The Royal Affair

Chapter 9

As they approached the imposing stone structure, the castle loomed before them, a testament to centuries of power and history, its grey walls etched with the stories of generations, whispering tales of triumphs and tragedies. Three young men emerged from the castle gates.

The eldest, Wyatt, bore a striking resemblance to Carlos, though his blond hair flowed longer, cascading down his shoulders like spun gold, and his youthful features held a softer, more refined cast. He possessed a gentle smile, a quiet confidence that spoke of diplomatic missions and strategic alliances, a man accustomed to navigating the delicate currents of courtly life.

Next came Jayce, a blend of his parents, with Carlos's fair hair and Petra's sharp, intelligent eyes, his chin and upper lip dusted with a light stubble that hinted at a burgeoning maturity, a man caught between youthful charm and the weight of responsibility, his eyes holding a knowing glint.

Finally, the youngest, Peter, possessed a brooding intensity that set him apart. His jawline was sharply defined, shadowed by subtle stubble, and his almond-shaped, dark brown eyes held a penetrating gaze, as if he were constantly analyzing the world around him, dissecting every interaction, searching for hidden agendas. Thick, arched eyebrows framed his face, and his lips maintained a firm, neutral line, suggesting a man of few words, a silent observer of the court's intricate dance. His skin glowed with a warm, sun-kissed tone, and his dark and light wavy hair added a touch of wildness to his otherwise composed demeanor, a hint of the untamed spirit within.

Carlos and Petras two oldest sons Carlos ll and Tristan, are bound by marriage to allies across the ocean.

Then Francis and Derek's breath caught in their throats when a young woman gracefully walked up. She possessed delicate, symmetrical features, radiating a soft, youthful charm that captivated all who beheld her, a beauty that seemed to transcend the mortal realm. Her warm, bright hazel eyes, framed by long, dark lashes, held a gentle yet captivating gaze, drawing others into their depths, inviting them to share in her secrets. Well-groomed, arched eyebrows complemented her face, and her small, slightly upturned nose added a touch of innocence to her otherwise regal bearing, a hint of playful curiosity. Her full, glossy lips displayed a natural pink hue, enhancing her subtle, alluring smile, a smile that seemed to hold both kindness and a hint of mischief, a promise of hidden depths. Her flawless, fair skin glowed with health, as if she were bathed in perpetual sunlight, radiating a warmth that filled the air. Her oval face was framed by long, golden blonde hair, styled in a loose side braid with a soft pink bow, adding a touch of youthful playfulness to her otherwise elegant demeanor, a reminder of the young woman beneath the princess.

She wore a thin white dress, a flowing garment that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light, an image of pure perfection, a vision that seemed to belong to a dream. A breeze rolled by causing the dress to cling to her perfect form, making Francis and Derek's pulses quicken.

Carlos introduced her as his youngest and only daughter, Alexa.

Francis, ever the charmer, took her hand, his lips lingering too long as he greeted her. "Princess," he murmured, his voice thick with admiration, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her face, "it is an honor to finally meet you. I have heard tales of your beauty, but they pale in comparison to the reality. You are like a star fallen to earth."

Alexa raised an unimpressed eyebrow, her gaze cool and assessing, as if she were weighing his words, searching for hidden motives. Then, she turned to Derek, a flicker of interest and curiosity in her eyes.

Derek gently greeted her, "Princess," and kissed her hand, his touch light and respectful, a silent promise of gentle understanding.

Alexa felt a shiver run down her spine as his soft lips touched her fingers, a sensation that surprised her with its intensity, a spark of unexpected connection.

A gentle breeze shifted her hair, and Derek was enveloped by the intoxicating scent of Bamboo and Hibiscus, a fragrance that seemed to emanate from her like an aura, a subtle magic that drew him closer.

Francis, meanwhile, was lost in his own fantasies, imagining the possibilities that lay before him, his mind filled with images of stolen kisses and whispered promises.

Carlos's voice snapped everyone back to reality: "It's time to eat."

They entered the grand dining hall, a vast chamber illuminated by flickering candlelight, where a long table laden with a feast awaited them, a display of the kingdom's wealth and abundance. Alexa took her seat at the head, with Francis and Derek flanking her, like two courtiers vying for the attention of their queen, each seeking to win her favor.

The sons, Wyatt, Jayce, and Peter, sat further down the table, their eyes observing the unfolding drama. They exchanged amused glances, knowing their little sister was not easily swayed by flattery, and that Francis and Derek were likely walking into a trap of her sharp wit.

As they ate, Francis’s eyes never left Alexa. He made constant attempts to flatter her, showering her with compliments on her beauty, her dress, her hair, his voice dripping with syrupy sweetness. "Princess," he purred, "your beauty surpasses even the most exquisite jewels. You are a vision of loveliness, a goddess among mortals. I would gladly lay the world at your feet."

Alexa responded with polite indifference, her gaze often drifting to Derek, who sat beside her, engaging her in quiet conversation, his words offering a refreshing contrast to Francis's empty flattery. When Francis would make a comment about her beauty, Alexa would respond with a quick witted comment.

"Lord Francis, I understand my appearance is pleasing, but I find my mind far more interesting. Perhaps we could discuss the recent trade agreements? They are far more stimulating than empty compliments."

Derek, in contrast to Francis's flamboyant displays, engaged Alexa in thoughtful conversation. He spoke of the castle’s history, the surrounding lands, and the subtle nuances of courtly life, treating her as an equal rather than a mere object of admiration, respecting her intelligence and insight.

"Princess," he said, his voice gentle, his eyes holding a genuine curiosity, "I have heard tales of your wisdom and insight. What are your thoughts on the current political climate? What are your dreams for the future of your kingdom?"

Alexa’s responses were animated, her eyes sparkling as she spoke with him, her intelligence and wit shining through, her words revealing a depth of understanding that surprised and intrigued Derek.

She would respond to his questions with detailed answers, showing her knowledge of her kingdom.

"Sir Derek, I believe the future of our kingdom lies in strengthening our alliances, but also in fostering innovation within our own borders. We must look to the future, not just the past."

Alexa shifted her body causing her scent of Bamboo and Hibiscus wafted towards Derek, a subtle, intoxicating presence that seemed to draw him closer, a silent invitation to delve deeper into her world.

Francis, growing increasingly frustrated by their quiet intimacy, interrupted their conversation, his voice laced with thinly veiled impatience. "Princess, surely you tire of such dry discussions. A woman of your beauty should be entertained with more… stimulating pursuits.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a suggestive whisper, his eyes promising forbidden pleasures. "Perhaps we could find a more private setting to continue our conversation? A place where we can truly appreciate each other's company."

Alexa’s smile faded, her expression turning cool, her eyes hardening into icy pools. “I find intellectual pursuits far more stimulating than shallow flattery, Lord Francis.” Her voice was sharp, and her words cut through the air like a blade, silencing his advances. “I am not some trinket to be admired, but a woman with a mind of my own, also I'm a princess my body is for my future husband and we'll remain that way. And if you believe that a private setting with you is stimulating, you greatly overestimate your charm.”

Peter, who had remained silent throughout the meal, observed the interactions with a sharp, calculating gaze. A chuckle escaped his lips as Alexa silenced Francis, a sound that held both amusement and a hint of admiration. His dark eyes darted between Francis, Derek, and Alexa, taking in every subtle nuance, every unspoken desire, every hidden motive, storing them away for future use.

Carlos, sensing the growing tension, cleared his throat, his voice stern, a warning to his daughter. “Alexa, behave yourself. Show some respect to our guests. Your words are unbecoming of a princess.”

Francis, surprisingly, waved off Carlos's admonition, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "No, no, Your Majesty," he said, his voice laced with a newfound respect. "It's a nice change, actually. A woman who speaks her mind instead of agreeing to everything I say. It's refreshing. It shows a strength of character that is rarely seen in court.”

The meal continued, but the air was thick with unspoken desires and rivalries. Francis's lustful gaze, Derek's quiet intensity, Alexa's cool indifference, and Peter's silent observation all contributed to the palpable tension in the room, a tension that promised to erupt in the days to come, a storm brewing beneath the surface of courtly manners.