Crown Prince, Eris

The trumpets blew, announcing the arrival of the Crown Prince, Eris.

After the incident on her engagement, she had been silent, not uttering a word. The king had assured her that she doesn't have to worry. "Are you hungry?" His masculine baritone voice made her flinch. "N… No," she managed to say. He frowned, and didn't utter any word, as he led her to the bedroom. "Bruce, send the maid to bring her food." The room was spacious, with a king-sized bed in the middle. The walls were painted in a shade of red. The thick curtains had obstructed the sunlight from penetrating its light into the room, hence, making the room dark.

Steph stood there, gawking at the magnificent bedroom. It looked like one from the many bedtime stories she read, except that this particular one gave a dark feeling. She didn't realize her mouth had already formed an 'O'.

"You might want to close your mouth for a second, or you might start drooling," he said, while sipping a cup of coffee. Her face flushed in embarrassment.

There was a knock on the door, "Prince Michael, the king asked me to inform you of Crown Prince Eris' arrival," Max said. Michael's expression suddenly changed. "Let's go." Was all he said.

She silently trailed behind him. Eris had already arrived, before the duo came to welcome him— and was speaking to the king. Eris was a tall, handsome looking man, nevertheless, he was nothing compared to Michael. He would lose if he tries to challenge Michael to a beauty contest. His brown eyes, his heart-shaped lips, were worth dying for. One look at him, and you will know he is one who doesn't like the idea of being committed to, and tied down to, a woman. Many girls threw themselves at him, when they have the opportunity, he was a "f×ck 'n' dump" man.

"Greetings, Crown Prince Eris," Stephanie curtsied.

"Such a beautiful young lady. Your whole being is a cornucopia of beauties, one created out of perfection. You look enchantingly beautiful," he complimented, as he kissed the back of her palm— according to the laid down traditions. He didn't even notice his brother, who was staring daggers at him. "Welcome," Michael said. "Oh, my dear brother. Sorry, I didn't notice you, it's been a long time. You still haven't changed. Anyway, look at the pretty girl, father had brought me to wife," he spoke and held Steph's arm. Michael grabbed her and yanked Eris'hand away from her, and shielded her like a mother hen protecting its chicks. "She is mine!" His voice was firm.

"I'm not going to fight with you this time. Give her back to me," he said.

"You both, stop this nonsense. I told you to look for a woman, but you refused and left to the Debs, in pretence to be on a mission. Michael chose to wife her, go get yourself a wife. The king said.

"I do not need any other person. I want her. Only. Her!" He stomped out, the king followed, and Michael was left with Stephanie and Bruce.

"Sorry to interrupt, my Prince. Would you excuse us with Miss Steph? She needs to wash up," one of the maids said. Michael nodded and they both left.

"What are you going to do?" Bruce asked.

"I won't let him take her!" He said with affirmation.

"No… I mean, is she the one? The one you're destined to be with? More like your mate?"

"I… Don't know."

'Wait… What? He doesn't know? This devil always knows everything. Are you—"

"Shut up! I'm trying to think. Veronica has powers, I don't think she knows. But Stephanie? I can't sense any power from her," he explained.

"She's her foster daughter, right? Why not ask her about her childhood." The latter came more like a statement than a question. He agreed to ask her later on.

*Minutes ago*

Stephanie was taken to the royal bathroom, the steam coming from the bathtub welcomed her. As the maids undressed her, she felt embarrassed, but she had no choice. She slid into the tub, she tested her head on the surface of the tub and felt relaxed. She closed her eyes as she felt the impact of the lavender, plus the soothing feeling of the lukewarm water.

"You're beautiful, Miss," Vanessa, the youngest maid, said. "Thank you," she replied.

After some minutes, she dried her hair and wore her night gown. "The prince will not join you for dinner tonight, but I assure you that he will be back. I'll bring your food here."

She stood near the window, the cool breeze swept her hair off her shoulder, she enjoyed the view at night. She didn't notice the figure staring at her. With her hair dancing with the wind, she looked like a beauty goddess.

He walked a little closer and touched her shoulder. She flinched immediately, and took a few steps backwards. He came closer, and she tried not to move back, but her legs gave her away. She could no longer move backwards, as her back hit the wall, and he smirked, as he placed a hand on the wall, caging her, while his other hand was in his pocket. She tried to avoid his gaze, but his eyes were a force to reckon. "Are you scared of me?" He asked. "N… No. I'm not," she stuttered. "So, why do you flinch whenever I talk to you?" His voice sounded as though he were hurt, but he still had a poker face.

"I'm sorry."

"Get some rest," he said.

"Are we sleeping together?" She immediately bit her lips. "Don't think I'll touch you. I will not lay my hand on you until you are ready, if that's what you are afraid of. If you are still not okay with that, I'll sleep somewhere else. Goodnight." He left without waiting for a response.

She raised her hand to stop him, but stopped midway, she sat on the bed, thinking about everything that happened in less than a day or two. She couldn't believe her family did this to her. She was mad at her real family the more for leaving her. She had stopped searching and crying all night, waiting for them to come back for her. Now she is married to the devil, could her life get her better? She hugged her pillow as a drop of tear appeared at the corner of her eyes, and drifted to sleep.

*Next morning*

She snuggled closer to feel the warmth exuding from whatever she was hugging. The soothing feeling she felt kept her from waking up. She walked her knee up, caressing… She wasn't dreaming, was she? Her beauty sleep had ended as her eyes flew open. She flushed red in embarrassment as her eyes met his. 'Oh, my! What did I just do?'