At The Tent.

Chapter 37.

"Lord Azriel" Prince Charles clapped his hands. His green suit did not fit him as kielee has expected. He was mocking the color that suits Azriel a lot.

"What can I do for you?" Azriel asked with his hands clasped behind. He knew where the young man was heading to.

"I thought you were in love with the princess?" The princess asked as he yanked the door.

"I am… you are right."

"So what are you doing with this woman?"

"She? What do you think we are doing?" Azriel asked. He thought of something. It would be better to say it this way than to lose the princess.

*You just finished dressing her up, did you see it?" Prince Charles asked the other men and they nodded. He turned back to the Lord and said "You are in love with another woman. Why trouble the princess?"

Kielee was surprised by his accusations. He did not like the way things were turning against Azriel. If it doesn't go according to their initial plan, he would never forgive her.

"Prince Charles" she bowed and get gave his attention. "you misunderstood my Lord "

"Really?"

"Yes.." She looked at Azriel and continued "I'm just a form of entertainment. He can never fall in love with a woman like me. The princess is his true love."

The room became quiet and tears rolled down her cheeks. Kielee could not hold back so she ran out of the room leaving the men speechless with her response.

**

Everywhere was filled up when I entered the square. The only space left was kept for the princes, Lords, and their servants. Nobody would dare sit there. I looked in that direction. There was no sign of Lord Azriel.

I sighed as I walked to my seat which was next to my stepmother. She was shocked by my face but ignored her. I went to my father and kissed his knuckles.

"You look extremely beautiful today" He complimented with a smile. I was surprised that he did. I looked around but there was no stranger closed by. Was he pretending? I turned to queen Ivy and she gave me the *Don't look at me* look and I smiled.

I went and sat beside her. My seat was kept next to my father, not her. I wondered who changed the setting today.

"Why did you put anything on your face?" she asked. It was more like a whisper. I would have pretended that I heard nothing but I didn't.

"Do I look that bad?"

"No, you are beautiful but…" I did not let her finish it. She said what I wanted to hear.

"Good. I'm glad I still look beautiful."

"That's not the point, princess."

I wanted to ask what was the point when I saw Lord Azriel entering the arena with his people. My gaze shifted to him. I did not reply to my stepmom and she got mad when she found that I lost it when he came in.

"It is not about this young lad again," She said, putting a hand on mine. But I got up from my seat and excused myself. I wanted to talk to him before the tournament starts. He might win or lose. I don't know which one yet.

But I wanted to see him first.

I stood up from the gathering and went down. Both my maids and guards followed me. If only they could wait for seconds, I will be happy.

"Lord Azriel," I called when I got to the other side when the lords were. He did not seem happy from his expression. Who made him angry?

"Princess" He bowed. I told him to drop these formalities when we meet but it seemed he woke up on the other side of the bed. I saw prince Charles coming in our direction. I wished we left before his arrival.

"Can we go to the tent sets for you?" I asked quickly. Behind the gatherings, there were tents set up for participants in the competition. "Shall we?"

"Sure, your highness" He replied waiting for me to lead the way. We walked to the tent and I told the maids and guards to wait for me outside. Also, I gave out instructions. No one should be allowed inside no matter what.

Together, Lord Azriel and I went into the tent. The twin Lord with him left as soon as we entered. He had no problem even though his rank was higher than Azriel's.

"You don't look too happy this morning," I said all of a sudden. He looked at me surprised.

"You noticed?"

"Yes, Lord" I curtsied. He was been formal so I joined in.

"Forgive me, Princess. For you are not at fault" He took steps forward. "Who would dare to stand against your beauty? Why will I be unhappy after seeing your pretty face this morning?"

My pretty face? A smile appeared on my lips and I looked up. Those beautiful emerald eyes stared at me. I was tempted to kiss him but I held myself. A lady should not throw herself at a man…that was the general rule.

But in every general rule, there must be an exception. I wanted to raise my hand and touch his but he did first.

Azriel's hand touched my face and I felt a cold shiver running down my spine. It was a unique feeling. My heart raced faster when his hand went to my neck. He drew me closer and I swallowed hard when our eyes met.

Physically, he had everything I wanted in a man. He was perfect for me…for any woman.

"Tell me about yesterday, Princess" Lord Azriel started. "What did you find when you got back home?"

I didn't expect him to remember what happened yesterday. He told me to go and check myself at home.

"Oh, yesterday?" I asked like a fool. My gaze shifted to the armor on the other side. Was it right for me to open up now? He was different from the other men. According to him, a lady should be bold and open. She shouldn't hide her feelings away.

But was it right?