Love is a dangerous game. But when it works, it's the most beautiful thing in the world.
I found mine when I was twelve, so I know very well when two people like each other.
And now, before me stands the Crown Prince of Drakseid—the man who conquered Verdune—stricken with love at first sight. He probably thinks he's hiding it well under that cold, composed exterior, but I can see the truth.
He likely expected the emissary to be a minister or a noble. Instead, it was the princess of the Sapphire Empire herself, dressed in a violet silk gown embroidered with gold and jewels. Her silver locks shimmered under the light, more beautiful than the moon.
For a brief moment, I saw it—the flicker of surprise in his eyes. But it vanished almost instantly beneath that cold, calculating gaze. He recovered without missing a beat, his tone steady as steel.
He handled their conversation with impressive control, even when the topic drifted toward the bizarre idea of "Reincarnated Souls." I didn't understand half of it, but the tension between them was undeniable. They weren't just talking—they were probing each other, trying to read each other's next move. A political exchange masked as polite conversation.
Now we're preparing to give the princess a tour of the city—an expected but carefully calculated move.
And yet… I've seen this before. The way Rhydher stood just a little closer than necessary. The way the princess's gaze lingered on him when she thought no one was looking.
They're already drawn to each other—but neither of them seems willing to admit it. Watching them dance around their feelings is both hilarious and frustrating.
And the funniest part?They both look so good together.
Rhydher may wear his coldness like armor, but beneath it, anyone paying attention can see the truth—his quiet protectiveness, the careful kindness in his smallest gestures. The problem is, I don't think even he realizes it.
The princess, though—she already sees it. Her guarded posture softens when he speaks, and when he looks at her, her cheeks flush despite her best efforts to keep composed.
They're both trying so hard to keep their guard up, but the cracks are already showing.
The only question now is…
Who will admit it first?
We walked along the city where reconstruction works were underway.
Rhydher pointed toward one of the construction sites. "We are currently improving the water supply in the city. As you can see, dwarven water pumps are usually used to draw water, but the distribution has never been good or equal. And water taxes are usually high."
"That's the case in every city, isn't it?" Diana replied while observing the workers.
"It is," Rhydher said with a faint smirk. "But thanks to my aqueduct system, every house will get free water. We've also improved the drainage and sewer system of the city. Drakseid was the test case—now it's the model. Soon, every city of Drakseid will follow suit."
"That's very impressive," Diana said, her gaze sharpening slightly. "The Sapphire Empire would like to copy your aqueduct system too. Where did you get the idea?"
There it was—the pressure beneath her polite tone. She wasn't just impressed; she was testing him.
Rhydher's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile didn't fade. "History is a useful teacher."
And just like that, they slipped into a careful dance—trading words like blades, each trying to get under the other's skin without showing their hand.
We visited the main market next. Stalls overflowed with spices, silks, and trinkets, the scent of baked goods mixing with the clink of coins and the chatter of merchants. Despite their earlier guarded conversation, Rhydher and Diana lost themselves in the excitement.
For a moment, they were just kids. Not royalty, not future rulers—just two children laughing as they darted from one attraction to the next. The tension melted away, replaced by something rare and fleeting.
At one of the game stalls, Rhydher picked up a small wooden bow and arrow. The vendor smiled nervously as Rhydher knocked the arrow and fired. A perfect shot—dead center.
Diana raised an eyebrow. "Beginner's luck?"
Rhydher's smirk widened. He picked up a second arrow, aimed, and fired without looking. Another perfect shot.
"I'm good at most things," Rhydher said, his tone almost bored.
Diana's eyes glinted. "Is that so?"
She stepped up, took a bow, and loosed an arrow. It struck just left of the center.
"Not bad," Rhydher said. "But not good enough."
Diana narrowed her eyes, the hint of a smile curling her lips. "Careful. You're starting to sound cocky."
"Starting?" Rhydher replied.
The air between them buzzed with tension—not the hostile kind, but the sharp edge of something else.
It's almost funny—how they needle each other, trading jabs like seasoned diplomats. But beneath it, I can see it—this is how they flirt.
Diana rolled her shoulders, her gaze playful but sharp. "One more round?"
Rhydher leaned slightly closer, his smile dangerously calm. "Try me."
I had to stop Rhydher from participating in most of the games—he was too good at them. Any more wins, and he might have put half the market out of business.
Diana's laugh rang out, bright and genuine. And for a brief moment, Rhydher smiled too—not the calculated smirk of a prince, but a real, unguarded smile.
For once, they weren't negotiating. They weren't strategizing.
They were just two kids falling into something neither of them had prepared for.
And the funny thing is? Neither of them seems to realize it.
We visited the fields and farms outside the city. It was refreshing to step away from the busy streets and market.
From a hill outside the city, we could see Death Valley—the only route the Distia Empire could use to reclaim Verdune. All other paths were cut off by foreign territories.
I realized this valley was one of the reasons why Rhydher conquered Verdune. By concentrating his forces there, he would neutralize the advantage of numbers. In close quarters, with their shield walls and discipline, the soldiers of Drakseid would hold the advantage every time.
As we walked back from the farms, we passed by the training grounds. Soldiers and new recruits were pushing their limits under the midday sun.
Some ran for miles, muscles straining beneath the heat. Others brawled with fierce precision, while some lifted weights of staggering sizes. Further down the field, lines of recruits moved in perfect sync—battle formations executed with the grace of a war dance. It was a sight to behold.
"With training this intense and soldiers this disciplined, it's no wonder you crushed an army three times your size," Diana said, her voice laced with admiration, praise—and a tinge of fear.
Rhydher's gaze sharpened. His voice was calm, but the undercurrent of patriotism was unmistakable. "Since the day we reclaimed Gehena and Verdune, the soldiers of Drakseid have been the shields of our people. And when the time comes, our spears will strike beyond our borders."
Diana remained silent at that, her expression hard to read.
We returned to the mansion by carriage. The air inside was thick with unspoken thoughts, and the silence between Rhydher and Diana stretched for almost a minute.
Then Diana broke it. "What's for dinner?"
Rhydher's expression softened. "Not sure. Hopefully something good."
I smiled to myself. Rhydher and I were both suckers for good food and delicacies. If there was one thing that could break the tension, it was food.
For a moment, the weight of the battlefield and the political games faded into the background. They were just two young royals sharing a carriage, the threat of war and empire-building momentarily forgotten.
But it wouldn't last. It never does.
After returning, the prince and princess took their time to bathe and change. I oversaw the dinner preparations and finalized the evening's itinerary before slipping away to change for dinner myself.
The dining hall of the mansion was as grand as expected—high vaulted ceilings, long polished oak tables, and gilded chandeliers hanging above us. But the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. For once, no tension of politics or war lingered in the air.
Prime Minister Josh sat at the head of the table, his posture straight but his smile easy. Across from him sat Maximus L. Hyde, my fiancé—a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and sharp green eyes. His features were regal, but his expression was casual, almost playful.
Rhydher stood as Diana entered the hall. Her silver hair was tied back in a loose braid, and the soft lavender dress she wore made her stand out even among the gold and crimson décor. She moved with quiet confidence, her gaze sharp as she scanned the table.
Rhydher stepped toward her. "Allow me to introduce you."
Diana's gaze flicked toward him. "Introduce me? I thought I was the guest of honor."
"You are," Rhydher replied. "But even royalty needs proper introductions."
Josh raised an eyebrow. "Formalities from you? I'm impressed."
"Don't get used to it," Rhydher shot back.
He turned toward Josh. "This is Josh D. Speartact—Prime Minister of Drakseid. He's the reason the kingdom's still standing."
Josh's smile was easy. "And the reason Rhydher is still alive, though you won't hear him admit it."
Rhydher ignored that. His gaze shifted toward my fiancé. "And this is Maximus L. Hyde—Iron Man of Verdune, the new secretary of Verdune, and Lynda's fiancé."
Maximus leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. "That's a lot of titles for someone whose biggest accomplishment is surviving Lynda's temper."
"Flatter me more," I said dryly.
Diana's gaze sharpened. "The Iron Man of Verdune? I've heard of you."
Maximus inclined his head. "Hopefully good things."
Diana's lips curled. "Mixed."
Maximus laughed. "Fair enough."
Rhydher pulled out a chair beside him and gestured toward Diana. "Sit."
"Such a gentleman," Diana said, arching an eyebrow.
"You'd be the first to say that," Josh murmured.
Diana sat gracefully, her gaze lingering on Rhydher's for a moment longer than necessary. Rhydher sat beside her, a little closer than what would be considered proper. Diana didn't seem to mind.
"Well, this is a surprise," Josh said, swirling a glass of red wine in his hand. "Usually when I sit down with this group, it's to discuss treaties or battle strategies."
"Should I be offended?" Rhydher asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Josh's eyes glinted with amusement. "You could try, but I doubt you'd succeed."
"Give him time," Diana said smoothly. "He's good at many things."
"Oh?" Maximus leaned forward, his chin resting on his fist. "And what's his best skill?"
Diana's smile sharpened. "Making everyone else feel like they're ten steps behind."
"Must be exhausting for you," Maximus teased, glancing at Rhydher.
"Not really," Rhydher said, his tone casual. "I'm used to it."
Josh chuckled. "Now that sounds like something your father would say."
"I'd argue Rhydher's even more dangerous than the king," Maximus added. His smile widened. "After all, the king didn't claim Verdune at ten years old."
I rolled my eyes from the other side of the table. "Alright, enough praising the prince's tactical genius. I'd like to enjoy my dinner without feeling like I'm sitting next to a god of war."
"Careful, Lynda," Josh said. "He might start charging tribute."
"Good luck with that," I shot back. "He'd have to survive Maximus's table manners first."
My fiancé gave a mock scowl. "Uncalled for."
"You're the one who took half the bread basket," Lynda pointed out.
Maximus held up the last piece of bread. "Fair point."
"Shall we talk about the wedding?" Josh suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Maximus groaned. "Must we?"
"Why not?" Rhydher leaned back, crossing his arms. "I hear it's going to be quite the event."
"Oh, definitely," Diana added. "A secretary from a common background, no offense, marrying a Duchess? You'll have every noble in Vermanyan fighting for a seat."
I gave them both a flat look. "You're awfully invested for people who aren't invited."
"You wound me," Rhydher said, hand over his chest. "Surely you'll make an exception for your prince?"
"And his guest?" Diana added sweetly.
Lynda narrowed her eyes. "What guest?"
Rhydher's gaze slid toward Diana. "It depends on who accepts the invitation."
Diana's smile curved dangerously. "Then I suppose you'll need to make a convincing offer."
Maximus coughed into his hand. "Gods, this is painful to watch."
"I think it's cute," I said, smiling.
Josh, watching the whole exchange with the amused air of a man who had seen far too much, raised his glass. "To future alliances—political or otherwise."
Rhydher's gaze stayed on Diana as he lifted his glass. "Future alliances," he echoed.
Diana's gaze didn't waver. "Future alliances."
Maximus shook his head. "This dinner just turned into a negotiation."
"I'd argue it's always been one," Josh replied.
Plates of roasted pheasant, honey-glazed vegetables, and fresh-baked bread were set down before them. The aroma was rich and warm, filling the hall with comfort.
"I'm not going to pretend this isn't the best meal I've had in months," Maximus said as he tore into the pheasant.
"You do realize it's a diplomatic dinner, not a feast, right?" I remarked.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "If it's on the table, it's fair game."
"Savage," Diana murmured, smiling.
"Speaking of savage," Maximus said, glancing toward Rhydher. "Are the rumors true?"
Rhydher raised an eyebrow. "Which ones?"
"That you caught an arrow mid-air during the duel at Gehena."
Rhydher's expression remained neutral. "Perhaps."
"Perhaps?" Diana leaned closer, her eyes bright with curiosity. "You either did or you didn't."
"It depends on the angle of the shot," Rhydher said. "And the speed."
"Oh, please," I cut in. "He's just trying to make it sound complicated."
"You're not helping, Lynda," Diana said.
"I'm just pointing out that he's more dramatic than he lets on," I replied.
"Dramatic?" Rhydher echoed, his tone dry.
I grinned. "Oh, definitely."
"Your Highness," Josh said, his gaze sharp with amusement. "Are you going to take that?"
Rhydher's gaze slid toward Diana. "I could respond… but I think I'll keep you all guessing."
Diana's smile sharpened. "Clever."
"I'm known for that," Rhydher replied smoothly.
Maximus groaned. "Please tell me you two are not going to do this all night."
"Do what?" Rhydher asked, his tone far too innocent.
"You know exactly what," Maximus said.
Josh sighed. "I think it's inevitable."
Rhydher leaned toward Diana slightly, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?"
Diana's eyes glinted with challenge. "Would you want me to?"
A slow smile curved Rhydher's lips. "No."
Maximus pushed his plate back. "Gods save us all."
"From what?" Josh asked.
Maximus's gaze flicked between Rhydher and Diana. "This."
And with that, we laughed the night away.