Chapter 4 : Another proposal

And so, the two of them walked for a few minutes along the path near the garden and through the long outdoor corridors. Prince Leo talked a great deal, mostly about his Empire and about various moments in his life that he tried to pass off as amusing.

It was all very strange ! Priscilla felt ill at ease. The worst part of it all ? Her panties !

It was the first time she’d worn them... and they were riding right up her ass !

There was no way to know that before putting them on. But one thing was certain, she had to keep walking upright even as the fabric dug into her backside with every step, chafing against her pussy more than expected. It was certainly uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, they returned to the castle’s residential wing, finding themselves close to Prince Leo’s private quarters.

" Would you like to come in and talk a bit more privately ? "

" I’d love to ! "

Above all, she wanted to use the opportunity to ask to use the restroom and adjust her panties. But it would also be a good chance to sound the prince out. If she was going to do this, she might as well go all in, things couldn't get any worse.

So, the two of them went into Prince Leo’s quarters, a large suite decorated in the colors of the Empire, a design project that had frustrated more than a few people.

" Thank you for using familiar colors. "

" It was only natural. May I step away to powder my face ? "

A polite way of saying she wanted to use the restroom.

" Oh, yes, of course, Princess. I’ll wait here. "

She quickly went to adjust her panties. She emerged looking more relaxed, so much so that it really looked as though she had relieved herself. The atmosphere was a bit awkward for a few moments.

Priscilla spoke first, breaking the interminable silence.

" Although we haven't had the chance to do so officially... . Welcome to Elbra. I wish it were under different circumstances. If the servants aren't to your liking, please don't hesitate to say so. "

It wasn't as if she would tell the servants to treat him like an honored guest. In fact, she was pleased with their cold yet professional demeanor.

" Everything is fine, Princess... I can understand them. The situation is far from pleasant for them, and for you. My father has ambitions. "

" So, you have no hand in this ? Compared to your Empire, we are nothing. Yet here you are. That alone is enough for us to want very little from you. "

The prince stood up. He seemed well aware that no one here liked him. His cold attitude didn't help matters.

" I am a soldier first and foremost. I am not here as the king's son but as a negotiator and a member of the army. I follow orders. "

" Sometimes, it is good to disobey. "

" It isn't that simple !! "

He turned to face her. His tone was even harsher and colder. She didn't show it, but she didn't feel entirely safe. It was a duel, a duel of words and attitude. There was a brief silence.

" I apologize for speaking this way, but your remarks are insulting. "

It was better than nothing... . She sighed inwardly.

" It’s nothing, Prince Leo. I was mostly curious about what happened during the first day of negotiations. It is difficult to remain calm in my condition. Everything has happened so quickly these past few days. "

He cleared his throat.

" I cannot disclose what goes on during the negotiations. As I said, your position is not easy, and I understand your anxiety. "

He stepped closer, attempting to take her hand. He tried to be gentle, even though the gesture itself was awkward. The prince of the enemy army taking her hand out of compassion ? That was a move he should have saved for someone else.

She was sorely tempted to pull it away, but she didn't... .

Come on, Priscilla, try to get closer to him. You might as well play the part of the frightened girl.

So, she let the prince take her hand. He knelt before her. It was becoming unsettling.

" Princess Priscilla von Elbra ! Believe me, I will do everything to ensure the people of Elbra remain safe, even in a worst-case scenario. That is something I can promise, provided your father gives us what we want. "

She latched onto those words immediately, though she instantly masked her reaction behind a neutral expression.

So, there was a reason for the Empire's arrival. Men always act for a reason.

" That... is a promise, I hope. "

It was hard not to want to believe it, after all. What did it matter if she lost something, compared to the lives of her people ? She would make that sacrifice, even if it meant trading her own life for theirs.

That was how she had been raised, not as someone superior to others, but as someone ready to make the ultimate sacrifice, just as she was doing now, by allowing him into her personal space.

Leo stood up and turned his back on her, releasing her hand.

" It’s... well, I can't make promises lightly. If I don't get what I want, things could quickly turn against Elbra. Especially since Dila seems so determined to resist us. "

That wasn't surprising, given the agreement she had made with Theo. Dila would essentially vouch for Elbra. Granted, it would make them dependent, but it was better than nothing.

Of course, even Dila couldn't simply tell the Empire to get lost, which was precisely what had led to these negotiations.

" Then don't say anything if you can't make a promise... . "

" There is another solution. "

Priscilla was startled to find him suddenly right beside her, he moved with such stealth. Their faces were mere inches apart.

" ... another solution ? "

" Yes. We simply have to get married ! "

" Huh ?! "

She hadn't seen that coming. Why ? And yet, it was entirely predictable, and perfectly logical. If Dila could make that offer, the Alburg Empire could do the same. Prince Leo moved even closer, causing her to fall back onto the sofa where she was sitting.

She found herself pinned beneath his broad frame. There was a hint of arousal in his gaze, yes, even though he hadn't yet done anything overly intimate.

Her heart began to race.

He raised his hand and ran it through her hair.

" Princess Priscilla... I’m serious. "

Then his hand slowly descended to her neck and collarbone, partially exposed by her dress.

" When I say something, I mean it. You are so... beautiful and... . "

She trembled slightly when he finally placed his hand on her chest. He gave one of her breasts a firm squeeze, making her cry out in surprise.

" Kya ! Prince Theo ! "

" You are everything a man could want ! "

" Prince... . "

She could feel him squeezing her breasts.

It was awkward and surprising, but above all, terrifying. Marrying a guy who groped your chest like that ?

Grin and bear it... . Was everything he was doing just a way for her to gain his trust ? She tried to look on the bright side, even in a situation like this.

Does one of them love my ass and the other my boobs, or what ?

" So beautiful, so perfect... how can a woman like you even exist ?! "

Once again, his compliments would likely have been more welcome in a different context. Prince Leo seemed hypnotized by her, launching into an endless monologue. Yet, his hands never stopped moving.

" Hnn... Prince, please ! "

Her pleas for him to listen fell on deaf ears. And then... .

He suddenly tugged at her dress, exposing her chest. She immediately tried to hold back the fabric.

" PRINCE LEO !! "

Her cry snapped him out of his trance. He pulled away immediately. The view remained beautiful, nonetheless.

" Sorry, Princess... I... . "

" No need to say more. "

Priscilla straightened up as well, adjusting her dress. She fought the urge to clench her fist, a sign of anger. Her bosom exposed like that ? Just because he was from the Empire didn't mean he could do whatever he pleased.

Men will be men, especially those with power !

At least Theo had the decency to be romantic, even then, you could feel the gentleness in his touch.

There was no comparison. Even while holding back, she had glimpsed his addictive nature. In the end, he looked at her as if she were a prize. It was disgusting !

" I'll be going now, if you don't mind. "

" No, of course... . "

She quickly left the room before someone could grab her hand. It was Prince Leo again.

" I was serious... you know... I still am. "

" Thank you for the offer. Naturally, I need to think it over. "

Her smile was almost insincere. She was on the verge of punching him right in the face. Touching her so brazenly, then acting all nice... . Such duplicity was enough to make one sick. It was all for the sake of her people... .

Once she had left, the prince remained alone.

" What came over me ? I couldn't fully express myself in front of her. Is this what love is ? "

He felt like a boy, frozen by emotion yet aroused by the opposite sex.

" I need to negotiate properly tomorrow. My father wants that fragment as soon as possible. Maybe she knows something... I have to speak to her again ! "