Worry for nothing

What are they doing here?

"Hello, there. You must be the lucky girl. Ophelia, is it?" Prince David looked at me with a smug smile.

I don't exactly understand what he is smiling about or why is that there is a slight tease in his tone when he asked me that.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ophelia. I'm Prince David," he added and stepped closer to me.

I stepped back until I unconsciously sat on the bed, and the two princes advanced, close enough to intimidate me more than I already am.

But what I'm wondering about is, why do they seemed to know about me more than they should? Am I missing something?

Precisely, Raja answered.

Do you know what's going on here, my mighty dragon?

I am not quiet sure, my lady. Do you want me to evaluate the situation for you?

Ugh. I hate your sarcasms, Raja. You are aware of that, are you?

Am I?

Oh please!

"Nice to finally meet you, Lady Ophelia. You should visit the palace often so we can talk some time—"

Prince Martin was cut off by the abrupt opening of the door. Like a reflex, my eyes drifted automatically to the person who just entered the chamber.

"What are you two doing here?" Demitri fired at his brothers, looking so serious and lethal.

The two quickly stepped back, pretending to get serious in front of their older brother, but the ghost of smile in their lips couldn't escape me. Looking at them at this proximity, I can't help comapare their physical traits. They actually resemble each other, but each of them has his own edge. The most mature looking, perhaps because he's the eldest, and very dominant, is Demitri. Meanwhile, Prince David looks like he's the most playful among the three. And the youngest, Prince Martin, looks like the combination of the two. But overall, they have one common difference, that is: they are dop dead gorgeous princes who can literally buy women just by their looks.

"Just checking if our guest is comfortable in our palace, brother," Prince David answered.

"And you went here personally without asking for my permission first? You can't just barge in like that next time I have a guest in my chamber. What if she's uncomfortable with your presence?"

"Are we making you uncomfortable, Lady Ophelia?" Prince Martin asked.

My lips fell apart, I couldn't think of a right answer. If I say yes, that would be offending. And as if I have the right to tell them that, right? So all I could do is shut.

"Get out the two of you. I will talk to her. Get out," Demitri demanded with full authority.

"What? You're hurting our feelings here, brother? We just want to know more about the girl you've been telling—"

"One."

"Damn. He's started counting, David! We should get out now! Farewell for now, Ophelia. Hope we can meet again in better circumstances in the future," Prince Martin waved to me before he pulled Prince David out of the chamber with him.

I sighed. Now at least I have to deal with only one prince. All the three of them is too much.

"My apologies if they disturbed you."

"There's nothing to apologize for. I am thankful enough that you allowed me to stay here for last night. I owe you my life and thank you for that. But I really have to go now. Thiara must be worried sick about my sudden disappearance."

"If that is what you really want, then let me send you off—"

"Oh no need! I mean, I'm already privileged enough to be accomodated here in your chamber, I don't want to be too much of a burden to you. You may just ask a servant to guide me out so you don't have to waste your time."

"You labeled it the wrong way. Doing that is not wasting time for me. Besides, I have nothing to do today, so if you don't mind, I'll send you to where you are residing."

Send me home? What exactly does he want from me for him to be this kind? I don't remember spraying a potion or something in myself before I left Eravia. I also don't remember chanting some kind of sorcery so that he'd be charmed by me. Aside from I didn't have enough reason to do that, that is also beyond my capabilities.

"Look, Prince Ares—"

"Demitri. Call me just Demitri. I want you to call me that way."

I sighed.

"Fine. Prince Demitri then—"

"Drop the honorifics, Ophelia. I want you to treat me as how you treated me before. Without invisible boundaries created by our status. Can you do that?"

"That one is impossible. Who would dare ignore the crown prince's status? Laws are harsh in every kingdom, Your Highness. I dare not disrespect you in any way that would might lead to my death later on."

His jaw clenched. "Then at least when it's just the two of us? How about that?"

"Not fair enough still. What if we're just not aware that we're being watched? And one more thing, it's better if we don't see each other again after this. I don't want to be involved with you in any way. You being the crown prince alone is enough reason for me to avoid you. I have enough complications in my life and being close to you would spark rumors we both don't want. So now, would you please let me leave, Your Highness?"

"How sure are you that I will only give you complications? And about the other concerns, why would I be bothered? Is that only the reasons why you want to avoid me?"

"It's not only, those are vital reasons, Your Highness—"

"Stop addressing me that, will you?"

"That is against the rules, I dare not offend my future king."

"And you think you do not offend me by rejecting my offer of help multiple of times?"

His eyes were challenging me but I didn't falter. This is not the time to show weakness. I don't want him to see me that way.

"I accept helps, but I that doesn't mean I'd take advantage of your kindness."

"It's an offer. Why would you label it as taking advantage?"

"Yes, it's an offer, indeed. A very good offer actually," I said with sarcasm.

"Why can't we just stop arguing? The coach is ready. Let me get you home now."

"Very well," I gave in. If I continue the argument with him, I'd just be wasting time. I need to get back to Thiara as soon as possible. I don't want her to worry for nothing.