"If I understood correctly, the prince is already aware of my magic?"
Ines asked, her voice a mix of tension and disbelief.
Her mother hesitated, smoothing the folds of her dress as if buying time.
"He knows you possess a rare and powerful magic,"
she admitted.
"But the specifics… no one knows. Not even your father and I. That is why we've kept it vague—an enigma to those who might wish to exploit you."
Ines felt the knot in her stomach tighten.
"And yet, you're marrying me off to someone who could very well decide I'm just another pawn in the emperor's game. Did you even consider that?"
Her mother frowned but didn't meet her gaze.
"Ian Estalto may not be perfect, but he is… different from the others. If anyone would respect your autonomy, it's him."
"Different? In what way?"
Ines pressed, her irritation bubbling to the surface.
"He rarely involves himself in court politics"
her mother replied.
"He's known for his wit, his… unconventional ways, and his sharp mind. His reputation may not be spotless, but he values personal freedom. If you must marry, at least he won't smother you with expectations."
Ines narrowed her eyes. That didn't sound particularly reassuring.
"So, I'm trading one cage for another, but this one just has a slightly more charming warden?"
Her mother's lips tightened.
"It's not a perfect solution, Ines. But it may be the safest. For now, focus on understanding your magic. If you can control it, no one—not even the emperor—could force you into anything."
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
The day of the meeting came faster than Ines would have liked. She stood in the imperial palace's reception hall, the heavy gown weighing her down as much as her thoughts. The opulent surroundings—marble floors, towering columns, and golden accents—did little to calm her nerves. She had hoped for time to learn more about her abilities, but instead, she was being paraded before the seventh prince like some bargaining chip.
The grand doors swung open, and a man entered with an air of careless confidence. Ian Estalto was tall and lean, his gray-blue eyes sharp and calculating. His dark hair was tousled as if he couldn't be bothered to tame it, and his military coat hung loosely on his shoulders. He didn't look like a prince; he looked like someone who had wandered in by accident.
"So,"
Ian began, his voice smooth but laced with amusement,
"you're the mysterious Lady Ines. The one with the magic no one can explain."
Ines resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"And you're the seventh prince. The one no one can control."
His lips twitched into a smirk.
"Touché. I think we'll get along just fine."
He stepped closer, his gaze briefly flicking over her as if assessing her potential.
"Tell me, Lady Ines, how do you feel about this… arrangement?"
"Indifferent,"
she replied flatly.
"Though I suspect you feel the same."
"Indifferent is generous,"
Ian said with a chuckle.
"But let's not waste time pretending to be something we're not. I have no interest in being anyone's husband, and you don't strike me as the docile type. So how about this: we make an agreement."
Ines crossed her arms.
"I'm listening."
"We'll play the roles they want—at least on the surface. But beyond that, we live our lives as we see fit. You do… whatever it is you do with your magic, and I'll keep to my own interests. No interference, no expectations."
Her eyes narrowed.
"And if I refuse?"
Ian's smirk widened.
"Then you'll have to face me and the marriage while trying to figure out what your magic is. You will tire, and I will spend time undoing this union in every way possible. And believe me, I am very good at destroying things."
Ian tilted his head, studying her like one of his old puzzles.
"Well, Lady Ines, what do you think? Shall we make the best out of this arrangement?"
Ines raised an eyebrow.
"An agreement to stay out of each other's way? It's tempting, but what's in it for you, Your Highness? Why not just… play along with whatever the emperor wants?"
Ian chuckled, leaning lazily against the arm of his chair.
"Because I hate being told what to do. I assume you're not too fond of that either. Besides,"
he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes,
"This marriage isn't exactly my idea of fun. I like my freedom, and I assume you like yours. So, why not ensure we keep it?"
She considered his words carefully. There was a certain logic to his offer, though his cavalier attitude grated on her nerves.
"Fine,"
she said, crossing her arms.
"But I have terms."
Ian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"Obviously! Please tell me."
"First, no meddling in my business, especially when it comes to my magic. Whatever I'm working on is my concern, not yours. Agreed?"
"Agreed,"
he said easily, though the way his lips twitched suggested he found her attempt to sound authoritative more endearing than intimidating.
"Second, if this arrangement falls apart, I expect you to keep any secrets about my magic to yourself. No loose lips, no using it against me."
Ian's expression softened, and he gave a slight nod.
"You have my word. I may be lazy, but I'm not a liar."
Ines hesitated, then added,
"And lastly, if anyone asks, we're… cordial. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't need rumors of some grand romance complicating things."
At that, Ian laughed—a genuine, rich sound that caught her off guard.
"Cordial? That's the best you can muster? Fine. I promise to be the picture of civility, Lady Ines. Though I can't promise the court won't invent stories anyway."
Ines sighed, already regretting this arrangement. But it was better than the alternative.
"Good. Then we have a deal."
Ian extended his hand, his smirk returning.
"To a peaceful, minimally invasive partnership."
She eyed his hand suspiciously before shaking it.
"To freedom, or whatever version of it we can manage."
As their hands parted, Ian straightened, his tone suddenly more serious.
"One last thing. If anyone asks, we're both on the same side. The court can be a viper's nest, and even a marriage of convenience comes with its dangers. For now, it's safer to appear united."
Ines nodded slowly.
"Agreed. But don't think for a second I trust you, Ian."
His smirk returned, but this time it carried a hint of something deeper.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Lady Ines. After all, distrust keeps things interesting."
With that, Ian turned and strode out of the hall, leaving Ines to wonder what she had just signed herself up for. This marriage might be a façade, but something told her that dealing with Ian Estalto would be anything but simple.