Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

After the meal, Ayira and Cian were left alone so Ayira could show Cian around the main palace, the central part of the Othinian palace situated on vast land. The two figures walked around the beautiful garden of the palace where no one was following them. As per the queen's orders, the two were left alone.

"So you are the Prince of Abetha?" Ayira began, finding no need for the formalities of addressing him as they had already met in informal situations.

"And you are a Princess of Othinia," Cian replied, as he continued to walk with her on the garden paths.

She nodded lightly and commented, "Being a Prince, invading the secrets of another kingdom and carrying out secret missions, shall I say it's praiseworthy?"

Cian smiled lightly at her remark and said, "Being a Princess, going against her own father and invading his secrets, is not less praiseworthy either."

She turned her face to look at him, prompting him to look back at her. His blue eyes were calm, refusing to reflect any of his thoughts. Finally, he asked, instead of waiting for her to take the initiative every time, "Aren't you afraid of getting caught and punished by the king? Why take a risk?"

"I am, but I am sure I will never get caught," she said casually, "Trying to do something better for my kingdom where I was raised is what I am supposed to do as a princess. I cannot stop others from doing wrong, but I can try to make it right on my side."

"Hmm, I appreciate the thought," he replied.

"I can ask you the same," she said, "Why take a risk in another kingdom? Aren't you afraid?"

"I can answer the same as you did," he replied, and both chuckled together.

They were both sure they had the same goal and didn't hesitate to take a risk to fulfill it. They continued to walk for a while in silence, not knowing what more to say.

Then, breaking the quiet, Ayira addressed Cian once more, her tone serious. "Prince Cian, there's something I wish to discuss."

He looked at her, "As you have called me by my title, it seems like it's something really serious and important to you."

She nodded and continued, "You are well aware of why we are together here like this."

"I am," he replied and waited to hear her.

"Our families wish for us to get married, but I do not wish to," she said straightforwardly, her tone serious this time.

Cian could see her eyes had determination, and she had already made up her mind. "I understand."

Seeing him so calm with her direct rejection when she didn't even give him a chance to share his opinions, she was surprised, "Won't you ask why?"

"I believe you must have a strong reason as you are a person with a goal in mind," he replied, still calm as if he felt nothing of her rejection.

"I find myself compelled to tell you the reason because I believe you deserve to know it," she said.

"As you wish."

"If I choose to remain in Othinia and dedicate myself to the welfare of my kingdom, then my spouse must be Othinian to align with my commitment. I have no intention of leaving this land. I will either not marry at all or marry an Othinian, as I am determined to fulfill my duties to this land and its people," Ayira explained, awaiting Cian's response.

However, he simply listened, maintaining his composed demeanor as he absorbed her words.

"Also, I already have someone I plan to marry," she continued.

This statement from her, finally made him look at her, though he maintained the same calmness as if nothing could shake him.

"I plan to marry him, and he will support me in what I plan to do," she added, showing that she truly trusted the man she spoke of.

"I wish you joy and prosperity, then," Cian responded evenly.

"Thank you. I hope you understand now. When the matter of marriage is raised, I believe you would reject it. As a prince, you can come up with any reason, and no one will question it," Ayira remarked, to which Cian simply nodded in agreement, his demeanor unwavering.

"How about we rest in the gazebo by the lakeside? We can converse further there," Ayira suggested.

Cian agreed, this time following her as she led the way. He raised his gaze and watched her walking ahead, his gaze as if it was the last time he would see her and the last time they would be together like this, even if it was for the short time.

They reached the gazebo, and Ayira had already instructed the servant to bring tea for them. As they sat in the chairs, Ayira asked, "I heard from my mother that you used to visit here when you were a young kid. You must have lots of memories here."

Cian gaze fixed on the serene expanse of the lake ahead, seemingly dived into the past. "This is where my mother and I used to sit, and she used to tell me different stories from the history of Othinia. I listened to them with interest."

"Aunt Niobe?" she said, to which Cian nodded.

"I have been hearing about my aunt since I was young. She is still said to be the best Princess this kingdom has ever had, so brave and smart that even the previous King used to seek advice from her. Every girl here is raised by her example, and the tales of her intelligence and bravery are narrated," Ayira spoke with respect toward the woman.

"I was raised looking up to her, and my goal has always been to be a better princess than her. Last time when she was here, I learned a lot from her. She is a great woman with every single finest quality."

"She does," Cian agreed.

As tea arrived, their conversation flowed. "Prince Cian, I hope you don't mind lingering here a while longer. If we depart too soon, my parents might suspect I didn't offer you proper hospitality," Ayira said.

"I can stay a while longer," he assured her.

With no one nearby, Ayira broached a sensitive topic. "When do you intend to set fire to the plantation?"

"That's not information for you to know, considering you declined my proposition," Cian replied, alluding to her refusal to provide him with the banned herb in exchange for information about the plantation.

Ayira offered a wry smile. "I hadn't realized the Prince, who appears as calm as still water on the surface, harbors grudges."

"Perhaps I trust in your ability to gather the information on your own," he replied evenly.

"Thank you for your trust, Prince Cian. But given our time constraints, how about I provide you with the herb during my next raid on the smugglers?" Ayira suggested, eager to find a solution.

"I don't believe in renegotiating a rejected deal," Cian replied calmly, savoring his tea.

Ayira understood that this man was not going to back down, as she had been adamant at that time. "Alright, I didn't know you were a prince and whether I could trust you. It was dangerous to hand over that herb to just anyone."

"And I praise you for that, Princess Ayira. I am glad you didn't fall for the temptation of the information and didn't just trust a stranger."

"Then…"

"I can obtain that herb on my own," Cian said, "and I believe you can gather the information on your own when an outsider like me can obtain it so easily."

Ayira didn't insist further, as she was a woman with pride as well. "I understand."

"I'll be handling the matter in two days, so you'll have that much time to join in a noble cause. I trust you'll be there to participate," Cian informed her.

Ayira pondered his words. Was he praising her abilities or issuing a challenge? She couldn't quite discern.

Setting his cup down, Cian announced, "I must take my leave now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Princess Ayira."

Ayira nodded, and they both rose from their seats. Cian bowed politely before departing, leaving Ayira to watch his retreating figure. 'If only he were Othinian,' she mused to herself, 'I might have considered marrying him. A man like him could greatly assist in my endeavors.'

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