Lucile/Azriel

LUCILE

I could not sleep for a week straight…I can't help but remember the kiss I shared with Duke Azriel….. I could not sleep for a week straight... The image of the kiss I shared with Duke Azriel constantly plays in my mind, refusing to fade away. 

I sit up and touch my lips, blushing like an Idiot.. The way his arms wrapped around my waist... I smiled at the sweet nostalgia that washed over me. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with love and betrayal intertwined. Unable to escape the hold of those cherished memories, a sigh escaped my lips. 

I gently tapped my head, a silent reminder to be wary of my thoughts. Thoughts of him were poison, a dangerous path I dare not tread upon again. The painful reality was that he was an asshole, and dwelling on him would only lead to more heartache. 

I rolled my eyes and lay down again, trying to fall asleep. 

The first man ever causing butterflies in my heart is the one that fell in love with my cousin. 

As I lay there, gazing up at the ceiling, a wave of realisation washed over me. Without even noticing, my fingers had instinctively found their way to my lips, as if searching for the lingering sensation of his touch. The memory of his soft, yet fiercely passionate kisses still danced vividly in my mind.

I felt a surge of anger and attempted to find some rest through sleep. At last I felt my eyelids becoming heavy.

AS I OPENED MY EYES IN THE MORNING, I noticed Duke Azriel sitting beside me on the armchair. Startled, I asked, "What brings you here?" Still half-asleep, I rubbed my eyes while he smirked. With a subtle hint of sarcasm, he greeted me, "Good morning, Your Highness." If my father ever caught wind of his mocking tone, it could lead to dire consequences for Azriel.

A strange dark desire swirled inside of me as I saw him in loose jeans and plain white button up shirt, the top button undid…his hair were tousled but sexy kind of tousled that I almost gave into the temptation of my thoughts  I blushed as I stare at him

"What's wrong princess? Couldn't take your eyes away?" he taunted, rising from his seat, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as I responded with an exaggerated eye roll.

  "Do you have nothing else to do than be sarcastic? Is it your full-time occupation now?" I retorted with a smirk. Drawing nearer, he leaned in, bringing his face level with mine on the bed, his warm breath teasing my lips. His fierce eyes boring into my own. Then he touched my lips with his finger tips. 

"The things I can do with this smart mouth.." He brushed his fingertips on my lips, slowly…sensually…

That hit straight to my core…I sense myself getting aroused because of this hot jerk in front of me.

"I thought you liked Audrey?" I inhaled sharply at his touch, closing my eyes. He stiffened. 

"Get up. The Emperor has been waiting for you." He said coldly and got up, Then stood up straight and walked out of the room.

The feeling of rejection and embarrassment flooded through my cheeks. All the feelings of arousal from earlier are gone.

I TRIED FOR SOMETHING BOLDER TODAY. Instead of sticking to my usual dresses, I wore a Black dress with heels. I saw that on the internet last year ... .My father never said anything about the way I dress as long as it matches their "standards". As I walked towards my father's office I could feel everyone I pass by in shock, this was new for them afterall…..I never wore such outfits but Audrey did, she once wore a red dress which fell just above her knees and azriel couldn't take his eyes off her. It's like I am the boring one. As I entered my father's office, three heads turned towards me. My father seemed unfazed, hence, the outfit was approved. A prince which I recognise from the last ball.. Prince Ivan. and Duke Azriel..his gaze followed from my eyes to slowly my breasts and then even more slowly to my legs then he looked away ... .It provoked something arousing and carnal in me. 

"Princess lucile, please sit down." my father spoke in the indifferent tone he used. I sat down in front of him. 

"As we all know that you are going to turn Twenty four years old soon…" I nodded.

"Well I have decided that around this age you should be married." Father said likeIt was nothing. I was shocked as I looked at him in silence. 

"Since the most suitable bachelor I could find for you was Prince Ivan.he is smart, he is good at swordsmanship and knows 7 different languages." My dad smiled as he looked at Ivan. 

Sure, he was handsome with his sandy tousled hair and bright emerald eyes…but he is not the person I am interested in, he is not the person I want to kiss and wake up next to….but I had to nod, this was the only thing I can do right now.

I wonder why Azriel is the one shocked when i am the one getting married.

"Wonderful. You'll go on dates, hold hands in public, just like a normal couple" my father smiled. 

Prince Ivan, however, appeared unaffected, but he acknowledged with a nod. I glanced around, seeking Azriel's gaze. He was glaring at me, or rather, at the prince beside me...but his expression softened when our eyes locked.

I blushed softly, wondering what was wrong with me. Lost in my thoughts, I kept my gaze fixed ahead, only half-listening to the conversation and stealing occasional glances at Duke Azriel.

  His presence had an inexplicable effect on me, leaving me feeling both enthralled and unsettled at the same time. It was as if there was an invisible force pulling me towards him, awakening emotions I didn't fully understand. 

After a long and tiring day, I made sure to tick off everything I accomplished. I endured my father's constant nagging about wedding dates - check. I managed to successfully ignore Duke Azriel - check. I put up with Prince Ivan's insufferable bragging - check. Just as I was walking towards my room, someone suddenly grabbed hold of me.

"Hey, what-" I started to speak, but Duke Azriel swiftly covered my mouth. He pressed me against him as the guards walked past.

"Shhh... please be quiet, you certainly don't want to find yourself in this situation," he said with a smirk, causing my cheeks to flush. "What is the matter now, Duke Azriel?" I asked softly. 

"Why did you agree to the marriage?" he glared at me, his eyes filled with an intense curiosity. 

Bewilderment washed over me as I tried to comprehend why he cared about my decision. The question lingered in the air, challenging my understanding of his motives. What could have spurred his interest in my consent? The room grew heavy with tension as I struggled to find an answer. 

"Well, I can not decline father's request." I smirked knowing I was making him angry. He deserves it.

"That doesn't mean you'll just agree to whatever is thrown at you." He glared at me. 

"I must admit, Prince Ivan is quite attractive," I remarked, meeting his gaze. A furrow formed on his brow as he sighed. "Perhaps you should consider flashing a smile more often, otherwise that frown may become your default expression," I suggested. In response, I offered a gentle smile before he unexpectedly pulled me closer and kissed me. I was taken aback, yet I couldn't resist wrapping my arms around his neck in return.

"Princess," he whispered in a low, velvety voice that made my cheeks burn. As his tongue entwined with mine and the kiss turned deeper, he pulled me closer,then he picked me up, his muscular arms encircling my waist.He pinned me against the wall, his grip firm as I tangled my fingers in his hair. The tension between us was palpable, electrifying. Our eyes locked, a silent agreement passing between us. At that moment, the world around us ceased to exist. It was just him and me, caught in this intoxicating dance.

  His touch sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me. I yielded to his strength, willingly surrendering to the passion that consumed us both. Time stood still, and all that mattered was the intensity of our connection.

This feels so good….This feels like heaven.

Before we could proceed, a deliberate cough startled both of us from behind. My brother stood there with a smirk on his face, saying, 

"My, my, Duke Azriel…" My brother approached us as Duke Azriel released me, causing both of us to blush. "I was under the impression that you were infatuated with Audrey. I suppose Lucile is also a part of this so-called 'crush' harem. Interesting, isn't it?"

Right... I quickly realised that I was foolish to involve him in this situation when he clearly doesn't have any affection for me. "Keep quiet, Adrian," Duke Azriel said with anger. Wait, Adrian? I've never even used that name in reference to my brother. "That was incredibly rude of you, Duke Azriel. Your words have truly wounded me," my brother sarcastically remarked.

"I'll head to my room now. You guys can continue discussing this. Goodbye." I flashed a strained smile, my facade faltering as I briskly treaded towards the solitude of my quarters. It was imperative that I evade any semblance of eye contact with Duke Azriel - an encounter with him could unravel my delicate composure. 

With each step, I willed myself to block out the echoing conversations that trailed behind me, hoping to find silence within the confines of my room.

I could still sense the lingering touch of his hand on my waist, and the roughness in his kiss. It makes me wonder...

  Am I actually falling in love with my enemy?

AZRIEL

Sometimes I want to bury this man alive. Smirking, stood in front of me a royal bastard. Prince Adrian….

"I told you not to drag Lucile in this.I don't care whether you like Audrey or not, but we talked about this." 

"I know, I will confess to princess Audrey as soon as I can before I get distracted further." I sigh

Princess Audrey could never feel the way Princess Lucile does…..I'm unsure if it's lust or something else, but I promise you that I'll never develop feelings for her. I feel incredibly confused by how strongly she attracts me. 

"You better do, We both know prince Ivan is the best match for princess lucile"

Sure, he is.

He looks like the typical frat boy, honestly. I could be a much better match. 

"What is even good about that guy?" I roll my eyes, unable to comprehend what makes Prince Ivan so special. Is it his perfectly coiffed hair and effortless charm? Or maybe it's his polished manners and regal demeanour that have won over everyone in the kingdom. But let me tell you something, I have qualities that surpass his superficial allure.

  I possess intelligence, wit, and a humble heart filled with unwavering loyalty. Unlike Prince Ivan, I value true connection and emotional depth. My ability to understand and support Princess Lucile goes beyond mere appearance and status. So sure, he may be the "best match" in the eyes of others. 

"He is the best match for a fashion show, not for the princess." 

"You do not decide who is better for her, azriel" 

"I know better for her than you do,Adrian." 

We glared at each other before he broke down into laughter. 

"Sure, keep joking Azriel."

"I am not joking and this is not funny" I hissed.

"Don't come closer to my sister." Adrian rolled his eyes 

I narrow my eyes at him, the hell he means by that.

I looked away, then I went to my room ignoring him. 

The thoughts of Audrey and Lucile swirled through my mind, creating a twinge of confusion. As I nestled into my comfortable position, I couldn't escape the perplexity that accompanied their presence in my thoughts. Audrey's vivacious nature clashed with Lucile's demure demeanour, leaving me torn between two contrasting personalities.

I sigh as I start to fall asleep. Everything feels weird…

As I woke up the next morning I found Princess Lucile's cat sleeping on my bed.

I shake my head and let out a sigh of frustration before reluctantly standing up. Holding back my irritation, I gingerly scoop up the stubborn cat despite its attempts to claw at me. "Ugh, you're just as bothersome as your owner," I mutter under my breath, rolling my eyes for emphasis. 

Eventually, the feisty feline squirms out of my grasp, freeing my arms from its grasp.

I yawn and take off my shirt, as I was about to enter the shower, someone opened my room's door.

"Kiki?" It was princess lucile….she seemed different, her long hair braided and she wore her nightdress…she looked adorable. 

Our eyes locked, her gaze went from my face to my shirtless body, to my lips then she blushed. 

"Like what you see?" I smirk. 

"Hah. sure. I just came to get my cat." she walked past me as I held back the urge to pull her, to hold her….

"What is that little brat doing in my room?"

"She just came to give you cuddles" she smirked.

"Would have been better if it was you" I say as she blushed and glared at me.

I smile. This felt like this might be my  first time to smile at her.

"Pervert"

"I don't see anything bad in this idea, princess." I say as I grab her waist and pull her closer while her palms touch my chest. 

"I mean you're right." she wrapped her arms around my neck, I was shocked. "W-wha?-"

"But since I am not into you, no thank you." She kissed my cheek and smiled. 

I was in utter shock

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

I looked at her while she got out of my grasp….

I need her. I need to touch her.

I suddenly grabbed her waist again and pulled her closer.

"Don't move," I whispered in a hoarse voice, watching her eyes widen with surprise. As her breath caught, I gently placed my hand on her cheek, running my thumb softly over her skin. Her eyes fluttered closed, inhaling sharply, revealing her beautiful vulnerability. At that moment, I leaned closer, burying my nose in the crook of her neck, nuzzling against her soft skin. Responding to my touch, she obediently tilted her head back. Lowering my lips, I pressed them softly against her neck, feeling her breath growing sharper with anticipation.

Why am I doing this? But this feels right….like she belongs to me….

She pushed me away, embarrassingly, she grabbed her cat and left…

I sigh, what was I thinking, making this kind of move on the princess…? I just frowned slightly and walked to the shower to get ready. 

As I sat on the couch, I could feel the princess glancing at me from time to time. I could see a faint redness on her cheeks whenever I glanced at her. She looked amazing when she didn't dress like those boring royals. Her blue skirt fell just above her knees. She wore a white top with it which made her look so adorable

I try to gather my thoughts as I rise from my seat, making my way to the solace of my office. But no matter how hard I try, thoughts of her invade my mind incessantly. Why am I consumed by these contemplations? It shouldn't be so. My heart and mind should be solely dedicated to Audrey, yet I can't deny the way this other woman makes me feel. In her presence, a rare sensation of safety and liberation engulfs me. As if sensing my inner turmoil, I steal a glance at Lucile, only to find her already studying me with a blush reddening her cheeks. Quickly averting her gaze, she exacerbates my struggle for self-control.

I sigh and walk away, She is driving me crazy. I frown at myself and walk away.

Adrian had an unparalleled talent for being annoying. He would poke at my cheek and shake my shoulders, even as I tried to concentrate on signing the documents before me. Despite my efforts to ignore him, he persisted in his attempts to engage me. "You're mad at me?" he asked, genuinely perplexed. His next words hinted at a softer side: "Come onnnnn, talk to me!" In a seemingly apologetic tone, he continued, "Azriel... I'm sorry. I didn't realise you were so infatuated with her." It was undeniable that Adrian was a child at heart. No matter how intense our arguments became, he always found a way to reach out to me.

I let out a sigh before responding, "What is it that you want, Adrian?" He apologised, saying, "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you had feelings for Lucile." Trying to clarify the situation, I replied, "I don't love her." Adrian scoffed and commented, "Oh really? Well, she's been blushing all morning. What did you do?"

"Why do you care?" I continue signing.

"Tell me, please.." he made puppy eyes like they worked on me.

"Ask her by yourself." 

"You like her, I know you do." 

"I don't." I glared at him, he was smiling.

"Whatever, father said that you should accompany Lucile to the beach.

I was not even surprised this time. 

"alright. You're coming along then." 

"A prince have duties" 

"Like finding a date online? Yeah no. you're coming along." I smirk, why should I suffer alone? 

"fine…You're the worst." He rolled his eyes at me then walked away. 

Stupid. I feel like both of them just want to annoy me. 

I got up and walked out of the office.

I notice princess Lucile reading a book. 

I went up behind her and leaned closer to her. "What are you reading princess?" I brush a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"A book, can't you see, duke azriel?" she said in a whisper. 

"You seem so much interested in these kinds of books, princess ... .I wonder how you will react if someone actually does this to you?" I say in a slow whisper….she flinched slightly when I touched her neck. She was unbelievably beautiful

I kissed her cheek and it seemed she wanted to respond but couldn't..

My beautiful princess….