Chapter 48:
Lucina
I was having a fantastic day.
Until Prince Luan showed up.
The moment I see him, I know what's happening. He's here to steal Haroun away from me.
Like I would let that happen.
Haroun must sense my discomfort. He gives me a gentle squeeze.
It helps. A bit.
I turn to Prince Luan with a polite but forced smile.
"It really is rather rude to show up unannounced."
My irritation bleeds through despite my efforts.
Luan's lips curl into a polite but insincere smile.
"Ah, Princess Lucina. It seems I've arrived at a rather cozy gathering." His gaze lingers on Haroun and me. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything... too intimate. "
His tone drips with fake sweetness.
I raise an eyebrow. Keep my voice light but edged with annoyance.
"Not at all, Prince Luan. We were just enjoying some quality time together. I'm sure your presence will add an interesting dynamic to our afternoon."
Haroun shifts slightly. His composure holds. But the tension is palpable.
Luan leans back, his eyes scanning the room with practiced nonchalance.
"I must say, the decor here is quite... charming." A pause. "Though I suppose it's not quite as grand as the palace."
I suppress a smirk.
"Indeed, Prince Luan. We try to keep things modest here. Not everyone needs to live in such opulence."
His smile tightens. But he maintains his courteous facade.
"Of course. Modesty suits you well, Princess. I've heard you're quite adept at making the most of what you have."
Haroun's grip on me tightens subtly. His annoyance is clear.
I squeeze his hand reassuringly and shift my attention back to Luan.
"Well, if you're here to discuss anything, I'm all ears. Though I'd prefer our conversation stayed away from personal matters."
"Of course." His tone suggests otherwise. "I'd hate to impose. Let's talk about something more... public, shall we?"
Luan's compliments about Haroun's swordsmanship grate on my nerves.
His words seem rehearsed. Lacking genuine admiration.
I decide to cut him off before he can dig deeper.
"Of course, my dearest is quite talented."
I inject finality into my tone.
Luan's face flickers with surprise. Then he shoots Haroun a scrutinizing look.
My protective instincts flare. I feel the need to shield Haroun from Luan's intense gaze.
"Have you considered a position as my personal guard?" Luan's voice is smooth. "I'm sure my staff would be quite pleased."
"He's not interested."
I try to end the discussion.
Luan's eyes narrow slightly. "I believe he can speak for himself." A pause. "In fact, I'd like to have a private conversation with him."
I weigh the situation.
I can't refuse without causing a scene.
I reluctantly stand from Haroun's lap. His eyes meet mine with confusion and reluctance.
I hide my amusement at his expression.
I signal for Nikolai and Valendor to follow me.
"Very well." A forced smile. "I'll leave you to it."
As I leave with Nikolai and Valendor, irritation twists in my chest.
***
Haroun
I watch as Lucina and the others leave.
Now I'm alone with Prince Luan.
He studies me with calculating interest. His features mirror Lucina's—white hair, grey eyes—strikingly familiar. But his demeanor is different.
He lets out a resigned sigh.
"So, Haroun. I want you to join my faction. I'm offering you a position of importance."
Authority laces his tone.
I remain silent. Observing him.
"I understand that you want to stay with my sister. But from what I can see, you're already sharing her limited affections."
Before I can stop myself, I respond.
"I'm sure your fiancée and I share the same sentiments."
It's common knowledge. Prince Luan is romantically involved with several women. The duke's daughter. A female knight. Fleeting affairs with maids.
His expression falters momentarily.
Then he regains his composure.
"I'll let that comment slide."
His tone turns icy.
"You're a commoner, Haroun. You have looks and my sister's affection—but that won't last forever." He leans back, a calculating smile on his face.
"I'm offering you a chance to be more than just her ...pet."
He lets the words hang in the air.
"Let's be realistic. Eventually, she'll have to marry." His grey eyes bore into mine.
"What will happen to you then? I doubt any noble or foreign prince would tolerate your presence."
A pause.
"What then?"
His words hit home.
I flinch at the implication.
He seems to take satisfaction in my reaction. A final, smug smile crosses his face.
He stands.
I rise as well.
He gestures for me to remain seated.
Then he leaves.
I'm alone with my thoughts. Contemplating his offer. What it means for my future.
Soon, the Princess strides back in.
Her presence commands attention. Effortlessly dispels my worries.
Her mere arrival shifts my focus entirely. Draws my gaze and thoughts away from Prince Luan's words.
She's here.
That's all that matters.