After declaring our names and titles, we entered the banquet hall. Everyone's attention was on us, and seeing how the ladies whisper with enthusiasm, I could tell that by tomorrow there will be a lot of gossip about my close relations with Leonhart. I averted my eyes from Lazef who kept throwing daggers at me with his eyes. I saw the Priests from the Holy empire, All but one where all staring at me absentmindedly. The one who caught my eye and that was not because of how different his gaze was from the others, it was how familiar he seemed. His devilish grin was unbecoming of him as a priest and his amber eyes resembled a black panther. How peculiar.
With much elegance and a glittering smile, I greeted my Father and Mother showing curtsy. "Aurora, I see you have chosen 'this hour' to arrive at 'your' banquet" My father's smile was a little crooked, he looked royally pissed at me.
"Indeed, I apologize for my lateness. I hope everything went smoothly in my absence"-I said innocently.
"As you can see" Father grew more angry, so much that the seat he was seating on took some damage.
"Hello Young duke Aegis, I see everything has worked out for the better"-Mother commented.
"Yes My Empress"-Leonhart says sternly.
"Aurora dear, Come meet the new High priest".
The man with amber eyes I saw earlier walked up to me and takes my right hand. He kisses the top of my hand and says "Greetings Princess Aurora, I am the new High priest, Axel Lux Evangel".
"AHHHHH, I NOW REMEMBER!" I was struck with realization without paying any heed to my expression. Now that the cat was out of the bag, my once chance to avoid him was completely ruined. Mother used my blunder as an opportunity to enact her plan.
"Judging by your countenance, I see you two have met?" Mother asked. I could see her eyes brimming with excitement. I needed to escape immediately before she forces me into an unpleasant situation. "Father, I must make my rounds seeing that it is my duty as the hostess and Crown princess".
Father was quick to catch on so he grants me permission. I left to greet the nobles with Leonhart by my side. High priest Axel looked disappointed and that's honestly not my problem. I already swore to myself that I would never get involved with those lunatics again!.
I met with Maquis Leywin and his wife, Guerin's parents, first. After a short discussion, I asked Leonhart to fetch me a glass of water. "I shall return shortly" Leonhart compiled to my request.
Suddenly I was approached by a young lady.
"Glory to the Crown Princess of Kairos".
Hair that sparkled like the most exquisite honey and beautiful sea blue eyes which harmonized with her light blue mermaid dress. Her beauty was one worthy of royalty.
"Oh Hello, Might I have your name?" I said politely.
"My name is Isabella Yevantine, the daughter of Marquess_"
"Yevantine?. By any chance, is your grandfather's name Griffin?" I questioned in shock.
"Yes Your Highness" She replied firmly.
Griffin Yevantine was the last lover I took and he was also the bastard who left me for another woman, The main reason for Orin's overprotective behavior.
"How's your Grandfather?, has he joined his ancestors yet?" I asked, masking my frustration with a smile.
"Thank you for asking Your highness, he is alive and well" She replied, unfazed.
"So can you tell me why you sought me out?".
"I was hoping to speak with you at a more secure location" She looks around, wary of others. I sighed and told her to follow me. I took her to a place outside the castle, A garden maze.
"Now speak" I insisted.
"Your highness, I have come with a business proposal"
"And you chose now to talk about this?".
"I apologize for the inconvenience but I had no other way to approach you".
I exhaled and listened to her patiently. She told me about her predicament and how she was planning on overcoming it with my help. At first, I was very reluctant about helping her until a certain piece of information came to light. It seems that the granddaughter of my former lover is the creator of the famous desert I ate with Licht the other day, Ice cream was it?. Because of the tragic fact that she was born a woman, her parents disapproved of the idea of their daughter owing a business.
"Will you be my sponsor Your highness?" Lady Isabella requested, waiting in anticipation.
"Of course!!!, It would be my honor!" I replied with enthusiasm.
Lady Isabella was overjoyed to hear that I would be supporting her business. I made an appointment with her the following day to discuss the details regarding her proposal.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Lady Isabella" I waved her off as she returned to the banquet.
"You can come out now" I said, glancing backwards.
"How long have you known I was here?" A familiar voice questioned.
"Didn't I tell you before?, Holy power is easy to recognize from a mile away if you have lived enough as I have, High priest Axel".
High priest Axel steps into the moonlight, proving my deduction to correct. Though annoyed about his presence, I was also spellbound.
"I have to admit, he does have the aura of a priest but his looks are the opposite of purity" I thought, observing his every movement.
"I'm not a gigolo" He remarked as he puts his braid backwards.
"I didn't_"
"You didn't have to" He said instantly.
"Every person that sees me often thinks the same thing, even men are charmed by my face" He continues.
"Sorry".
"It's okay. I heard how the crown princess loved faces like mine so I'm glad I have this face" He smiled softly, which freaked me out.
The truth is that the members of the holy church are a little bit odd. They are what you call masochists. When they set their sights on you, they'll become loyal, submissive and obsessed with you. I and my family has experienced it first hand, though mother deems it as sweet.
"Haha is that so?" I laughed nervously.
"The truth is, I've been dying to meet you again" He said, walking towards me. I shifted back unconsciously. He stopped and asked if I felt uncomfortable. I was conflicted, the answer was obviously a yes but I couldn't say that. If I pushed him away, he might come off strong and I wouldn't like that.
"Please, don't push me away. I want us to get to know one another" He begged with sad eyes.
"Ugh, He's definitely my type but....." I complained in my head, very bothered and troubled about his next move or words. I instinctively knew that he would do something outrageous so I attempted to silence him by putting him to sleep with magic. Luckily, Licht shows up to my rescue in time.
"Princess, why are you here?".
"....Licht?".
High priest Axel faintly glares at him and asked if I knew him. Licht stood close to me as I introduced him to High priest Axel.
"This is Sir Licht, a member of my personal guards".
"Sir Licht, Didn't you just address him informally?" High priest Axel's voice was cold as his eyes were as well.
"...We are somewhat close".
"Somewhat?, I'm hurt princess. We went on a date the other day and you're saying that".
"Whatttt?!" I shouted inwardly, Incredibly shocked.
Why would he say something so misleading?.
"Date?" Asked High Priest Axel.
"N-No_" I paused and began to think it over. I realized that this particular misunderstanding would be good. So, I kept my mouth shut. I assumed that Licht already understand seeing the arrogant smirk on his face.
"As you can see my Lord, We already made arrangements to meet discreetly" Licht says, putting his arm around my waist.
"Wait, isn't he taking this a little too seriously?" I thought, glancing at him.
"Is that so?. Well, i had speculated that the beautiful princess Aurora would have a lover or two, I wouldn't mind being one of them".
"Is he implying that I have a male harem and applying for entry?" I asked myself, appalled.
Licht clicked his tongue as he frowned. He looked frustrated but why?.
Licht exhaled, the frown left his brows and a grin dominated his face. How frightening. He looks pissed off yet amused. He turned to look at me and mouthed. "Permission to do as I please". My eyes widened momentarily. I smiled and mouthed back "Permission granted".
Licht dragged my waist closer towards him. My chest was pressed against his and his hot breath tickled my nose. I placed my hand on his chest and slowly made my way up to his neck. "If you want to meet the princess, do it another time. Unless you want to be a spectator".
"You!.....How dare you touch the princess w_" High priest chooses to express his dislike about Licht's behavior but before he could finish, Licht kisses me.