Chapter 5 : Discover the Empire's plans ?

Despite everything, Priscilla slept well. There were no sudden awakenings or disturbing dreams. All things considered, that was a relief. She was prepared for this sort of thing, after all, such is the life of a princess from a small nation.

Everything could change in an instant. Even if one expects it, the reality is truly frightening and leaves a lasting mark. She was a woman in a man's world... .

She knew the worst could happen. Choosing between Théo and Léo meant choosing between two paths that, while seemingly different, weren't what she had originally wanted.

She had chosen Théo, partly due to the Empire's reputation. He was far more courteous and approachable, and he carried the renown of a genius.

" Théo... . "

She whispered his name as she slowly woke up.

" Oh dear, I thought I was being discreet, but someone spotted me. "

She froze. There was someone there !

Wait, I'm only in my panties under the sheets !

She recognized the voice as Prince Théo's. What was he doing in her bedroom ? Panic set in, a little... or rather, a lot. She snapped her eyes open and pulled the sheets up over herself.

She turned around, and there he was.

" Oh... I think I've fully woken you up. Haha, you look cute... . "

She found herself blushing, embarrassed, yet pleased by the compliment.

" Prince Théo ! What are you doing here ? "

He stood up, laughing heartily. His handsome smile was utterly charming. Even in this situation, she wasn't truly angry, mostly just flustered. What kind of man would just walk in like that ? Yet with him, it felt almost natural. She didn't feel like her personal space was being invaded.

" I'm here to see my fiancée ! "

" Stop teasing me... . "

" Alright, alright. "

He took a few slow steps toward the bed before sitting on the edge. A gentle, reassuring smile played constantly on his face. His hand reached for the sheet, which she was clutching tightly against her chest.

" Théo... . "

" No... I only answer to… fiancé. "

" Stop it, it’s not even official or anything yet. "

She glanced around for something, anything, to cover her upper body. Anything would do. Finally, she reached for a blanket the maid usually kept aside, but it was just out of reach.

WHOSSH !

A gust of wind, and the blanket landed right in her hand. Magic !

" Thanks... fiancé. "

" See ? You can do it when you want to. "

" I’m not doing it for you. "

She wrapped the blanket around herself, finally discarding the sheet, though that didn't solve the problem below. She was wearing nothing but panties. She hesitated just before getting up.

Should I get up or not ? I could just stay here... .

Priscilla stared at Prince Théo, who wasn't staring back, proof that he was giving her time to think. He paid attention to those kinds of details, too. It was very touching and showed great insight, whether in life or regarding someone's private moments.

He likes my butt, doesn't he ?

She decided to give him a little treat. After all, unofficially, she was his woman. It all came down to a few words, but they made all the difference. So, she stood up, revealing a body that was simultaneously exposed and concealed. An erotic mix... .

" Wow... what am I supposed to think of that ? "

" Not much... I’m not doing this to look like an easy girl. "

He laughed, his eyes admiring her body steadfastly, without a trace of perversity. Just a silent tribute. Priscilla felt truly appreciated.

" That’s what I’d be thinking, anyway, but I’m only human. What should I do ? "

" Don't even think about it... . "

She instinctively tried to cover her backside, knowing exactly what was on his mind. She had guessed right, reading men when they’re thinking about that is actually quite easy. Hovering gently, he circled around until he was standing right behind her.

" Shall I give them a pinch ? "

" Don't... I’m taking a bath later. My maids might get the wrong idea. "

" But I really want to... . "

She felt his hand land there, tracing delicately over her skin.

" Such a magnificent backside. "

She wouldn't have called it that herself. At eighteen, her body was far from spectacular. You can't choose your physique, after all, her mother, who had died giving birth to her, had been short and just as lacking in curves as she was.

That was simply how she was built.

Small, that’s all they are... . Wait, what am I thinking ?

The princess swatted his hand away and stepped back. They had only just met, yet the connection between them felt entirely natural.

" Now, tell me why you're here. "

" Right, I’d better bring it up while it’s on my mind. Prince Léo intercepted you yesterday, didn't he ? If I’m not mistaken ? What did you talk about ? "

She gathered her thoughts and sat down in an armchair.

" I tried to pry some information out of him. It wasn't very conclusive. "

" Did he set any conditions ? "

That was a hard question to answer. His condition was marriage, and even then, nothing was guaranteed. As far as she was concerned, she hadn't gained anything, on the contrary, she’d been, to put it politely, to gently groped.

" He said he wanted to marry me... . "

" Haha ! "

Théo burst out laughing. He didn't mean to mock, but it really was a funny thing to say, even though he claimed to be serious.

" That guy ? He’s a warrior ! He’s slaughtered countless people in wars. He’s been roaming battlefields for ten years. He’s nearly thirty... . He looks young, but unlike me, he isn't. "

" That’s a rather unflattering summary. "

" I’m not necessarily trying to badmouth him. That’s just what I’ve heard. He’s the First Prince, yet he’s still on the battlefield at his age. He ought to have a family and be preparing to ascend the throne... It’s sparked all sorts of rumors. "

She hadn't heard much about him, but from what she did know... the picture wasn't exactly positive. Bloody, cold, abrasive, and... no marriage proposals, despite being the First Prince.

That spoke volumes.

Priscilla looked up at Prince Theo.

" Don't worry. You don't need to say all that. I made a deal with you, and I’ll honor it. If I kept changing my mind every other second, Elbra would be seen as a weak nation. We either fall together or rise together. "

That was his mindset !

" That's true. Even though our agreement is secret, if you remain loyal to us, we can do our utmost. But if you switch sides... I won't be able to protect you completely. I'm not the only one making the decisions. "

Even with his status, it wouldn't be simple. He stepped closer, and a sudden breeze seemed to sweep her right into his arms.

" But I won't let go. I’m probably even more serious about this than he is. "

He brushed against her lips, catching a faint whiff of her perfume. The princess hadn't expected to end up in his arms like this. He had a knack for closing the distance so effortlessly.

And she didn't even mind... .

" If you're serious, then it's all good... I suppose. "

She turned her head away. Gently, he set her down on the floor after giving her a playful twirl. So simple, so delicate, so beautiful... ! It was hard not to be captivated by his looks and natural charisma.

Priscilla looked for something to wear in her wardrobe. She had to lean forward to do so, quickly realizing he had a clear view of her backside.

Damn it, I’m practically asking for this situation.

She straightened up and turned to give him a coquettish look.

" Don't you have anything better to look at ? "

" No... . "

She sighed before turning back to her wardrobe.

After a quick search, she finally found something to wear on her lower half. There was a limit to how much she was willing to expose herself. When she turned around, he was right in front of her.

" You're beautiful... . "

" Thank you... . "

A light breeze swept her hair back over her shoulders. He sat down, watching his unofficial fiancée.

" Come sit on my lap, Priscilla. I need to tell you something. "

She did so without a second thought. She gently hopped onto his lap, feeling his breath right against her neck.

" I know it's a lot to ask, but it would be great if we could find out why the Empire came here in the first place. He certainly won't say anything to me, nor during the negotiations. I can only count on you. "

She felt his lips brush softly against the back of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

" That’s... um... what I’ve already tried to do. "

" I imagine so. He’s not the sort of person you can easily blackmail, either. So if you could... . "

She knew what he meant. It dampened her mood slightly, but it was exactly what she had expected.

" Don't worry, Theo... I know. "

He held her close.

" I don't want you to have to do that, but... . "

" I know, I know... . Don't worry. I won't do anything too crazy. At worst, I just have to charm him a little ? He's a man... and what man wouldn't be charmed by me ? "

She had already seen proof of that. He had seemed very interested, in fact. So, it likely wouldn't be a problem at all.

" Haha, true, but... . "

Even without him saying it, Priscilla knew what he meant. She was touched by his concern. But she was serious, too. For the sake of her nation, she was ready to do anything!

Truly anything !

Theo turned her around to face him. Eye to eye.

" Priscilla, please, nothing crazy. Besides, a guy like that... you can wrap him around your little finger. "

" I'll be careful ! Let's meet them at their place ! "

He smiled and leaned toward her. The small gap between them vanished instantly. She closed her eyes instinctively. But nothing happened... when she opened them again, he was simply smiling, enjoying her shy, flustered manner.

" You really are terrible, too ! She said, puffing out her cheeks. "