7 Chapter 7: The Prince Who Saw Her

Kanna did not say anything, sitting a distance away from Lin empire's infamous prince.

When generals in Airen would tell the story of the fearsome prince of Lin empire, Kanna would just laugh at them. Old people would say he is cunning, young soldiers would say he is a slave-driver, and women would say he is handsome. Kanna would just raise her eyebrows at them back then, unconvinced of the description each person told about him.

But now, seeing the guy in person, her description would fall under the most common people had of him- the devil himself.

"I had no involvement to the princess's abduction." She took the initiative to speak. The man in front never said anything since he made-commanded- her to sit down and wait. He was busy stamping his seal on his papers.

"I know." The guy just said without looking at her, "Those people have already been caught."

Kanna narrowed her eyes on him, anger and confusion welled up to her. "Then why are you still keeping me here?"

The question seemed to make Kai look to her. He finally laid his papers on the table and look at her. "Kanna is actually better than Alicia Kannary." He said. Kanna did not react, unwilling to concede in his claim, even though he was right.

"You know, "he started, "I once visited the royal family of Airen. It was quite boring; really, the ministers were sucking up to me so hard that they took the fun of the banquets for me."

Kanna had no idea what he was getting at. She had seen him before as a guest in her kingdom, when she greeted her father and the ministers in the banquets. At that time, she wore a veil that covered her whole face. It was a rule in the royal palace that she isn't allowed to show her face in public, especially when foreign guests are present. Her father never allowed any outsiders to see her, especially people from the North Empire. It would be impossible to recognize her. Could he be bluffing? If he is, there could still be a chance for her to escape any suspicions that he had.

"What does that have to do with me?" she feigned innocence, staring right at him. He remained the poker expression in his face, ignoring Kanna's comment.

" I went out to get some fresh air. Then, I saw that same veiled queen heir who presented herself in the banquet." Kai paused, and did not falter at Kanna's stare. "She removed her veil outside, revealing a maiden with raven hair and obsidian eyes. She had skin that differs from the Airen people. That's when I realized the king of Airen's secret..." he let a cool breeze past between them. The soft chirp of a bird was heard as it flew across the window.

"The king of Airen? Or the former king of Airen?" Kanna asked, confused herself. She knew the reason why she kept her face from foreigners was to lower any possible assassinations. But as for Shin, the current king, she had no idea what his secrets were. She would never have any idea, anyway, now that he betrayed her. She wondered if Shin had always been a fake in front of him.

"Both." Kai answered, Kanna's forehead creased. Does he actually know something that she herself doesn't know?

"What secret are they hiding that concerns me?" Kanna questioned. If he knew something, she had to know too.

Kai blinked at her, "That was pretty fast. You immediately admitted your identity?"

Kanna inhaled, already annoyed at this guy's play of words. "You tricked me?" she gritted. Out of all things, she hated liars the most, considering what she had gone through.

Kai grinned, quite enjoying the confused and annoyed face the woman in front of him was giving. " I didn't trick you. I was just surprised that you gave up easily. I thought you'd deny more."

Kanna considered still putting up a fight a while ago, but she realized that he already knew and recognize him. She did run away from that banquet before to join the barracks in training the new recruits. She smiled at him, "There is no use fighting a defeated war, is there? Since you know me and I'm at your territory, I don't think I'm being wise by feigning innocence."

"Good thinking." He commented.

"So.. why did you tricked me here? I don't think you did it just to tell me my father and that guy had a secret that I should know of."

"I didn't know this queen is an impatient woman." a mocking smile appeared on the prince's face. His comment sent Kanna's eyes piecing right through Kai. Did he call her queen because of her blood? Or because she was the new king's wife?

"I'm not Airen's queen." She only said, for now, anyway. When she finally takes revenge for her father's death, she will be, someday.

Kai did not mean Airen, but he did not speak back. He saw a flash of rage in her eyes. The atmosphere in the room stiffened.

"I need you to do something for me." Kai spoke with authority, quite forgetting that the person he was talking to had power too. Kanna frowned at him. Even though she was no longer at Airen palace, the royal blood of Airen still ran through her veins. Besides, she wasn't used of other people besides Leisha telling her what to do.

"You sound so confident that I'll do it. Shouldn't you ask first if I want to be involve with you"

Kai smirked, "You will do it. I'm pretty sure." A proud look was pasted in his face.

"I hate to break your over-confident bubble but… I don't want to waste my time for you. Tell the whole world I'm the run-away Airen princess, I don't care if you don't keep my secret." Kanna was thinking the opposite, actually. She can't be exposed right now. She didn't even start what she wanted to start. Kanna can't possibly run away again and again.

"Oh? I did not tell you to do it for me to keep your secret. You and I will benefit from it." The same proud face still looked back at Kanna. From the looks of it, he was mocking her with her wrong interpretation.

"What do you want me to do? Say it first and I'll think about it." She might as well agree for now. She's in his territory. Who knows, the only thing that keeps her alive within this 2nd prince's manor is this.