3 Chapter 3

"Well then, it seems like I have taken up plenty of your time... If you would excuse me. I have heard that the royal chef's Osmanthus cakes are divine. I must have a taste." I walked away. Sneaking a peek at the first prince, I noticed his face turn purple as I walked towards the table with food.

'Hmph! Serves him right! I am not as generous to let a comment like 'vile' slide by!'

Suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "You! How dare you accuse this Prince!"

"Accuse?" I turned around with feigned shock. "I wouldn't dare! I only greeted Your Highness and the Second Prince. But Your Highness didn't seem to remember me so I recounted an old memory. I also mentioned that I found Your Highness VERY heroic when you defended the girl. How is any of that an accusation?"

The prince got startled and stammered.

"Your Highness, I am merely the daughter of a Marquis. There is no way I would dare to accuse you of anything."

"Exactly, she is a lowly Marquis' daughter, she wouldn't dare." He muttered, seemingly to himself.

"Then, if you would excuse me, my Osmanthus cakes are waiting." I turned around once again and continue towards the table. Just as I planned to stuff my face with cake, I got interrupted again.

"Excuse me, Lady Aster Saravelle?"

I turned around. 'What is it with these princes? Can't they let me eat my cakes in peace?'

'Oops! Judging by his expression, I said that out loud.'

I clear my throat. "Yes, Your Highness Second Prince?"

The Second Prince's expression changed from astonishment to a crafty smile. "You're pretty interesting, huh?"

"I'm afraid I do not understand what your highness is referring to." I averted my eyes from his cheerful smile.

"Not only did you give my brother a thrashing with your words, you even made it seem like a cake is more important than him."

I looked at him. "It is, though."

"What is?" He asked as if he doubted that he misheard me.

"A cake is more important to me than His Royal Highness, granted that it is an Osmanthus cake."

Suddenly, his eyes went wide as he realized that I am completely serious.

"Please don't tell that to anyone." I continued. "And I have no idea what you mean by 'thrashing'. I only went to greet the Princes and recollected a past memory. Now, I am about to eat the Osmanthus cakes that I have been craving, ever since I first heard of them. Nothing else."

"You are amusing, Aster." He said narrowing his eyes in delight.

'Oh dear, rumors can be false. I was told that the second prince was a haughty child that enjoyed going against the first prince, but those eyes of his hide intellect. He is a wolf in sheepskin. That's what he is.'

I stared into his eyes when suddenly a shiver ran down my spine. 'I must avoid him. My instincts tell me he's dangerous.'

I turned away. "Please refrain from calling me by first name, Your Highness. Now, if you would excuse me, my cakes." I said, filling my plate with four slices of cake and placing a piece in my mouth.

"Hmm~ delicious!"

"Aster."

"Hm?" I turned to him. "You're still here?"

He froze. Then smiling, he said, "I wish to be friends with you. I will visit your manor when I'm free."

"Whatever you wish." I said, not exactly listening.

"Later, then."

"Yes. " I said placing another piece of cake in my mouth.

A little while later.....

'Hm? Did he say something? Well, whatever....'