Chapter 39:
Lucina
I stand by the window in my drawing room, observing Valendor as he tends to the plants in the garden below.
His movements are fluid and precise—a testament to his skill in manipulating nature's forces. With a flick of his hand, he breathes life into some plants while others wither under his touch.
A voice interrupts my reverie.
I turn.
Kai lounges on the sofa, casually munching on mixed fruits from a bowl.
"No one is going to steal your little elf."
His tone is light. Teasing.
I join him on the sofa, pondering his words.
"They just might. Have you seen him, Kai?"
My thoughts drift to Valendor's otherworldly looks.
Kai chuckles softly, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"You know what? You're right. Someone might try to kidnap the blonde little beauty."
A playful smile curves his lips.
Despite his jest, a flicker of concern passes through me.
"I don't know who would have such a death wish, though." Kai's gaze meets mine with a hint of amusement. "I'm sure a certain princess would hunt them down."
I roll my eyes and sink deeper into the plush cushions, letting the comfort envelop me.
"How do you have time to come play? What about the Elysium of Petals?"
I reach for the plate piled high with fruits that Kai holds out to me.
Kai waves off my question with a dismissive gesture.
"People are not dumb enough to cause problems."
I raise an eyebrow.
"Besides." His voice softens with sincerity.
"Now that my beloved is the royal princess, I find myself welcomed into the palace more often. Can you believe it? Something I wouldn't even dream of before I met you."
"Really? I thought you're here to look for customers."
I take a bite of fruit, playfully teasing him.
Kai chuckles, shaking his head. "It was one time!"
He protests, attempting to defend himself.
I arch a skeptical eyebrow.
The captain of the royal guard incident flashes through my mind.
"Right."
Kai sighs, conceding defeat with a sheepish grin.
"Fine. Once or twice."
His tone laces with amusement.
"Don't blame me. Have you seen the bodies on them?" He gestures dramatically.
"You wouldn't understand the worries of us mere mortals." His tone drips with exaggerated envy. "Lady 'I have THREE handsome men waiting on me hand and foot.'"
I chuckle at his comment.
"You could do the same."
I tease him with a playful grin.
Kai shakes his head adamantly, waving off the idea.
"Nahhh…" He trails off, expression mixing reluctance and amusement. "I wouldn't handle them all."
He laughs.
Suddenly, Kai sits up.
His gaze darts around the room, confirming our privacy.
He inches closer to me.
"What I'm really here for is the juicy details."
His voice drops to a hushed tone.
I recognize the familiarity of his actions. Reminiscent of my Kai from Earth.
Despite knowing his intentions, I feign ignorance. Maintain an air of innocence.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
I avoid his gaze.
"Don't play with me." Frustration colors his tone. "I know you know exactly what I mean."
I suppress a smirk.
"I don't know why you're so interested. You literally run a brothel, Kai."
"It's different. That's business."
His irritation mixes with amusement.
I draw out the moment a little longer, enjoying his reaction.
Finally, I relent with a laugh.
"Fine, fine. Contrary to your expectations—nothing has happened."
I assure him.
"What?! "
His surprise is almost theatrical.
Recovery is swift.
"That's unfortunate." His tone shifts to something more businesslike. "I have some drugs that help with 'bedroom performance.' Very effective."
Suspicion confirmed.
I pinch his arm lightly.
"Ow!"
"They don't need it."
I defend the honor of my boys.
"Rigghhtt..."
His skepticism drips from every syllable.
"I know for a fact Valendor is healthy, and so is Haroun." I cross my arms. "I'm sure Nikolai is fine too."
Kai's eyes light up with interest.
"How do you know that? Since apparently nothing has happened."
He probes further.
My mouth opens.
Closes.
Walked right into that one.
Before I can dig myself deeper, a soft knock interrupts us.
The door opens.
Stacy enters, her presence drawing immediate attention.
"I apologize for the interruption, Your Highness."
She bows respectfully.
I nod, urging her to continue.
"The Third Prince invites you for tea. In one hour."
I sigh.
Of course he does.
"Okay, Stacy."
I acknowledge the request, already mentally preparing.
I turn to Kai.
"Looks like you get to play dress-up doll."
A wry smile crosses my face.
I lead the way out of the drawing room.
Kai follows closely behind.
*
One hour later.
I sit in the midst of a serene garden, facing a man whose features mirror my own. Silver-white hair cascades elegantly. Gray eyes shimmer with familiarity.
He sits opposite me at the ornate table. The air hangs heavy with unspoken tension.
A servant pours tea into delicate porcelain cups. The silence between us is palpable like a living, breathing entity.
The pouring finishes. The servant retreats.
We both lift our cups to our lips. Each sip accentuates the awkwardness permeating the atmosphere.
This is unbearable.
I set my tea cup down with a delicate clink.
"What is it?"
My voice cuts through the tension.