The sound of cheers pulls me away from Haroun, breaking the moment and leaving me feeling unexpectedly exposed. Embarrassment isn't something I'm accustomed to, but right now, I can feel it creeping up on me. As I glance around, my eyes accidentally meet the Emperor's, and his furious expression is what meets me.
I need to get out of here. With a subtle nod to Haroun, I turn and make my way toward the exit, my heart pounding in my chest. Haroun is right behind me, his presence both reassuring and a reminder of what just happened. As we hurry through the crowded corridors, I desperately hope my face isn't as red as it feels.
Of course, the Emperor's disdain is justified. It's not exactly dignified for a royal princess to be caught locking lips in front of the entire empire. The thought that our kiss might have been broadcasted across the realm only deepens my embarrassment. The image of our intimate moment playing out for everyone to see makes me cringe.
Pushing through the final set of doors, I breathe in the cool air outside the arena, trying to steady myself.
*
I'm lazying around, enjoying some fancy fruit as Valendor gently feeds me. His attention to detail is impeccable, his movements graceful and precise. Meanwhile, Nicholai is holed up in his room, engrossed in some magical study I wouldn't pretend to understand, and Haroun is out celebrating his recent victory with the principal of his academy. He spent last night with me and the other boys, so today it seems he has obligations elsewhere.
Just as I start to truly relax, the doors to the lounge burst open. There's only one person who would make such a grand entrance, and as expected, I look up to find Kai strutting in as if he owns the place. I decide to ignore him, focusing instead on the sweet fruit Valendor is offering me. Kai, undeterred, drops onto the sofa opposite me with a dramatic flourish.
"Well, if it isn't the source of confusion across the empire," Kai remarks, snatching the bowl of fruit from Valendor's hands. Valendor bows slightly and excuses himself, his long golden hair swaying behind him and catching the midday light, sparkling like spun gold.
As Valendor exits, I can't help but watch him, admiring his ethereal beauty. His presence is always a sight to behold, and I never tire of it. Kai's voice snaps me out of my reverie.
"Just burn a hole through the boy, why don't you," he says with a smirk.
I merely snicker at his comment, finding it amusing rather than offensive. What can I say? Vale is so pretty, I could gaze at him all day and never get bored.
"Gag," Kai exclaims dramatically, rolling his eyes. "That's the sound of my disgust." He continues with mock disdain.
I snicker even more, finding his dramatic performance thoroughly entertaining. Kai always knows how to lighten the mood, even when he's being insufferable.
"Anyway," he says, casually plopping pieces of fruit into his mouth, "did you know the whole empire is talking about the princess and the commoner knight being in a relationship?"
I groan loudly, my face flushing with embarrassment as I cover it with my hands. "Please don't say that. I'm already so embarrassed," I whine, the mortification seeping into my voice.
Kai snickers, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "You didn't think it through, did you? That the whole empire would be watching?" he says with amusement, relishing my misery.
I peek through my fingers to glare at him, but his playful grin only makes my cheeks burn hotter. "Of course, I didn't think about that," I mumble. "In the heat of the moment, everything else just... disappeared."
Kai leans back on the sofa, his smirk widening. "Well, you certainly gave the gossips something to talk about for weeks. You and Haroun, the dashing commoner knight. It's the stuff of ballads and romance novels," he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I sigh deeply, sinking further into the cushions. "Great. Just what I needed—a starring role in the empire's latest scandal."
Kai laughs, a light, carefree sound that somehow makes me feel a bit better. "Hey, look on the bright side. At least it's a good story. And Haroun winning that competition? It only adds to the drama."
I pull my hands away from my face, letting out a deep sigh. "I do hope the Emperor doesn't do anything drastic," I say, trying to convince myself as much as Kai. Not that I care too much—it was just a kiss after all, albeit a deep one, I think with a chuckle.
"As if," Kai says dramatically, waving a piece of fruit around for emphasis. "I'm sure the Emperor is already drafting a list of suitable suitors for you."
He might be right, but the thought doesn't faze me. In fact, it almost amuses me. "Let him try," I say with a mischievous smile. "After all, my grandfather is the Pope, the only person with more authority than the Emperor."
Kai raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. "Ah, yes, the revered Pope. I sometimes forget about that, especially considering how blasphemous you can be."
I laugh, the sound light and airy. "Hey, Mother Luna is really good to me. I think it shows how close we are." I wink at him, enjoying the banter.
Kai huffs, shaking his head. "Yes, you're the only one who refers to the Goddesses that way. It's almost endearing, in a blasphemous sort of way."
I chuckle, acknowledging his point. I suppose he is right. But having met the Goddesses myself, I can't help but feel the Emperor is nothing in comparison.
Kai nods, clearly amused by my nonchalant attitude toward the divine.
As we continue our conversation, the earlier tension dissipates, replaced by the comfortable rhythm of our exchange.