He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what he was about to say. The princess watched him intently, her eyes filled with a mischievous glimmer.
"I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Your Highness," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of amusement. "While I appreciate your beauty, I am simply not interested in women."
The princess raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, Marcus, you do know how to flatter a lady," she teased, her voice laced with amusement. "But I can sense the heat in your gaze, the way your eyes linger on me."
He chuckled softly, keeping his gaze fixed on the table. "You have a keen sense, Your Highness," he replied, a hint of mischief in his voice. "But I assure you, my gaze is not one of romantic interest. It's merely an appreciation of your grace and elegance."
