Chapter Six

"So is this what it feels to step into a fairytale?" Kieran mused, his gaze drifting lazily over the blooming garden.

Elara bit back a sigh, fixing her attention on the path instead of the insufferable man besides her. She initially found his sharp wit entertaining during the meeting with the elders, where he silenced their criticism with cutting replies. But now that she was alone with him, his arrogance was wearing her thin.

"Fairy Tales have happy endings, Mr. Blake," Elara replied coolly, standing beside him as he plucked a rose. "And something tells me you don't believe in them."

"I believe in results, Princess. Happy endings are just PR" he said, smirking as he twirled the rose.

"I now see why it's quite difficult for those old men to let go of their traditions, this place cushions them from facing the cruel reality." 

Elara pressed her lips into a thin line as she watched him twirled it carelessly. "And yet you seem to be enjoying Bellmere's charm."

"So I'll take it as a compliment to my kingdom, no matter how backhanded it was."

Kieran's gaze flickered from the rose to her. "You hear whatever suits you, Princess."

"And yet," she countered, "you don't deny it."

Kieran chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Touché. But somehow, I suspect you didn't bring me out here for a sparring match, no matter how amusing this is."

Elara exhaled quietly, remembering why she called him for the walk in the first place.

"You're right. I called you out here to tell you something importance" Elara said, hesitating as she cleared her throat lightly. "We're expected to begin royal etiquette classes tomorrow."

"Etiquette training? What is that about?" Kieran asked, his amusement fading away as he tossed the rose to the ground.

Elara's eyes flickered to the rose on the ground briefly, before returning to Kieran. "It is tradition for royal couples preparing for marriage. It's meant to teach the manners and behavior expected of us—how to present ourselves in formal settings."

"Well that's a colossal waste of time, and not necessary." he scoffed in disdain, turning his attention to the camellias.

"It is necessary," Elara said firmly. "The people of Bellmere will be watching us closely, as will the neighboring kingdoms. We can't afford to appear divided or unprepared."

"I already have manners," Kieran said, brushing off her words with a dismissive wave. "Why would I need more?"

Elara's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm.

"You have table manners, Mr. Blake. That's hardly the same as understanding what it means to be a king."

Kieran's lips curved into a faint smirk as he bent to pluck another rose, this time snapping the stem with deliberate carelessness.

"Being a king is just another role. Stand tall, make speeches, look good in a crown. How hard could it be?"

Elara felt her pulse quicken, but she maintained calmness.

"First off, the way you're picking the flowers will kill them," Elara pointed out, snatching the rose from his hands. 

"Also, you only have table manners, not royal ones. To be a King is to be more poised and refined than this, Mr. Blake. And you barely cut it." she emphasised each word, meeting his stormy gaze head on.

Kieran reached for the rose again, his hand brushing hers. His smirk returned, though his eyes darkened slightly. "I'll remind you, Princess, that these flowers—and everything else here—will soon belong to me. I can do with them as I please."

Elara stepped back from him, feeling her heart quicken.

As her chest tightened, she spoke in a measured tone. "Whether or not we need your money, one thing is clear Mr Blake." 

"This is not your world, Kieran. You're not in your big city anymore, where you can do whatever you please. If you want to break into this world, you'll need to appeal to its people—and that means learning its norms and customs." she stated, her voice trembling with restrained fury. 

Kieran didn't reply, his smirk replaced by a thoughtful expression. Elara took another step forward, meeting his gaze. 

"As long as you're in Bellmere, these traditions are necessary. If you're not willing to do this much, then perhaps you're not the great businessman you think you are. And you're certainly not fit to be a king." she uttered , her voice unwavering now.

Kieran tilted his head sideways, maintaining eye contact with her.

"And if I don't want to abide by your customs?" He whispered. 

 "Then you can inform Romanus of your decision to leave," she said sharply, turning on her heel. "Goodnight, Mr. Blake."

With that, she strode out of the garden, her footsteps echoing into the evening air.

Kieran stood rooted in place, the rose still clutched in his hand. Its thorns pricked his palm, drawing a bead of blood, but he barely noticed. Instead, his gaze lingered on the spot where Elara had disappeared through.

A smirk returned to his lips, though softer this time. He glanced down at the rose, shaking his head.

"I stand corrected," he murmured.

***************

Elara stood by the window in her father's room, her gaze fixed on the rolling hills behind the castle's walls. Although the sunlight poured into and warmed her face, her thoughts remained cold and heavy. Her mind was still in the garden with Kieran replaying his sharp words and stupid smug smile.

Despite being angered by his arrogance, a part of her envied him, as he had the freedom to dismiss the traditions she spent her whole life around.

A soft knock broke through her thoughts, followed by the sounds of footsteps. Without turning, she asked curtly,

"Has Mr. Blake left the premises already, Romanus?"

"Is that how quick you wanted me gone? I'm hurt, Princess."

Elara stiffened, spinning on her heels to see Kieran leaning by the doorframe. He looked composed, his maroon suit tailored to perfection as he walked up to her in unhurried steps. 

His presence made the room feel heavy, and Elara found her heart wavering.

"How did you get in here?" she demanded, her voice sounding colder than she intended to as she did not let her voice betray her emotions.

Kieran chuckled, a stray hair falling from his perfectly styled hair to his face as he bowed his head slightly.

"Is that your most pressing question now?" He countered.

"Yes," Elara answered, crossing her arms firmly.

"I asked your aide to lead me here." He explained, gesturing towards the door.

Her irritation grew, and she narrowed her eyes. "And did you come to personally tell me that you're going?"

"Not quite," Kieran said, his tone light. "I will take the etiquette classes."

Elara gasped loudly, moving closer to him with an earnest glimmer in her eyes.

"You're serious?" 

"I am," he replied, and Elara sighed in relief. "But on one condition" he added, and Elara rolled her eyes.

She was too quick to rejoice. Of course there's a condition.

"Go on, name it" she said, and Romanus appeared at the door like clockwork.

He walked in bearing an envelope Elara knew too well, its red wax seal glistening in the morning light. The sight of the contract envelope made her stomach tighten. Kieran pulled out a sleek silver pen from his breast pocket, and held it out to her casually.

"You sign the marriage contract. Right here, right now" he said with an air of authority.

Elara's heart pounded in her ears, and she looked from the envelope in Romanus's hands to Kieran.

"Is this a joke?" She asked quietly, and Kieran's eyes bored into hers.

"I've never been so serious. I can't possibly start anything without guarantee… Can I?" He asked, his tone more serious.

"Bellmere does not have the luxury of time as well, and only your decision truly matters. If you don't sign now, then consider this deal completely off."

Elara hesitated, her gaze moving from him to the envelope. The weight of the decision loomed over the shoulders, and with a deep sigh she turned to Romanus.

"Unseal the envelope."