating what little victory they've just acquired. Then, he waved his hand to the person behind, pushing the wheelchair towards me.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet the revered Crown Princess of Ravalor," he said as he took my hand and gave it a sweet and brief peck. The kiss on my hand was lasting. His eyes stared at me intensely as if glued into my unusual golden eyes.

He was a fine young man with monolid, turquoise blue eyes and honey blond hair, tightly tucked like a ponytail at the back. He had an oval-shaped face in contrast to Rihaan's rectangular jaw. The Crown Prince looked older than Rihaan but was even more gorgeous than him in every aspect. I'm not saying that Rihaan's face isn't pleasing in the eyes; it's just that I have found someone who rivals his alluring charms.

"The pleasure is all mine, Crown Prince." I slightly nod.

"Oh, let us skip the formalities, shall we? You can call me Talos."

Rihaan took my palm from his brother's hand, with a forced smile, and said, "—and you can keep calling her Crown Princess of Ravalor, brother."

I raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?" I asked, leaning towards him.

He leaned closer to whisper behind my ear. "My brother is the biggest flirt in Caerlon. Not even his wheelchair could stop him from romancing half the population of this country. So I suggest you keep your eyes on where it belongs."

"And where would that be?"

He glanced at me. Smirking. A devilish thought certainly crossed his mind. He wasn't any different from his brother. He was also a great charmer, except he wasn't in a wheelchair.

"Wherever you want it to be," he teased.

You flirt.

"Now, now," the Crown Prince interrupted. "You don't have to be so overprotective, dear brother. I know when and when not to claim a woman as my own. In this case, she's all yours."

I scoffed.

They both stared at me curiously.

"Apparently, you're mistaken, Crown Prince. No one owns me. Not even him." I nodded towards Rihaan.

"At least not yet," he added. "I know my brother seemed like a fool but he is a man with a good heart."

I raised an eyebrow. "Really, now?"

How ironic.

If he truly was a good man, then he wouldn't have kept the plan from me and tricked me into demanding a trial of some sort. I don't even know what the trial was all about.

I didn't reply to his words. I already felt offended enough by their words about claiming women as theirs when truthfully, a woman should only belong to no one but herself. 

I was waiting for both of them to apologize for the insults and tricks they pulled earlier. Instead, what I got was nothing. Rihaan was grinning, gloating even, which got on my nerves.