Bab 15: Face-Off

As the day of the Empirial wedding neared, more and more envoys and ambassadors entered the Amayan Empire. All the ministers were busy ensuring the safety of the borders, settlement of the guests, and preparations of the grandest marriage in the history of the seven realms.

Each of the six realms sent two-three important figures as their representatives. The Ahankar realm sent their beloved Princess Sera and her elder brother Crown Prince Manie. The Sybil realm sent lord Derigan and lady Ursali, the mountain lord, and his spouse. The Erumi realm sent Lieum the truth and his twin Rieum the right. The Nar realm sent Maeyo the minotaur and Arieum the black demon. The Janah realm sent their promise keeper and eternal wisher fairies. While the Iris realm sent the King of Jinn and the Crown Prince of Iris, King Nuar and Crown Prince Hadem.

As the future emperor of the Amayan Empire, Crown Prince Lail had his hands full paying each of the guests a visit as a form of courtesy. Additionally, he also had to see to the placement of this years warriors that had passed their examination and completed the baptism. As the future emperor, it was of utmost importance for him to be in possession of trustable capable warriors that only he could command.

The baptism not only allowed him to show his abilities to the entire seven realms but also provided him with the opportunity to get in contact with the finest warriors of the empire and recruit them before they joined the factions of the ministers and his royal uncle.

By the end of the day, he had time for only a quick meal and warm bath, before turning in for the night. As such, the Crown Prince had not seen Princess Nari since the day of the banquet. Deciding that today was a perfect day to drop by before heading to visit the Ahankar realm envoys, he headed towards the aquamarine mansion on the east of the First Inner city.

At this time, Princess Qamari had just left the mansion for a position managing a pharmacy in the west First Inner city. Princess Nari was alone in the mansion with Prince Noore who had dropped in yet again with the excuse of checking on the princesses' preparations for the big day.

As Crown Prince Lail entered the mansion, the scene he saw was Princess Nari shyly brewing Prince Noore tea, as she lowered her head with a sweet smile on her face.

"Your highness, Crown Prince Lail is here for a visit." The royal guard, who led the Crown Prince into the guest hall felt something amiss as he saw the look on the princess's face while she served Prince Noore tea. Fearing the worst, he announced the Crown Prince's presence in a loud voice.

Princess Nari's heart thumped with fear as she quickly set down the teacup in her hand and stood to salute the Crown Prince with a guilty conscience, Prince Noore standing up with her. The two standing together looked more like a couple than a prince and princess who had only recently met.

"Greetings your highness. I was not aware that you would be visiting today." Princess Nari nervously said, her eyes shifted to the side.

Not having seen the man since the day of the banquet, Princess Nari had almost forgotten about his existence. As the day of her wedding drew near, her distance with Prince Noore also decreased, to the point where she began to believe that her marriage might just happen with Prince Noore instead of the Crown Prince. She had even gone as far as to visit her royal father in the west Inner city to request him to switch the marriage partners.

After all, she and Prince Noore were compatible and enjoyed each other's company. Although he had not agreed with her request, he had also not refused, only telling her to not mess around. Since she saw hope, she threw the Crown Prince to the back of her mind.

"No, you would not be as I decided to drop by as I was passing through the area. Have I perhaps interrupted the two of you?" The Crown Prince asked mockingly.

Anyone with eyes could see that the relationship between the two was not normal. If his subordinates ever came to know that he, the great Crown Prince Lail, was made to wear a green hat before even bringing the bride home, it would be the end of his dignity.

"Cousin, you have not interrupted anything. I too only dropped in to check on the princesses as I was passing through the area. As we were not expecting you to stop by considering your status and responsibilities, we were a little surprised, that's all." Prince Noore said in an explanatory tone, as he indirectly called the Crown Prince irresponsible.

"Oh, is that so. Prince Noore, you have the time to visit and chat with my future consort, do you, as a prince of this great empire, not have any responsibilities to fulfill?" Crown Prince Lail sneered as he looked Prince Noore straight in the eyes.

"Of course, cousin. It is just that my responsibilities are not as heavy as yours and I have completed them before coming out. Don't worry cousin, I will not neglect my duty." Prince Noore shot back.

"Your highness, since you are here, how about joining us for an afternoon tea." Princess Nari interjected between the two, afraid that the topic would tread on taboo grounds if they kept up their silent battle.

Crown Prince Lail looked sharply at her standing in front of Prince Noore, his heart chilling as a feeling of betrayal overwhelmed him. His so-called Crown Princess was not only having tea and chatting with another man happily, she also seemed to be shielding him? Although he was not able to come and see her after the day of the banquet, the moment he got some time to spare, he immediately thought of visiting her. And yet, it seemed like his effort was all for nothing, as it was not appreciated.

"Princess, I hope you maintain the propriety between man and woman. I will now take my leave as I have some matters to take care of and will not be staying for tea. Enjoy your afternoon tea, princess." Crown Prince Lail said coldly and indifferently as he turned and left.

Before today, he had no expectations from his future Crown Princess Consort other than hoping that the two of them would be able to get along well with each other. However, even that hope was extinguished now.

'Perhaps, I was expecting too much from a political marital.' Crown Prince Lail mockingly thought as he left the aquamarine mansion.

As his lonely shadow passed through the citizens of Amaya towards the west of the Inner city, for the first time in his life after his parents' death, he wished for there to be someone beside him who he could call his own.