The Courtesan

Chapter 31

Prince Kron came to find me for a dance. Amelia used her talent of disappearing into thin air to abandon me and from the looks of it, took Prince Miyon with her. While I wondered just how she managed to convince him, there was no proper reason to refuse the prince.

“This is our second dance. The first one was very memorable.”

“Yes…”

It’s where I started regretting my decision to ever get close to you.

“Did I ruin your mood? You looked quite happy with your friend there.”

“Oh, it’s not your highness’s fault. It’s a party of important people and I’ve never been this nervous before.”

“You don’t need to look then. You can just lean on me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

I stepped closer, leaning on his chest. One of his hands rested on the small of my back while the other was threaded through my hand. I don’t know what he was thinking but this was in no way better! His heartbeat was so calm for the situation he put me in! Eyes bored into me from different directions and I could almost sense the intent for my death.

“Is it better now?”

“... Yes.”

If I had a coin for how many times I’ve lied to the man, including that night, I could host a treasury of my own. The music being played was somber and slow with a romantic undertone. Almost everyone was dancing. Lady Andrella danced courteously to the right, giving me a stern stare. She insisted she was no longer my master but old habits die hard, I guess.

The king was in the middle, dancing away with his Queen. His eyes were on her, a small satisfied smile he gave as if she were the most beautiful woman in the room. She reciprocated with an infatuated look. If the man wasn’t an opportunist who gathered women like crops and the woman wasn’t a hypocritical idiotic adulterer, they would make such a beautiful couple.

And of course, my personal favorite, my ex-husband with another woman in his arms, looking like he would rather be struck by lightning. Observing him all night, he looked like he would rather be anywhere but there. He stood at another side of the buffet, taking only the wine. From his steps, he looked quite drunk and he kept stumbling.

I giggled when he stepped on his date’s leg and tried to recover to follow the crowd, only to stumble more and almost kiss the ground. My giggle caught Prince Kron’s attention and a brief glance around revealed the source of my entertainment. He chuckled, looking away.

“It’s almost ironic to see him acting like this when he’s always acting serious.”

“You know him?”

“That’s Prince Kalvin of Perimas. He used to be engaged to Late Princess Ariana but ever since she died, his cooperation with us has been shaky. He wants to withdraw completely but some say the reason he hasn’t done that is because he believes Princess Ariana to still be alive. He is still unmarried.”

Hearing that, my heart felt like it was being gripped by cold hands. I glanced at him again and this time, our eyes met. Hidden behind those unconcerned eyes was deep sorrow.

I hurt him. I did this to him.

“He has a date, doesn’t he?” I leveled my voice to ask.

“That’s his cousin. He brought her here for a marriage proposal. She was going to be introduced to me and I was going to introduce my sister to him. It’s like an exchange to strengthen the relationship between our kingdoms.”

That sounded even worse than him having a date.

“But with me as your date, are they still going to be interested?”

“Oh that? The exchange is tomorrow. The ball is like a peacekeeping event but it almost never serves that purpose.” He chuckled.

“Look, the chaos is already starting.” He gestured to one of the buffet tables where two nobles wearing the fanciest tailcoat were shouting at each other. They staggered and raised their voice, showing that they were completely inebriated. Four guards came in and escorted them out.

“That’s just the beginning. If we’re lucky, no one would die tonight or by the end of these two weeks.”

“I do hope so.” I grimaced.

He continued dancing peacefully like nothing had happened. Fights at normal balls were uncommon, like there was an unspoken rule of peace. How could the palace be a breeding ground for trouble? Back when my father was king, balls were so peaceful, it was boring. My mother would drag my father out to dance and socialize. Life was much easier then. To see such a decline was disheartening.

“Prince Kron, may I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“If Prince Kalvin agrees to the exchange, will you get married to his cousin?”

“Of course. She’ll become my first wife.”

“Oh, I see…”

My plan was squashed before it even began.

“I wish you congratulations in advance.”

“Thank you.”

If he was going to get married anyway, why was he stringing me on? Just what was his purpose of making me his date? He gave me hope and squashed it with a peaceful smile.

“Does that make you sad, Miss Greycastle?”

“If I might admit, your highness, it disheartens me a little.”

In all honesty, it just made me mad. He wasted my time and efforts.

“You don’t need to. I intend to make you mine too.”

“...Excuse me?”

“It’s really quite simple. I want to court you, Miss Greycastle.”

“I’m sorry, don’t you have a budding fiancee?”

“It’s not finalized yet and even if it is, there’s nothing stopping me from having you both. I don’t love her but I fancy you a lot, Miss Greycastle. I could be like my father; he has the woman he loves with him and he has a queen. They have such a peaceful relationship.”

What? Have you finally lost it, dearest prince? Peaceful relationship, where?! Your family is literally falling apart!

“Unfortunately for his highness, I have dedicated my life to taking care of Prince Miyon. I would prefer if you consider your estate and not take such an impulsive decision.”

“It’s not an impulsive decision, I spent the journey back thinking about it.”

“I’ll be blunt for your sake, your highness. I am a former courtesan, taking care of your brother. If word gets out that I am even close to you, your reputation will take a dive and you might lose your place as crown prince. I’ll decline for your sake.”

“It’s really not that serious.”

“Pardon me your highness but it really is. I have to go now. I had such a lovely time dancing with you.”

“Are you upset Miss Greycastle? Whatever for?”

“I’m not upset. I’m too tired to continue. I must check on Prince Miyon now.”

I gave a curtsey and walked out, not looking back. If I had done that, god knows I would have done something drastic.