“Lianne, I love you. I need you to be with me forever,” Cain whispered the words close to her ear without any qualms.
Lianne froze when she heard him say it, unable to believe his frankness. She felt him lower his head to her shoulders, taking in all of her scent. Then, she felt a tickling sensation as he brushed his lips along the plane of her neck.
“Ah!” Lianne let out an audible gasp, but it was not of pleasure, but of distress, of distaste. She pulled out of his hold and the moment Cain heard her distressing reaction, he freed her immediately, stunned and confused.
“Lianne?” His eyebrow lifted.
The princess quickly collected herself, touching her neck on the spot where she felt his lips touch.
“I… I’m sorry,” she apologized. But what was she apologizing for? she thought. Was it for her reaction? Or was it the fact that she didn’t want to accept his proposal?
She looked away upon seeing Cain’s eyes blazing with passion, with desire. She couldn’t bear to see him look at her that way, because, with it, she would feel naked under his gaze. She realized he could own her anytime he wanted to. He could easily take her away from this place if he wanted to.
She shuddered at the thought of it and for the first time in her life, she felt afraid of him.
“I’m sorry for what?” Cain stated. He took her right hand and sandwiched it with his.
Lianne shifted her eyes on the ground. “Can you give me some time, My Lord? I barely had a taste of my freedom. I wanted to-”
“If you must,” the general inserted, cutting off the princess’ words. “Take as much time as you want, Lianne. I understand. I won’t be hasty, but know that I have high hopes for both of us.”
Lianne couldn’t reply to that anymore. She gently nodded and watched the last ray of the sun disappear.
“It’s getting dark. We should head back to the mansion,” she remarked.
The general agreed and off they went, using the route they took earlier.
Lianne was reserved the whole time they trekked, trying her best to keep her eyes away from his. She also made it sure to have a meter of distance between them and more so when they entered the foyer. At the back of her mind, she really didn’t want to put wild ideas on the servants’ heads should they see them together as a couple.
***
The main foyer was filled with people when both of them arrived. Majority of which were monarchs and important dignitaries of other kingdoms piling up to enter the grand hall.
General Cain insisted to walk the princess to her room as she did not want to join the festivities of the coronation. Lianne agreed only that she didn’t want to argue with him on the matter.
However, their walk was interrupted when they climbed up the stairs. A call of Lord Cain’s name by his fellow slightly drunk commander was heard, asking him to join their merriment. Then, two other generals hollered and climbed up the stairs too to literally drag Cain out of the princess’ front.
His face looked clearly unhappy with his comrades but he didn’t have a choice but to go with the flow, looking back at the princess and giving her a wave of goodbye in the end.
She waved back and tipped her head down, a greeting of a good night for him.
As the generals were out of sight. Lianne took a deep sigh of relief. She wasn’t bothered to be suddenly left alone in the stairs. It was better off this way, to walk on her own to her room. At least, she wouldn’t feel more cognizant with Lord Cain by her side and this way, she could avoid his impending ‘goodnight kiss’.
Lord Jared by now would be too busy to find her again, and Lady Faye surely was also busy supervising the kitchen. She realized that going there to ask for dinner this time would be unwise if she was trying to avoid the reception. She only decided then that she would come down for a meal this midnight when all of the festivities were over.
The princess continued her way to the second floor when her hand was yanked considerably by a person behind her. The intruder easily turned her around to face him.
She was surprised when she saw that it was Duke Conrad touching her. She awarded him an annoyed look, but he grinned instead, knowing he just found a beauty.
Lianne wanted to slap his face right then and there all for the VIP people down below to see, but she knew it would make a scene, and a scene was the last thing on her mind.
“Take your hands off me!” the princess demanded, painstakingly lowering her voice.
“Oh, still as feisty as ever, my princess,” Duke Conrad answered whilst about to kiss the back of her hand.
Like lightning, Lianne pulled her hand away.
“Have you forgotten who is the king? Don’t even think that you still want to claim the bargain you had with Garlow?!” she pointed out.
“Well, the better it is, my princess!” he exclaimed which confused Lianne. She wanted to leave as soon as possible but with how the Duke didn’t show any worry, it made her want to investigate some more.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
Duke Conrad gave her a haughty smile and continued, “Everybody knows that King Garlow fancies you more than his son. The new king doesn’t care about you. He has all the women he wants. Why would he even keep you in his kingdom when you are nothing to him? Especially that you are a pain. You basically announced to the whole kingdom that you disagree with King Ruen’s rule by running away in front of him, in his coronation day.”
His words hit Lianne so much that she lost control of her train of thought. The word ‘nothing’ kept lingering in her mind and her earlier action replayed over and over again like it was taunting her, kissing her freedom goodbye.
“He is only doing what he is commanded to do by his father. Haven’t you noticed? You are just a puppet in this kingdom for me to have, my beautiful princess,” Duke Conrad added whilst grinning like a wicked piranha.
Lianne couldn’t talk back at him, unable to make out words that could piss him off or slap his grotesque face. Her mind had turned blank, weak, unguarded, and for this, the Duke used it as an advantage.
His arms reached out to embrace her, wanting to press her breasts against his chest.
But something unexpected happened.
“It’s as if you are truly sure of yourself, Duke Conrad.” A voice so low, so smooth but dripping with quiet menace came out from atop the staircase.
Lianne, despite her trance-like state, realized it immediately coming from none other than the new King himself. Her heartbeat picked up and her breathing halted for a moment. Her protective walls that had earlier crumbled down had now erected itself up. For the King. Only for him.
Duke Conrad, surprised to see the royalty, quickly stepped back away from the princess and bowed low.
Lianne turned around to see His Majesty just four stairs above her, looking obviously disappointed. Lord Jared was standing behind him. Luckily, no Lady Faye was in sight.
“Jared, escort Princess Lianne to the balcony,” he instructed straight to the point. “I need a moment with our important guest.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Jared obliged with a bow and then he turned to Lianne. “Your Highness, this way please,” he stated, gesturing the princess to follow him to a nearby balcony on the second floor.
Lianne did so as she was told, not because it was the King’s order but just because she wanted to be away from the Duke.
When they reached the balcony, Lianne turned around and observed the two men in the staircase. She could see them conversing; Ruen’s irate expression quite distinct and Duke Conrad’s emblazoned way of excuses prominent.
“Princess,” Lord Jared caught her attention when he spoke.
She shifted to look at him and arched her brow.
“I know it is not my position to tell you this, but His Majesty was very displeased when he saw you leave the throne room this afternoon and with Lord Cain even.”
Lianne’s eyelids fluttered upon hearing it. She walked further out to the balcony’s gilded balustrade, facing the eastern scenery, and answered with a hesitant voice, “Oh, that’s… I was just… uhm… just getting some fresh air. My leaving has no meaning behind it, Lord Jared. I hope you’d believe me. And as to Lord Cain, it was just a coincidence he was there in the exit.”
“His Highness, King Ruen, was supposed to announce your freedom in front of the whole audience, Princess Lianne. He wanted to do that for you, to fulfill his promise and formalize it, but you left.”
Lianne’s mouth dropped. “What did you say?” She quickly turned around to look at the majordomo, but only to find Ruen already in their midst.
“Thank you, Jared, you may go now,” was his strict instruction.
Lord Jared, obedient as ever, bowed his head low. She saw the old man’s back retreat away, leaving the two of them alone, leaving her at the mercy of the new King and his chilling gaze.
Yes.
It has been such a long time since he looked at her this way. So cold. So emotionless. Just like when he found her in the small basement hiding from his father’s soldiers.
She always hated how lifeless his eyes were.
But now, to her, it seemed as though it wasn’t lifeless. It was actually full of rage and of silent accusation directed towards her.
She couldn’t deny it though. She did it. But if only Lord Jared or even Lady Faye had informed her about Ruen’s intention then she wouldn’t have left the throne room that time in a panic.
Now, the guilt was filling her full. It was drowning her fast. Her hands shook and her lips quivered.
What was she to do now? Ask for his forgiveness?
Lianne watched him lean against the frame of the doorway, both arms crossed over his chest, guarding her way of escape as if he was already sensing she would do so. His icy gaze never wavered from her. It was calculating her, sizing her up, pinning her on the spot.
“Why did you leave the throne room?” His voice bordered between imposing and commanding when he asked. Almost arrogant. Very king-like. She failed to notice this though for what had caught her attention was the very question she had wanted him not to ask.
She took a deep breath as if it would calm her nerves and clutched the cold balustrade hoping to stabilize her shaking hands. She knew he can guess the reason why she left this afternoon, but she decided to go with her alibi anyway.
“Like I said to Lord Jared, I… I needed air. I was feeling dizzy… from all the noise inside the throne room. It seems many have misread it as my revolt against you, but really, I have no intention to. Like the majority, I’m… happy you are crowned king of this Kingdom.”
“Then, why were you with Cain?” Ruen cut short, darting another question more compelling than the last one.
But Lianne had had enough.
“I said I was dizzy! When I arrived at the exit, he happened to be there. He was just accompanying me,” she answered whilst clenching her hand and placing it against her chest.
“Then, why were you both kissing in the garden?!” Ruen shouted, his voice so clear all over the balcony and the second floor. He cared less of it though. All he wanted to do was to release all the pent up anger he had amassed when he saw them locking lips earlier. If not for the majordomo and his kingly duties, he would have had stormed into them and delivered a few punches to the General’s face.
Lianne gasped as she saw him punching the marbled wall instead, his left fist leaving trails of blood on the knuckles and the wall.
‘Is this his way of venting his anger?’ she asked herself.
She found it hard to keep her composure intact. Aghast to see the blood dripping on the floor, she wanted to run to him and deliver first aid, but at the same time, with the rage he had just displayed, she wanted to leave the balcony and leave him to cool off.
In the end, she chose neither. Instead, she braved herself and raised a question, “Why are you so keen on hurting yourself? You think that by punching walls I’d cower under you?”
Ruen let out a huff. “Tsk. Don’t change the subject, Lianne. Answer me.”
There was no escaping on his grave interrogation. The princess just couldn’t believe that he had seen them kissing when he should have been busy with the coronation at that time.
“You… saw?” she clarified.
Ruen looked away from her in response, his face filled with disappointment. He looked to be in pain, but Lianne couldn’t understand why.
More so, she couldn’t understand why her hand wanted to reach out to him and touch his face and wipe the painful look off his face.
“Though I don’t see any reason why I should explain it to you,” she started, nearing him slowly. “Just to make it clear, that kiss never meant anything. Cain… he just-”
Lianne stopped and cleared her throat. What was she supposed to say now? That Cain loves her and wants her forever with him?
Surely, that wouldn’t be a good thing to say. But she can’t lie just to clear out any ideas swimming in Ruen’s head between her and the General. It was what it was. A kiss between a man and a woman. But certainly not lovers.
“We are not lovers. I didn’t-” Lianne continued to explain, but unfortunately, Ruen was already out of patience.
He grabbed her arm and forcefully pinned her to the wall, right next to the bloody mess. She felt an instant throbbing ache at the back of her head, but she ignored it, her eyes quickly turning big as Ruen’s face neared hers.
“This close enough is just right,” he stated through gritted teeth.
Lianne felt the warmth of his breath immediately.
“How could you be so confident to come near me when you know I am fuming with anger, Lianne.” He grabbed both of her wrists and secured it on each side. “Tsk, you make it so easy always. That’s why Duke Conrad and Cain have been taking advantage of you.”
The princess clenched her jaw, suddenly turning angry herself for the arrogance he was showing and the acidic comment he had made.
This was exactly the same as before, the very morning after he arrived when he accused her of being easy prey.
She wanted to spat out her reply, wanting so much to prove him wrong, but Ruen swiftly cupped her chin and lowered his head to kiss her.
Lianne, confused by his unexpected action, stared at his mouth and actually anticipated the collision of their lips.
It didn’t last long though for to her astonishment, the King stopped just inches apart and then spoke, “On the other hand, I’d rather not kiss you when you were so eager to kiss another man.”
Ruen gave her a bitter look, released her from his grip, and then walked away.
Lianne was left speechless. She blinked twice, thrice, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
When clarity hit her, Ruen was already halfway from reaching the stairs.
“How could you say that to me!” she shouted, her hands clenching into a tight fist and her chest puffing out heavy breaths.
Ruen stopped from his tracks but didn’t care to turn around and look at her.
“So this is what you truly are!? Just because you are now wearing the crown, you act as if you own everything!? As if… as if you own me!?” Lianne’s lips quivered as she spat the words out. Her knees trembled. Her face reddened and it was certainly not because she was blushing.
“You are no better than Garlow! You are just like him! Selfish! Arrogant! Greedy! Duke Conrad was right. You are just being commanded by your father to keep me at bay. To feign an act as if you care… you are the worst!”
Lianne was so enraged that she didn’t know how to calm down. Then, her eyes started to water. She remembered inadvertently the way Ruen kissed her the last day; remembering the way he grazed his hands all over her flushed body.
He was so gentle at that time. Why was he so egotistical now?
She brushed the thought off with a shake of her head.
To Ruen, her frankness was not new anymore. She had always been the one to point out his flaws, his mistakes, and always been very vocal about her hatred. But this time, her words had made a deep blow on his pride. More so, on his heart.
He turned back to face her. His expression, Lianne couldn’t understand. It was like he was throwing spears on her body but at the same time showering her with petals of roses.
Ruen approached her and as he did so, he started taking off the top of his tuxedo.
Lianne blushed when she saw him unbutton his white shirt next. ‘What is he doing?’ her mind shouted in panic. ‘Why is he undressing?’
Then, the answer to her question came.
Her heart fell when she saw his right chest scar just near the area of his nipple.
“Does this look like I’m being commanded?” Ruen grounded.
Lianne was again speechless while she stared at the scar.
Oh, God! How could she have forgotten about it?!
“DOES THIS LOOK LIKE I’M BEING COMMANDED TO YOU LIANNE, ANSWER ME!” he shouted again, so much so that it made the princess’ eyes shut tightly.
Ruen continued to approach her while he still held his shirt open for her to see. Anger and a mixture of sadness took a hold on him. Surely, with this, she’d think twice accusing him of being his father’s pawn.
But as he reached her, his anger faded. He saw that he had broken her down again.
Lianne, despite her closed eyes, let out a stream of tears.
This time, a surge of disappointment flooded inside him. Disappointed not of her, but of himself – for managing to crudely mistreat her once again.
He should have kept himself calm, let his cold side overtake him. However, he couldn’t, in all his willpower, act like he didn’t care about the kiss that she shared with Cain.
Releasing the shirt, his hands reached up to touch Lianne’s cheeks in hopes of consoling her, but like a flash of lightning, he remembered her in Cain’s arms. He immediately shook his head, trying to stop his thoughts from ruining him and though he didn’t really want to, he turned to face the entry and walked away.
Opening her eyes, Lianne saw the King walking away.
“I… I’m so… sorry. I didn’t mean to forget,” she hurried to say, hoping he’d still hear despite the coarseness of her voice. She knew she was at fault and to own up her mistake was the first thing she needed to do.
She saw Ruen pause from walking and for a moment, looked as if he was about to face her again, but in the end, he didn’t and continued his path to the stairs leaving her crying her heart out.