Manipulative And Cunning

"My demand is something else, Aldric. But we will come to that later, first tell me more about what you need help with and then we can reach an agreement." Ziran said, looking at Aldric.

There was something different about this man, he might not be exactly safe to cooperate with. Better safe than sorry.

"Second prince, I am aware of your hesitations. You just need to do me a simple favour. A girl with unknown identity has appeared in your kingdom. I hope you can take her in as your consort for one year and after that return her to me by spreading a rumour of her death in the palace." Aldric stated carefully noticing his expression.

"And exactly how would this benefit me?" Ziran asked not letting his face reveal his inner thoughts.

"Apart from the stones and maps we will also help you make peace with the other five kingdoms without considering marriage or tribal gifts as a way." 

"What if I do want to keep her for a longer period of time?"

"Your majesty won't probably be interested in her, if my assumption isn't wrong."

Despite saying this, Aldric was worried inside. He is not someone to trifle with, if he takes a fleeting interest in her, she would be anything but safe.

"She has a unique identity, it could be dubious and get me into trouble. I simply want to keep her long enough, so that even if something turns out to be wrong, people and the ministers of court can't point their fingers at me." Ziran stated calmly, neither denying nor admitting the fact.

"I will reconsider this, and let you know afterwards." Aldric spoke with hesitation.

"Take your time. However, if it's too long, I would automatically assume that you don't need my assistance anymore and can't guarantee her safety." 

Aldric nodded and left with a farewell of courtesy.

Steven, who was eavesdropping on the entire conversation, came out from the corner room.

"Brother you clearly want to keep sister-in-law, then why did you give him time to reconsider his choices? What if he doesn't contact you anymore."

He was puzzled with his brother's response. 

"If I agreed too easily, that would make him suspect my motive. He clearly isn't willing to make her stay with anyone who might take a romantical interest in her. With me giving him enough time and a logical reply aligning with my interest, he would be less cautious."

"Whoaa...you are too calculative. I wonder what would happen if by any chance she gets to hear you."

"Riwansa might be planning to get married to the prince in secret. I think you better pay attention to that."

Steven tossed away the puzzle in his hand and left with a thanks directed towards his brother.

'Given how resolute she is, she might very well do that only. What if….I sow a discord between them? Doesn't she think highly of that pretentious guy. I will let her see his true colors then.'

Steven thought to himself.

______________________

"Hey, what brings you here?" 

Yicheng was more than surprised to see Riwansa appear in his tent. 

The suggestion of the wedding was his to begin with. She agreed after much hesitation with the conditions of mutual respect and no crossing boundaries. It's been more than a year since the wedding was decided upon and within this long time span they barely met up or had a conversation. 

"I want to register our wedding officially. At this very moment if you are okay with that." Riwansa said after a moment of silence.

"Sure...I have no problem. Have a seat please. I will arrange the paperworks."

"Thanks a lot Yicheng." Riwansa gratefully smiled at him.

"Here are the papers." Yicheng said bringing in the necessary documents required.

"Just as I thought. What you thought if you can do it, I can't think of it?"

Steven leaped onto the table shattering away the showpieces and decors with a shove of the sword hilt.

Riwansa glared at him, knowing very well that he would retort to every word of hers at this moment.

"I burnt the documents already so don't worry that general isn't going to surprise you by any means."

"It's not very nice of a royal member to intervene in other's marriages, don't you think so too third prince?"

Yicheng entered the room with a scroll in his hands looking not quite surprised by Steven's sudden arrival.

"She is going to be my wife soon, I brought the royal decree. A general- I don't think you would have the authority to disobey that." Steven said, smiling at Riwansa.

"And how do you intend to prove its authenticity? Afterall-

Riwansa cut Yicheng off.

"It's ok. Sorry for the trouble. And...thanks once again."

------------

"You faked the decree?"

Riwansa asked, sitting inside the carriage.

"Even if I did that, we both know it would take me minimal effort to turn it into genuine." Steven replied in a relaxed manner.

"Why so suddenly?"

"Cause I changed my mind."

"It will tire you out too."

"Not everyone is like you."

The conversation came to an awkward end as Steven said that.

A few moments passed in silence. The carriage finally reached the entrance of the castle.

"You can stay at my palace for a while." Steven said enjoying Riwansa's reluctant gesture paired with her annoyed helpless glare.

"No thanks-

"That wasn't a request. Your high IQ couldn't even rectify that?"

"I will move in after packing my things."

"I already did that."

Steven responded immediately.

Riwansa rolled her eyes walking away.

"Aye where are you going? You can't disagree with a royal decree."

"I need to have a few words with someone."

"WAIT WHAT? Noo...wait.." Steven yelled at the top of his voice as the realization struck upon him.