standing outside King Evarerd's chamber Stephania took a deep breath as She never left this palace with a good mood. gathering her courage she entered the room for the unwanted encounter.
The king's words cut deep, his tone dripping with disdain. "We'll have a small ceremony here, since you're not allowed to venture out. The common people won't be attending. You'll leave for Calonia immediately after the wedding."
The king continued, "Spend some time with Prince Kael, make him feel at ease. He's agreed to marry you despite your... limitations. The least you can do is provide him with the pleasure a man expects from a woman. Otherwise, he'll abandon you for another mistress in an instant."
Stephania's voice dripped with mockery. "Ah, so what can I do with my disability to stop Prince Kael if he wants a mistress? Perhaps it's a man's trait to ignore what he has and always long for things he shouldn't have. After all, you took a mistress despite Mother having the strongest mana in her family."
The king's face reddened with rage, and his hand flew across her face, sending Stephania crashing to the ground. She tasted blood on her lip, but she slowly stood up, her eyes blazing with defiance.
"I expected much worse than a slap for speaking my mind," she said, her voice steady.
The king's anger seemed to simmer, but Stephania stood tall, her dignity intact despite the physical blow. She knew she had crossed a line, but she wouldn't back down.
As Stephania left the king's chambers, she couldn't shake off the sting of her father's words. "Lirien didn't give you her magical ability, but she gave you her sharp tongue," he had said, before turning and walking away.
Determined to escape the palace unnoticed, Stephania hurried down the corridors, trying to conceal the slap mark on her cheek. In her haste, she failed to notice a tall figure standing in her path and crashed into him, her head smacking against his hard chest.
As she looked up, mortified, she found herself face-to-face with a strikingly handsome young man. He was tall, well-built, and had piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
The moment was broken when the young man's expression changed from surprise to recognition. His eyes widened, and he dropped to one knee, taking Stephania's hand in his. "Your Highness," he said, his voice low and respectful, as he kissed her hand.
Stephania felt a flutter in her chest as she gazed at the young man. Who was he, and what was he doing in the palace? She couldn't help but notice the way his eyes seemed to sparkle with admiration, despite the formal gesture. For a brief moment, she forgot about her troubles and smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger who seemed to treat her with genuine respect.
Stephania's head bowed slightly as she asked, "Who are you?"
The stranger's lips curved into a charming smile as he rose to his feet, still holding her hand. "I'm Prince Kael of Calonia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "The man you're going to marry."
The flutter in Stephania's chest vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, calculating demeanor. She withdrew her hand from his grasp, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How did you know I was the princess?" she asked, her tone detached.
Prince Kael's smile grew wider. "I guessed it by your elegant way of walking," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Stephania's face darkened, her anger rising. She thought he was mocking her, making fun of the way she'd smacked her head into his chest. But before she could respond, Prince Kael added, "And your resemblance to King Evarard is quite striking. I think it's safe to say you're his daughter."
Stephania's expression remained guarded, but she studied Prince Kael's face, searching for any sign of insincerity. His eyes seemed genuine, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something behind that charming smile.
Stephania curtsied slightly, her expression composed. "Your Highness," she said, her voice respectful. "What brings you to this part of the palace? It's not typically open to guests."
Prince Kael's smile never wavered. "I got lost, Your Highness," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "This palace is enormous, and I was admiring its beauty. But I think I've stumbled upon something far more captivating than any artwork or architecture." His gaze drifted over her face, taking in the delicate features and porcelain skin. "You're even more lovely than I imagined, Princess.
Stephania's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. She didn't believe him for a moment. The palace's layout was well-known, and it was unlikely that a guest would get lost, especially one as intelligent and resourceful as Prince Kael seemed to be. She suspected he was trying to charm her, but she wasn't having it. "I see," she said, her tone neutral. "Well, I'm sure you're eager to return to your convoy. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Your Highness."
Prince Kael chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess. I must say, I'm intrigued by your spirit. I look forward to getting to know you better." He bowed low, his voice low and smooth. "Until our wedding day, Princess."