A Soft Spot

Crown Prince Alerone Caderin?

Rizelle had heard that he was the only son of King Hamon and cousin of Prince Nicien Vamieres.

Unlike the infamous Prince Nicien, there was nothing known about the Crown Prince who had higher standing. It must be why the fact that the friendly young man standing before her was none other than Crown Prince Alerone... was too shocking for Princess Rizelle Verona.

Raising her brows, she didn't even know what to say, and once again, time passed in silence.

"It seems like I surprise the Princess of Linolia," Crown Prince Alerone commented when he realized that Princess Rizelle was too shocked by his identity. With a chuckle, he continued, "I was at least expecting us to exchange a greeting."

The Crown Prince's words brought a smile to almost everyone's face yet Prince Nicien's face was still emotionless. Then finally, Rizelle was back to her sense, and she curtsied before Crown Prince Alerone Caderin.

"I beg for your understanding, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to meet you too." She believed that she succeeded in composing herself and she was glad for that.

No matter what, this lively Crown Prince was really something. She saw him calmly nodding at her in response.

"Now that we have finished the introduction, let's end the meeting here, Father," the Crown Prince said, turning to the King who was standing just beside Nicien. "Princess Rizelle spent days to reach here and the wedding is in three days. She will need a rest."

"Alright," King Hamon promptly agreed and nodded. Then he looked at Rizelle and said, "We have prepared a chamber for you to rest. The servants will escort you there." Without waiting for a response, he shifted his attention to the officials and declared, "Court is dismissed."

The officials immediately left the court once the King gave his order and in no time, Rizelle found herself alone in the huge court with the three royals and Duke Sarez. Just when she was trying to take her leave, the huge door was opened and an unfamiliar middle-aged woman walked inside.

Princess Rizelle had never seen the woman but... judging from the way she dressed, she could guess her identity. She knew that there was just one woman in the Esriven royal family right now and that's the Supreme Princess who was Prince Nicien's mother and King Hamon's older sister.

What King Hamon said at the sight of the woman proved Rizelle right.

"It seems like my sister can't wait to meet her soon-to-be daughter-in-law," the King remarked as he walked closer to the Supreme Princess who was walking towards him with a pleasant smile on her face.

Supreme Princess Selova Vamieres. Despite being in her 40s, everything about her screamed elegance. If it wasn't for the pleasant smile she wore, Rizelle might even think that it was impossible to approach her.

"You know how much I look forward today, Hamon," the Supreme Princess responded to her younger brother and quickly had her gaze on Princess Rizelle Verona. "This must be the Princess of Linolia," she said, flashing a warm smile at Rizelle who was exchanging her gaze.

Rizelle realized that she should introduce herself. Then once again, she curtsied before the woman who will soon be her mother-in-law. "Greetings, Your Royal Highness. I'm Princess Rizelle Verona of Linolia."

"You're so beautiful," Supreme Princess Selova promptly remarked and then looked at her son. "You are very lucky, Nicien. You should make sure to take good care of her."

This time, Princess Rizelle turned to the Prince without much enthusiasm. Nevertheless, what she saw rendered her stunned!

Nicien Vamieres was really nodding with a subtle smile on his face!

Did she see it right? He really know how to smile?

"I understand, Mother," he replied in a calm voice which was nothing like the one Rizelle heard before. When he told her his name a while ago, it was obvious that he wasn't that willing. At one point, he even sounded irritated.

Yet this time, it seemed like he really meant it.

Was this the effect of the Supreme Princess? It seemed like the so-called cold-blooded man also had a soft spot for his mother, after all.

"You must be tired," the Supreme Princess spoke up again; this time, it was directed to Rizelle. "You should go and rest for now. You will have to learn many things before the wedding. So, have a good rest first and I will come to meet you later."

Princess Rizelle nodded, brushing away whatever she was thinking. Then she curtsied and was about to turn to the door when she saw the Supreme Princess looking at her son. It was more like she was urging him with her gaze and once again, Rizelle was surprised by how quick Prince Nicien stepped up and looked at her; possibly for the second time.

"I will take you there," he offered. His voice was still surprisingly calm and it didn't suit his face that lack any kind of emotions.

She will be marrying this man in three days and Rizelle knew that it was only right for her to accept. She already agreed to marry him and it will be great if, at least, things weren't so awkward between them. However, she didn't look forward to getting to know him, not at all.

A single nod from Rizelle and she walked out of the hall with Prince Nicien while Duke Sarez stayed behind to talk with the King and the Supreme Princess.

Once she was out of the hall, Rizelle saw Vincent and Fina who were still waiting for her. She flashed a little smile at her concerned maid to let her know that everything went fine but... she wished that Fina could hide some of her interest towards the Prince who was with her!

Was she afraid that it would offend the cold Prince? Maybe.

Much to Rizelle's relief, nothing happened and she was quietly escorted to the chamber prepared for her. Prince Nicien Vamieres also walked beside her, quietly and in no time, they were standing inside the chamber where she will spend the next three days.

Until the wedding, she was the guest of Esriven and it was why she will be staying at the main palace. After the marriage, she will move to the west wing of the palace where the Supreme Princess and Prince Nicien resided.

Princess Rizelle thought that Prince Nicien will be leaving right away but... she was flustered when he came inside her chamber too. Thanks to that, they were standing opposite each other without saying anything for almost a minute now!

If he had nothing to say, shouldn't he just leave rather than turned the situation awkward again?!

While she was thinking of this, Nicien Vamieres spoke up.

Finally.

"The servants will be on standby outside, so feel free to call them if you need anything," the Prince started. "My men are also among the guards responsible for your chamber and they will inform me if anything happens. I will make sure that you are safe here, so you can be at ease."

Make sure that she's safe?

He talked as if she wasn't safe and it confused Rizelle. Nevertheless, the aloof Prince left before she got to ask him anything and all she could do was stare at the empty door.

What did he mean by saying that? Can't he be more certain?!