Day 47

Evening

For the sake of becoming the court musician, I ended up having to eat my dinner alone with the prince. Kace took me to a different dining room, it was far fancier than the one we usually used. This one was most likely for special occasions. And it made even nobles look poor.

The food was already set out. Some of the served meals were different than what we usually ate, but nothing too big of a change. I took my seat across Rowan and Kace left the room. A big part of me wished he didn't. Because being like this with the prince felt awkward.

"So how was your day?" The prince asked me, while I took my servings. The food I wanted to eat. Of course, the meat. Steak, ham, beef, I'll never get tired of it!

"Nothing out of the ordinary." I respond. At the same time, I took my knife and began cutting through the steak. "Yours?"

"Spent the afternoon having to read all these 'important' letters addressed to me." He sighed. "Couldn't get any more boring. Oh, and on that note, since you're going to be our new court musician, I'd have to inform you that we'll be having guests in about a week. From one of the neighboring kingdoms."

"You want me to play for them?"

"Yes."

I was happy to hear I get to play for an audience, but the prince seemed to be cringing. "Rowan, you don't look too pleased." I tell him. That exact expression was giving me a kick in the gut. And I'm doing my best to hold back from snorting.

"It said on the letter. Well basically they're inviting women over. Potential marriage partners or concubines."

"You don't like that?"

"Of course I don't!" He stammered. "But it would be rude if I reject. So I'll just entertain them for a day."

Woah sir, what's with the anger? I remember how I'd get so scared when the prince would get mildly upset back then. Now, it wouldn't bother me very much.

"Ah.." I continue chewing on my food, while Rowan looked dissatisfied with me. In fact he hasn't touched his food yet.

"You don't look even the slightest bit bothered."

"Why would I be?"

"Because girls are coming here to seduce me."

"Ok? And that's supposed to bother me?"

"Yes!"

I stop to look at him for a moment. Studying every feature of his face. From the strands of his hair that was not brushed back, to how tired his eyes looked. He's dead serious! I bursted out laughing. "Pfft, why would that make me jealous?"

"Do you have absolutely no feelings for me at all?" I could hear him sighing under the sound of my own laughter. Until I stopped. "You're so difficult." He scowled.

"Oh? You goin to give up with trying to make me fall in love with you yet?" I wiggled my brows, much like how Adria does.

"Over the dead body of everyone in this kingdom."

"N-no it's supposed to be 'over your dead body.'" oh the power that this man holds. It's scary.

We both chuckled, and the prince finally started eating. We didn't talk much after that. It was mostly the prince ranting about how he disliked the things his father made him do as crown prince, which I find kind of cute. It's just really cute when a guy is ranting to me about their problems.

When we were finished, the prince promptly left, saying he had unfinished duties. Multiple maids came inside to fix everything, and Kace stood outside the room, by the door.

"Kace! Thanks for the food, it was delicious. As always!"

"I'm glad, Riselle."

"Did you eat yet? Have you been standing here this entire time?" Honestly, I sound like a doting mother when talking to Kace at times.

"No, I haven't eaten yet. And yes, I've been standing here the entire time to make sure no one intruded."

"Go eat then!"

"I will." His gaze shifts down to the necklace he gave me. "You're still wearing it."

"Of course I am! It's beautiful. And it's a gift from you." I lift my hand and hold onto the pendant. "I'm surprised It survived my kidnap."

"If It didn't, I wouldn't mind getting you a new one."

"Huh- why?! It was so expensive! Besides, all of that ladies' jewelery is one of a kind."

"I'd go through galaxies to make you happy."

I frown at how stubbornly persistent this man is. It reminds me of how Adria told me that he likes me. Just what am I going to do about this?

"You should... Go and eat." I brush the previous topic off, and wave good by as I head back to my room and flop onto my bed. The idea of having to potentially reject such a sweetheart pains me.

I really, really don't want to pity him. But he deserves this kingdom, and a strong, sweet, intelligent woman to stand by him. Not me.

"Did something happen?" I hear Luca's voice.

"Why are you in my room?" I groan, turning to face the ceiling. The sound of his voice seemed to be coming from-

"Beside you."

"Did you just read my mind or something?"

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Who knows? And I'm surprised that you aren't suprise that I'm in your room."

"Too tired to be suprised."

"Is that so. Anyways, congratulations on becoming an official court musician."

"Is that all you came here to say?"

"Perhaps I came here to lay in bed with you."

"Huh..."

"That didn't shock you either? Yeesh." Luca sat up. "On a serious note I just came here to tell you what kind of music our guests prefer. Just early preparations so that the plan goes well."

"Mkay."

"You better not fall asleep on me."

"I'll try my best."

"So, basically it'll be three women. Two around the prince's age, and one of them is in her late twenties, still looks pretty young though."

"Anyone in their twenties is still young. Tell that to someone over 35 and they'll wack you."

"Who knew you could still be funny when you're tired."

"You trying to insult me?" I sat up and glared at him.

"And if I am?"

My eyes roll at him. I roll my eyes at him so often that my eyes do it themselves now. "Just continue what you were saying earlier."

"For the type of music you should play, I recommend more calm compositions. Moonlight Sonata, maybe?"

"Sounds ok with me." Though that's kind of an eerie one, but if you say so.

"Alright. That's settled, you can think of other songs for yourself, I'll leave you to sleep now."

"Yeah."

"Goodnight, idiot." He says and casually leaves my room. I hope Adria doesn't spot him coming out of my room at this hour. Or else I'm in for an earload tomorrow.