(Chapter 26)
Clarisse Faeloria gazed at Lorcan Frostborne with a mesmerizing calmness, despite the tension thickening the air between them. She had made her stance clear—about boundaries, honor, and true love. In front of her, Lorcan clenched his jaw, holding back his anger, his sharp gaze fixed on her in silence.
"Is Your Majesty angered by my words?" Clarisse asked, her voice gentle yet resolute.
Lorcan took a deep breath, attempting to suppress his emotions. "Of course, I am angry," he finally replied, his voice heavy with strain. "Your words are too bold. You challenge me outright."
Clarisse remained unfazed. "I am only speaking what I believe to be true. I believe everything must happen in its time, including our relationship, which has not yet been bound by marriage. I will not compromise my principles for anything—not even Your Majesty's wishes."
Lorcan's gaze hardened, his frustration palpable. "But we are destined to be wed. This distance you insist on keeping... it is exhausting. You treat me as if I am a stranger."
Clarisse remained composed. "If Your Majesty feels that way, then perhaps we need more time to understand each other better. But I will not yield on what I know is right. True love is not rushed, nor is it about possession—it is about respect."
Lorcan fell silent. Clarisse's words unsettled him, her conviction chipping away at his anger, leaving only confusion.
"Your Majesty, I hope you understand that love is not merely fleeting desire. True love is about patience, respect, and understanding. I refuse to become merely an object of want," Clarisse stated firmly. She then bowed gracefully and turned to leave the room with unwavering poise.
Lorcan stood motionless, his expression unreadable. Her words echoed in his mind, stirring a mixture of anger, shame, and self-awareness.
"I must be losing my mind," he muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the desk before him.
The door suddenly opened, and Aedric Thornshade, his loyal aide, entered with his usual composed yet attentive demeanor.
"Your Majesty," Aedric greeted quietly.
Lorcan did not look up, still staring at the desk as he fought to regain control of his emotions.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but this situation seems more complex than you may have realized. Lady Clarisse may only wish to ensure that your relationship begins on a firm foundation," Aedric said carefully.
Lorcan let out a low scoff, his irritation still evident. "She does not care for me?" he asked sharply, though a flicker of doubt crept into his voice.
Aedric bowed his head slightly. "I cannot say for certain, Your Majesty. But if you continue to press her, she may misunderstand and believe that you see her only as an object, not as a true partner."
Lorcan clenched his fists, frustration evident. "She will not even dine with me anymore," he muttered before slamming his fist onto the desk, the sharp sound ringing through the chamber.
"If you wish to mend this, you must show her that you respect her boundaries," Aedric advised. "Your impulsive actions will only drive her further away."
Lorcan remained silent, his aide's words echoing in his mind. He knew Aedric was right, but his pride made it difficult to accept.
Meanwhile, in another chamber, Clarisse sat in her chair, her head bowed. Sasa, her loyal handmaid, stood beside her, offering silent support with a gentle smile.
"I did not expect him to react that way," Clarisse murmured, her voice soft yet tinged with regret. "I only wanted him to understand my perspective."
Sasa placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Lady Clarisse, His Majesty may be struggling to control his emotions. But I trust in your wisdom. Time will prove your words to be true."
Clarisse took a deep breath, her gaze drifting toward the window. "I only hope he understands that true love requires no force."