Chapter 44:
Lucina
The sound of cheers pulls me away from Haroun.
The moment breaks. I feel unexpectedly exposed.
Embarrassment isn't something I'm accustomed to. But right now, I can feel it creeping up on me.
I glance around.
My eyes accidentally meet the Emperor's.
His expression is furious.
I need to get out of here.
With a subtle nod to Haroun, I turn and make my way toward the exit. My heart pounds in my chest.
Haroun is right behind me. His presence is both reassuring and a reminder of what just happened.
We hurry through the crowded corridors. I desperately hope my face isn't as red as it feels.
Of course, the Emperor's disdain is justified.
It's not exactly dignified for a royal princess to be caught locking lips in front of the entire empire.
The thought that our kiss might have been broadcasted across the realm only deepens my embarrassment. The image of our intimate moment playing out for everyone to see makes me cringe.
I push through the final set of doors.
I breathe in the cool air outside the arena.
Trying to steady myself.
*
I laze around, enjoying fancy fruit as Valendor gently feeds me.
His attention to detail is impeccable. His movements graceful and precise.
Nikolai is holed up in his room, engrossed in some magical study I wouldn't pretend to understand.
Haroun is out celebrating his victory with the principal of his academy. He spent last night with us, so today he has obligations elsewhere.
Just as I start to truly relax, the doors to the lounge burst open.
There's only one person who would make such a grand entrance.
I look up.
Kai struts in as if he owns the place.
I decide to ignore him, focusing instead on the sweet fruit Valendor is offering me.
Kai, undeterred, drops onto the sofa opposite me with a dramatic flourish.
"Well, if it isn't the source of confusion across the empire."
Kai snatches the bowl of fruit from Valendor's hands.
Valendor bows slightly and excuses himself. His long golden hair sways behind him, catching the midday light. Sparkling like spun gold.
Valendor exits.
I watch him. Admiring his ethereal beauty.
His presence is always a sight to behold. I never tire of it.
Kai's voice snaps me out of my reverie.
"Just burn a hole through the boy, why don't you."
He smirks.
I snicker at his comment. What can I say? Vale is so pretty. I could gaze at him all day and never get bored.
"Gag." Kai exclaims dramatically, rolling his eyes. "That's the sound of my disgust."
He continues with mock disdain.
I snicker even more. His dramatic performance is thoroughly entertaining. Kai always knows how to lighten the mood—even when he's being insufferable.
"Anyway."
He casually plops pieces of fruit into his mouth.
"Did you know the whole empire is talking about the princess and the commoner knight being in a relationship?"
I groan loudly. My face flushes with embarrassment.
I cover it with my hands.
"Please don't say that. I'm already so embarrassed."
My voice whines with mortification.
Kai snickers, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
"You didn't think it through, did you? That the whole empire would be watching?"
Amusement drips from his voice. He relishes my misery.
I peek through my fingers to glare at him.
His playful grin only makes my cheeks burn hotter.
"Of course I didn't think about that." I mumble. "In the heat of the moment, everything else just... disappeared."
Kai leans back on the sofa. His smirk widens.
"Well, you certainly gave the gossips something to talk about for weeks. You and Haroun—the dashing commoner knight." He teases, eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's the stuff of ballads and romance novels."
I sigh deeply, sinking further into the cushions.
"Great. Just what I needed—a starring role in the empire's latest scandal."
Kai laughs. Light. Carefree. It somehow makes me feel a bit better.
"Hey, look on the bright side. At least it's a good story." He pops another piece of fruit into his mouth. "And Haroun winning that competition? It only adds to the drama."
I pull my hands away from my face. A deep sigh escapes me.
"I do hope the Emperor doesn't do anything drastic."
I try to convince myself as much as Kai.
Not that I care too much. It was just a kiss after all.
Albeit a deep one.
I chuckle.
"As if."
Kai waves a piece of fruit around for emphasis.
"I'm sure the Emperor is already drafting a list of suitable suitors for you."
He might be right. But the thought doesn't faze me.
It almost amuses me.
"Let him try." A mischievous smile spreads across my face. "After all, my grandfather is the Pope. The only person with more authority than the Emperor."
Kai raises an eyebrow. A smirk plays at his lips.
"Ah, yes. The revered Pope." He pauses. "I sometimes forget about that. Especially considering how blasphemous you can be."
I laugh at that he's not wrong.
"Hey, Mother Luna is really good to me." I wink at him. "I think it shows how close we are."
Kai huffs, shaking his head.
"Yes, you're the only one who refers to the Goddess that way. It's almost endearing. In a blasphemous sort of way."
I chuckle, acknowledging his point.
I suppose he is right.
But having met the Goddess myself, I can't help but feel the Emperor is nothing in comparison.
Kai nods, clearly amused by my nonchalant attitude toward the divine.
We continue our conversation. The earlier tension dissipates, replaced by the comfortable rhythm of our exchange.