"Your Highness, the court would like that you do not have a temper before him, as we are meeting him with a request." Her aide, Romanus whispered in her ears, eyeing the staff passing by to make sure they did not hear the conversation.
Princess Elara walked through the halls of his office, her heels clicking with each step she took. She moved with elegance and grace, her demeanor gentle but firm as she nodded at the office staff who greeted her as she passed. However, unlike her composed demeanor, her mind was fixed on where she was headed to as her shoulders bore the weight of her failing kingdom.
"I will not have a temper if he speaks properly as well" she emphasised each word, and as Romanus went into a long explanation, she silenced him from her head.
Romanus, the court, the elders, even the people of the kingdom have placed their hopes for the future on this particular man. The man she seemed to detest with her very being, but as the Kingdom of Bellmere have found themselves in swivelling debt from her father's rule, and no other ruler or businessmen seemed to show optimism in her leadership to partner with her, Elara is left with no choice to meet him.
"Your Highness, can you hear my words? We're already here" Romanus whispered again, and she glanced sideways in annoyance.
"I know that." Elara snapped at him, staring at the door that was the CEO's office.
She stared at the name on the golden placard "Kieran Blake", and let out a silent sigh as she mentally prepared herself to open the door.
However, before she reached for the door, it was opened and in front of her stood a short woman.
"Your Highness, you are welcome. The CEO has been waiting for you" her high pitched but firm voice rang out, and Elara nodded, watching as the woman eyed her from head to toe.
She adjusted her glasses on her nose, and glanced at Romanus before asking "Is he going to be following you in?"
"No he is not." Elara answered, and before Romanus could protest the secretary stepped aside for her to enter the office.
The wide office was exquisitely furnished, and Elara appraised the surroundings with her quick glance before landing on the center where the large mahogany desk was placed, and she came face to face with Kieran Blake.
He sat comfortably in the large chair, his dark suit tailored to his muscles; he had the devil-may-care smirk that told her he didn't care much for formalities. He didn't have to.
"Your royal majesty..... or highness, how do I address you?" he said with a mocking smile on his lips, as if daring her to retort.
Elara only stood tall, and calmly replied "Princess Elara is just fine."
"Okay, princess Elara, welcome to my humble office. I didn't think you'd come all the way to meet me, am I that important?" Kieran mused, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Elara stood indignant, staring at his uncultured nature and she forced herself to swallow the words she felt bubbling up her throat. She moved to sit down, adjusting her dress.
"I am not here to beg, only negotiate Mr. Kieran" she responded, and Kieran's eyes widened on hearing the control in her voice.
"Negotiate? You don't seem to have much of a choice in this matter do you?" he cocked an eyebrow in intrigue.
"I am well aware of the situation my kingdom is in, I did not fly all the way from Bellmere to have you constantly remind me about it. I know you have an interest in my kingdom, I'm here to find out what it is" Elara answered, her voice steady.
Kieran chuckled, seeing that he had ignited the fire within her.
"Smart and feisty as I expected, I like it." He stood from his chair, and walked around the table unhurried, circling Elara like a predator sizing up prey. His voice dropped an octave.
"Your kingdom is on the verge of collapse. I can save it. Inject the capital you need to stabilize your economy, modernize your infrastructure, and keep the royal family on the throne."
This was what they needed, but she wouldn't hold her breath just yet.
"And in exchange?" She asked, refusing to lower her gaze.
Kieran stopped directly in front of her, placing both hands on the table as he leaned down.
His proximity was deliberate, his gaze piercing. "I want control of the royal assets: land, historical sites, and exclusive rights to develop Bellmere's tech industry. No one moves a brick without my approval."
Elara's breath hitched as her glare became frosty. "You want to turn my kingdom into your playground?"
"No, I want to turn Bellmere into a powerhouse." He responded, his tone serious now.
"Unlike those old court geezers, you and I know that your kingdom is a hub of untapped potentials; and with my expertise and your leadership we can turn that place to a thriving land." He explained.
"But if you're not convinced, then you can go back to your kingdom and reign for at most.... 2 years?" He straightened, sliding his hands into his pockets.
"I doubt if any of the court members will agree to your terms. This is a very crucial issue" Elara reasoned out loud, and Kieran adjusted himself to lean towards her again.
"Not if I'm your husband" he added, and Elara could not hide her surprise at his suggestion.
Silence hung between them, thick and heavy as Elara contemplated his words. She hated that he was right. The kingdom was on the brink of bankruptcy, and no noble family or political marriage could fix it.
But trusting someone like Kieran Blake? That was another kind of risk altogether. He barely respected her traditions, how was she sure he would not disregard her when he gets what he wants?
Elara crossed her arms apprehensively. "And how do I guarantee that you don't go against your word? What's to stop you from walking away when you're done?"
Kieran's smirk returned, but there was something softer in his eyes now.
"And why should I leave? We are going to be a united front after all." He leaned back on the edge of the table.
"Look, Princess, I'm not here to ruin your legacy. I'm here to build something that lasts. If I wanted to destroy Bellmere, I wouldn't be sitting in this room with you."
Elara studied him carefully. His words were calculated, but there was an honesty beneath his arrogance. He wasn't offering charity—he never would. But he was offering a chance. A dangerous, precarious chance, but still... a chance.
She exhaled slowly. "If I agree, there will be terms which will be stated plain blank in the contract. Strict ones."
Kieran grinned. "Wouldn't expect anything less. It's a deal then."
Elara's eyes narrowed. "You agreed too easily."
"Because I know this matters to you, Elara" he said, his voice softening for a moment.
The way her name rolled off his tongue —without the title—sent a strange, electric current through her. Elara brushed it off, rising to her feet.
"I'll need time to draft the contract. You'll have to meet me at the Bellmere Castle in a week as the royal engagement and wedding cannot happen outside the royal court" Elara said with a tone of finality, standing up gracefully.
"Take all the time you need," he said, following her lead. "I'll be here."
As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her at the door. "One more thing, Princess."
Elara hesitated but glanced back. "What?"
"You're not just saving your kingdom," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "You're saving yourself."
The words struck deeper than she expected, but she didn't let it show. Without another word, she walked out, the doors closing behind her with a soft thud and a racing heart