A bet?

As he dressed, he heard voices outside his room. "Cousin, I want to see him. You stole my husband from me, you bastard."

"Don't tell me they're arguing about me. I'm not anyone's property, they should know that," Owen thought, frowning.

He pushed the door open and saw a red-haired lady with beautiful emerald green eyes that sparkled.

Her eyes were captivating, making it hard to look away. Zephyr's expressionless face seemed to frown as he noticed Owen staring at his cousin.

"He had never looked at me like that before. Should I gouge out his eyes so he won't stare at anyone else?" Zephyris thought, gazing at Owen.

"Prince Owen, I'm Lady Ashley, Zephyris' cousin. We were supposed to be engaged. Did my brother threaten you into marrying him?" Ashley inquired.

Owen swallowed nervously, meeting the gaze of the two siblings. "I'm quite hungry, Lady Ashley. Let's continue this conversation in the dining room," Owen suggested before excusing himself.

"He seems spirited. How long do you think it will take to break him like the last one? He even reminds you of him," Ashley teased.

"Don't you dare say anything to him," Zephyris warned calmly, his tone carrying a hint of threat. Ashley chuckled before composing herself.

"I hope he won't be your downfall. You know Abel won't back down until the throne is snatched from you. For now, I'll just convince this little birdie of yours to come with me because you really don't deserve a beautiful flower like him," Ashley said venomously, her words feeling like a bullet shot into his heart.

"You are the one making him important. He is just a tool I'll use and free," Zephyris coldly replied, his voice icy.

*****

Owen arrived at the dining table and noticed a woman who resembled Zephyris. "She must be his twin sister," he thought. The only difference was her emerald eyes, contrasting with Zephyris's crimson eyes.

"You must be Owen, my brother's new plaything?" the lady inquired, sounding annoyed.

"I can't argue with that, and you must be Lady Zephyria, my husband's sister," Owen replied with a gracious smile, though she responded with a scowl.

As she sipped her tea, she occasionally glanced at Owen. "What did my brother see in this rascal..." she thought to herself.

She froze as she looked at him again, realizing, 'It's him, he reminds you of him. It seems like I won't be leaving anytime soon,' she mused.

"So, Prince Owen, do you know why my brother married you?" Zephyria asked, grinning.

Owen pondered for a moment, realizing he had never asked Zephyris why he married him. However, he was certain it wasn't due to love at first sight.

"Like I suspected, you don't. How fascinating," she smirked.

'I feel like a sheep surrounded by wolves. She might have some information. How can I extract it from her?' he pondered.

Owen sat down, facing Zephyria. 'I have questions, but I doubt she'll answer them,' he thought. While Zephyria grinned, as if she could read his thoughts. Owen sighed.

"It will be interesting to see how you will tame that devil, or how he will break you," she smirked.

Owen felt uneasy and confused as he looked at her. 'She's trying to convey something.'

Just then, Zephyris and Lady Ashley entered.

"Ah, here's my so-called brother. You didn't mention your wedding yesterday or invite us. What a shame," Zephyria said, grinning.

"Why are you here?" Zephyris asked his twin sister as he sat down and glanced at Owen.

"I'm here to remind you that you need an heir. Otherwise, that fool will take over. Is it appropriate to discuss this in front of your wife?" Zephyria asked.

"You are not welcome here. You can leave," Owen heard Zephyris' voice growling angrily.

Instead of shaking in fear, Zephyria laughed as she ate her slice of bread, not giving a care. Owen stared at her, thinking to himself, 'Looks like she isn't afraid.'

"And I'll stay after my trip back to Regnok," Zephyria said, and Zephyris raised his head and glanced at his sister.

"Hmm, Regnok? What business do you have with them?" he asked suspiciously.

"Don't worry, a little birdie of mine escaped," Zephyria grinned and glanced at Owen.

"Don't cause any trouble there," he warned, glaring at his sister. Warning her not to cross the line. As for Zephyria, she only gave him a smile.

Then he turned towards Owen and softly commanded, "Go for a stroll in the garden."

Owen nodded, understanding that they needed some privacy. Just then, the butler came and directed him to the south wing garden, the King's favorite spot.

Sighing, he plucked a rose and sniffed its scent, which reminded him of Zephyris. How could one person have four different scents?

The second phase of the mission was complete, and now it was the final phase. He couldn't quite figure out what to do next. Zephyria's words troubled him as he tried to make sense of their meaning.

"I should just enjoy nature for now," he said aloud before walking further into the garden and picking red roses.

Standing with his eyes closed, he felt a sense of peace for the first time. No one was watching him as he strolled alone, and the roses provided him comfort.

He imagined Zephyris placing a rose in his hair. "I want to know more about you," Owen said to himself as he enjoyed the breeze, wishing Galahad was there. They would have gone for a ride in the forest together.

"White hair, snow-white skin, blue eyes like the ocean, and brown eyelashes. You are beautiful, but I can't let you take Zephyris," a menacing male voice suddenly interrupted, startling Owen.

Owen turned his back and saw a tall figure, not as tall as Zephyris who was 6'5". Owen blinked, looking at the man in front of him, sensing danger.

Not that Zephyris didn't exude danger, but this man seemed more threatening, capable of harming or even killing him given the chance.

"I see you're enjoying the garden," the man said, grinning widely.

Owen swallowed his fear and replied, "Yes, it's quite lovely. Who are you?" he asked casually, trying to mask his unease.

"Didn't Zephyris mention me?" the man inquired.

Owen looked puzzled, "Why would Zephyris need to mention you?" he questioned.

The man chuckled, "The answer is no, hehe. I am Malcolm Blackwood. Have you not heard of me, Prince Owen?"

"No, I haven't," Owen lied. Why wouldn't he lie? This man could easily bring ruin to his father's kingdom with a mere command. After King Zephyris, King Silas, and Queen Victoria, Malcolm was the third most powerful person.

He wasn't a king but the Queen Victoria most trusted general, what was he doing here? Owen asked himself, as he tried to solve the puzzle but still nothing was making sense.

"Why would a trashy Prince like you know? I heard you are weak and dumb," Malcolm hissed, but a creepy smile appeared on his face.

"Anyway, you were a bet after all, and he successfully won," he said, laughing at Owen.

"A bet?" Owen asked puzzled.

"Yes, indeed. Oh, he didn't inform you about it, poor Owen," Malcolm hissed as he grabbed Owen's long hair, his grip tightening as he pulled his face closer.

Owen let out a groan of discomfort, attempting to free himself from Malcolm's grasp. However, the man's strength was formidable, though not as strong as Zephyris'.

"Are you in pain?" Malcolm inquired, shoving Owen to the ground. "You must understand that you are not wanted here," he added, lowering himself to Owen's level.

"Owen!" Zephyris' voice echoed outside the palace, calling out for him.