Rumors

"I'm sorry."

"Vaughn, please answer me honestly. Did something happen to you?" I said with a worried expression. He shook his head and said, "No, nothing happened. It's just that..." He avoided my gaze and looked the other way. "...I heard you're already betrothed to someone," he continued.

My jaw dropped open because of what he said. "What...?" I'm so speechless right now. I felt hurt because of the way he acted earlier, and this is the reason why he was like that?

I squeezed my eyes shut and took deep breaths. "I'm sorry," he said as he lowered his head. Seriously, what am I going to do with this man? I cupped his cheeks and lifted his head to meet his eyes, "Listen, I am not engaged. That's just ridiculous. Where did you hear that anyway?" His face brightened when he heard what I said. "I heard it from some people while we were on our journey. I really thought you were already engaged, since it wouldn't be impossible for someone as beautiful as you. In fact, it's almost unbelievable to know that you're actually not tied to someone," he said as he scratched the back of his head.

I giggled and smiled sweetly at him. He's just... so adorable. "Why are you laughing?" He said as his cheeks turned bright red due to embarrassment. "Nothing. I just find you adorable," I replied as I patted his head.

He held my wrist and looked me in the eye an said, "If you keep acting like that, I might do something to you. So please... stop." His whole face was so red, together with his soft expression.

I could feel my heart pounding so hard, I'm afraid he would hear it. "Acting like what?" I said as my eyes smiled as I stared at him. "A-Acting like this..." He whispered. "What do you mean?" I asked as I took a step forward. "A-Acting so cute," he said as he let go of my wrist, and used both of his hands to cover his face.

I burst into laughter and smiled sweetly at him. "Why are you so red?" I asked.

Does he... like me?

"I'm not!" He said as he turned his face away. I can't help but giggle, and the thought that he might also like me made my heart flutter.

We headed inside the palace and went to my room. "So this is your room, huh?" He said as his eyes scanned the whole room. "Yes. Is it messy?" I asked, a bit nervous because of what he might think about me and my room. "No, it's very clean, actually," he said and smiled. "Is it okay for you to casually bring a man inside your room?" He asked as his eyebrows furrowed. "No, of course not. But since it's you, it's fine," I said and smiled. He then avoided my gaze and cleared his throat. "Have you brought other men over? It's quite uncommon for a lady to bring a gentleman inside her room, isn't it?" He said, still not making eye contact with me. "No, I haven't brought a man over. Besides my brother and father, you're the first man who has entered my room. And yes, it is uncommon, but I don't really see you as a man, so it's fine," I said, half-joking, and giggled.

His expression changed as he walked closer to me. He pulled my waist, and I could only gasp in shock because of what he did. "Regardless of what you think of me, I'm still a man, my lady. Don't let your guard down too much," he whispered in my ear.

My eyes were opened wide, and I could feel my heart is about to jump out from my throat. My heart was pounding so fast and hard, I could barely breathe as I was in his arms.

He never treated me like this before. Although I liked the way his hands used to touch me gently, this kind of treatment from his isn't so bad at all.

He let go of me and cleared his throat. "Please forgive me, my lady. It was rude of me to do that," he said as he bowed a bit, his face still bright red. I cleared my throat and looked away, "It's fine, Your Majesty," I replied.

We were silent for a bit, and when I turned to look at him, I found him staring at me while smiling. "W-What? Why are you staring? Don't you know it's rude to stare?" I stammered as I had a hard time locking my eyes with his. "It's nothing, my lady. I just find you a lot lovelier today than the last time we met," he replied as he smiled sweetly.

"I-Is that so?" I said and tucked my hair behind my ear.

Now that he said those words, I feel more confident about myself, knowing that he thinks I look lovely.

I tried to hide the smile that has formed in my lips to hide the fact that I felt flattered because of what he said.

"By the way, this is where I stay most of the time. I have everything I need here in my room, and I'm not really fond of going out, so I lock myself up here," I said as I fixed my dress and smiled awkwardly.

Ah, the atmosphere has become so awkward after what happened.

"Really? That's quite shocking, coming from someone who looked like she sneaked out just to go to a small celebration in a nearby town," he said and smiled while eyeing me from head to toe.

Oh... that night.

"Ah... about that, it's..." I avoided his gaze. "...nevermind that. I was just bored. That's all there is to it," I continued. The truth is, I've been wanting to see you, Vaughn. That is the very reason why I went out that night. Maybe I made up excuses in my mind just so I won't seem so desperate, but you are the main reason why I went out of my comfort zone and went out of my way.

"Hmm... You should go out sometime. I know a great place. It's not located in your empire, though. It's near the palace in our empire, and I'd love it if you can come with me to go to that place," he said with sparkling eyes, just like a child's eyes showing excitement. "I'd be delighted as well, Vaughn. I'm looking forward to it," I said and smiled sweetly.

His lips formed a curve, showing his victory smile, as if he just won a prized item that everybody wanted from an auction—meaning, he looked so happy just because I said those words to him.

"I'm looking forward to it as well, my lady."