บท 3: Chapter 3: Deals and terms

~Arika's POV~

Arika waited until the bell chimed signally nightfall before she snuck out from her room. Most of the servants were preparing for bed and she already informed the guards of her intentions of going for a walk. She was in her nightgown with her gloves and long socks still on as she hurried off to the forest.

When she arrived, Prince Sin-Vira was already there and was leaning against a tree. He was drowsy and had dark circles under his eyes and a bruise on his chin showed on his dark skin.

"You look like a mess, couldn't sleep?" She waved with a cheerful smile.

Sin-Vira only sneered as he pushed himself off the tree. "Don't talk so casually to me. I couldn't sleep with your words invading my thoughts. So you're to blame."

Arika stood a good distance from him. Dropping the cheerful attitude. "At least you thought it over." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I spoke to my father already, what did your mother say? Anything about this?" she asked while tapping her chin. Referencing to the mark on his own chin.

Sin-Vira scowled at her. "No." He took another step towards her. "The details don't matter, just know she's expecting me to take advantage of you and take back the mines. What was the king's decision?"

Arika shrugged. "He was pretty pissed. But he agreed marriage believing I'll get full control over your kingdom and the mines."

"Which means they're in agreement?" He asked.

Arika nodded. "Which means they'll both expect us to use each other."

Sin-Vira let out a groan of annoyance. "I rather not pretend to be madly in love with someone like you."

She took a few steps closer to him. "Same! I say we set some rules between each other. Just so we don't do more than we have to."

"I can agree to that. What are your terms?" Sin-Vira asked.

There were many Arika needed to consider, but she had her main concerns on appearance. "All you have to do in my kingdom is gain the approval of my kingdom. Make yourself likable and at least treat me with decency. There's no need for kissing, holding hands, or anything outside of mannerism…" she cringed as another point came to mind. "Also no gifts. I'm tired of princes throwing themselves at my feet and wanting to impress me with lavish gifts. It's tacky."

Sin-Vira scoffed at her with a peeved look. "You don't have to pretend to be humble. You would throw a tantrum if anyone visiting didn't bring you a gift since you were little."

Arika tensed up at that. Sin-Vira must've known Sibylla better than she hoped. Which only meant things would get complicated to keep up. "I've grown out of it. But I'll gladly change that if you want to give me things that badly?" she offered.

He stared at her before sighing. "…We can go with no gifts. With your taste, I wouldn't have much to give anyway."

"Good. Now, what are your terms?" She asked.

Sin-Vira stared at her with a harsh expression. "I rather you never set foot in my kingdom, but my people's approval of you is important. Don't bother trying to kiss up to my mother, she's smart enough to not fall for your false smile. Oh, and don't expect me to treat you with that much respect with honorary titles. I'll call you 'princess', but no pet names."

The tension in the air was strong between the two of them. Arika could tell he was cold and curt, she doubted he could even be polite. But it was better than pure hatred in public.

Arika held her hand out to him. "I can agree. So long as we're civil, that's all that matters."

He looked down at her then at her hand. Sin-Vira hesitated before approaching her. Giving her hand a strong handshake. "Deal."

Arika noticed how scarred his hand and arm were, with how replaceable her parts were, she always appeared flawless. She pulled her hand back with a smile. "Then it's a deal. I'm not looking forward to it, but I guess I'll be seeing you later."

"You better not go back on your word. Or else there will be bloodshed." He warned.

"Scary~" she mocked a feared tone. "I have no desire to take over the mines. I just want to see my father powerless to take it back." Arika stepped away from him. "Expect an invitation in a few days. For now, get some sleep. Glaring all the time will cause wrinkles."

Sin-Vira dropped his arms to his side as he clicked his tongue. "I'm aware I need sleep. There's no need to mention it," He mumbled. "I still can't believe I agreed to this…"

Arika was as excited as he was. "Well, you better believe it soon… night." She went back down the path she came from.

To think she'd work with someone who barely tolerated her. It didn't put her at ease at all.