CHAPTER 14
Pursuits of Proposals
Prince Syncher had many princess around that he tried his charm with, and faithfully enough, it worked on quite a few of them.
Time and time again, he checked on his sister Eva, to ensure that she had Prince Dan well occupied enough that no one else would win him over as easily.
Having his sister marry the man whose Kingdom was a carnivorous beast in the war field would save the future of his own crown by leaps and bounds. Further, it was evident that most women wanted Prince Dan to take their hands in marriage.
He originally assumed it was for the power, which was a great deal of the interest of most folks present there. But many intelligent women seemed to seek him for more than that.
The man was of quiet disposition, wise yet sparing with words, but all together, he did not seem to allow his introversion from ruining any of his conversations with everyone. It seemed like he was possibly quite exposed to the peasants and others in his kingdom beyond the Castle's gates, as much as he was acquainted with battle grounds and seas.
Syncher could not comprehend what women could possibly pursue so hard, besides charm in appearance, riches and power: all of which he himself possessed greatly.
Yet, it was not entirely as easy.
Princesses seemed to know exactly what they wanted and it wasn't plainly what he had perceived.
Prince Syncher himself had his eye on a few feisty women that he could see making great brides to his future Kingdom, for their beauty and dowry. In fact, if he could, he would even marry all of them.
Or perhaps he could visit queens once he was established and crowned. He knew that being in alliance with powerful nations would bring consorts to his heel.
He was grateful that his sister took most of Prince Dan's incoming attention away, by seeming like the woman that he was to be with, and that saved most for others. There were several popular princes present there, and likewise, many princesses commanding their own sweep of audience.
Prince Syncher knew that there would be a few more arriving the next day and he wasn't sure how the sessions would roll.
He needed to inform his sister to appear as intelligent as possible in all the classes, in order to gain the undivided attention of Prince Dan.
Some princesses came by with fluttering eye lashes and as much charm as they could muster and Prince Syncher liked the attention, but he could tell that they were just there for all the shallow things they could see.
The ones who were already seeking to catch his eye did not appeal to him. It was the ones that did not pay him heed that truly piqued his interests.
There was Princess Lyla, hailing from a distant land, being poised as if she was already crowned queen, even though the year had only just begun. He liked that she looked grand, and feisty, in ensuring that most men that pursued her were still trying.
Approaching the young lady of wine coloured hair, Prince Syncher cocked one of his lopesided smiles that he knew women found charming.
"Well, if it isn't the incarnation of beauty itself walking about", he chuckled, before bowing deep to the princess and asking for her hand.
Lyla seemed to make no effort to remove her glove before placing her fingers on his, doing so as if it was merely intended for duty and none more.
There was a rush of ambition in Syncher's heart that made him sure he wanted to tame her for his sake.
"What's a lovely woman like you doing in such dull company?" Prince Syncher tried again, shrugging a shoulder towards all the men that had spoken to her, but hung around to see if they had better chances.
"Don't speak so low of yourself", Princess Lyla said, fussing her burgundy curls as she spoke.
"Oh, have no fears for that. I can show you everything you would like to see", Syncher winked, running a hand through his dusty blond hair.
"That is a tall claim I do not know if you can fulfil, Sir", said she, eyeing him for the first time in their conversation.
"The answers to your doubts, you are yet to see", said Syncher, casting a gaze over to see that his sister Eldora had wooed Prince Dan away and was making their way to the cafeteria. "Or rather, I am yet to show", he smiled.
"Is that so?" Princess Lyla replied, and the prince looked over to see why she sounded distracted, only to realise that her attention had also strayed to the fact that Prince Dan had left the scene.
It was natural that she would have liked to pursue him, but she was a woman to proud to let herself go after a man, but would merely taste an invitation and the more she sensed they were interested, the longer she would let them chase her until finally yielding.
"Quite so", Prince Syncher nodded, before withdrawing. He knew that the more he inclined to conversation, the more she would not let up. But at the same time, he needed to hook her in a way where she craved for him to come by.
And the best hook he could get, he suddenly realized:
Princess Lyla would surely see him worth more if he had many princess flocking after him and he pay attention to none.
"Is that your sister?" Princess Lyla asked.
"The one with the Prince of Antaria, yes it is her. Eldora", Prince Syncher replied, surprised that there was response.
The calm had dimmed in Princess Lyla's eyes. "I see", she said, lips tight. "Introduce me to her some time", the damsel said, and finished all means of conversation with him.
"Of course, princess", Syncher bowed, before withdrawing.
He had not expected such a turn of disposition. He wondered if Lyla would befriend him for the sake of catching Prince Dan's eye.
As he cast a gaze towards the couple heading towards the cafeteria, he saw Eva's eyes looking longingly at him and glazed over, showing for all the secrets they shared that were tugging at his conscience.
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