There was a few minutes of silence following the words Princess Isolde said.
“Oh, I see. You have high taste in men,” Cassie said, raising a brow.
“Yeah, you’re right, and I’m also determined to get the man I love,” Princess Isolde said with an awkward smile.
“Really? Who’s that lucky man?” Cassie asked in a teasing tone.
Princess Isolde’s lips tugged up in a wicked smile.
“You don’t wanna know,” she said, looking at Cassie.
“Oh… I see,” Cassie replied, looking back at Princess Isolde.
“Hmmm… Well, you know… King Kael—” Princess Isolde started but was interrupted.
“So, what about him?” Cassie raised a brow in question, making Princess Isolde chuckle.
“Awwn, you sound like a jealous wife right now,” she said, laughing heartily.
“Don’t you know the position you are in right now is a position many royals would love to have, huh?”
“And how am I not sure you’re among them?” Cassie shot back.
Princess Isolde moved closer, raised Cassie’s chin, and smirked.
“Who I pick interest in doesn’t matter to you, but let me warn you beforehand… You might go down because of the king. Many royals are after your position, and not just ordinary humans, powerful beings who will be accepted by the council of elders.”
Cassie slapped her hand away.
“Cut it! I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks. All I know is that the king is mine and mine alone!” she said with determination.
Princess Isolde laughed.
Moving closer at the speed of light, she touched Cassie’s chest.
Immediately, a light emitted from Cassie’s body, which Princess Isolde controlled, holding it in her hand.
Her eyes became lifeless as she stared into space for a while before finally blinking.
She looked at Cassie and smirked.
“Do you really love the king?” Princess Isolde questioned, making Cassie frown.
“How dare you use your magical skills on me!” Cassie roared in anger, slapping Princess Isolde hard, causing her lips to tear a little.
Princess Isolde licked her lips and laughed wickedly.
“And who are you that I shouldn’t use my magic on you, huh? I don’t care if you love him or not, but with your current attitude, he’ll surely choose a new wife. And mind you, I’m not giving you advice to help you… I came here not to assist you but to do something that will satisfy me. You are nothing but a sex mate to the king. When he gets married to someone powerful and deserving, she will make sure to eliminate you.”
Cassie was at a loss for words.
“Why so much hate for me, Princess?” Cassie questioned, but Princess Isolde gave no response.
“Why do I feel like you’re also interested in my husband?” Cassie asked again.
This time, Princess Isolde smirked and whispered in her ear, “Well, that’s left for you to decide.”
“You dare come to this kingdom and show me such an attitude? What a nerve!” Cassie said, her eyes fierce.
“Hahaha! Such a funny speech… Do you think you have an important role in this kingdom? You’re not even the queen! Why don’t you ask your husband why he hasn’t made you queen, huh?” Princess Isolde smirked.
“My husband’s decisions have nothing to do with you!” Cassie shot back, defending Kael.
Princess Isolde laughed.
“Oh… Lol, he’s preparing to take another powerful wife, not a weakling like you!” she said with amusement.
Smack!
A heavy slap landed on Princess Isolde’s face, making her cheek turn sore.
She glared at Cassie and raised her hand to slap her back, but a hand caught it midair.
“Don’t lay your hands on her,” came Prince Orion’s voice, making Princess Isolde walk out in anger.
“I’m so sorry she behaved that way toward you. She’s annoying most of the time,” Prince Orion said and bowed slightly.
“It’s okay. Thank you for stepping in,” Cassie replied, but she suddenly felt a heavy presence.
Kael?
She turned back and saw Kael looking at her, his eyes deep.
Prince Orion, noticing the awkward atmosphere, bowed and left them behind.
Cassie pursed her lips and exhaled heavily before walking toward Kael and hugging him, surprising him.
“Are you done flirting with other men?” he questioned, making Cassie pull away from the hug.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, her face looking sore.
“You’re mistaken again. Princess Isolde and I had a misunderstanding. She questioned my position in this kingdom, which hurt me, so I slapped her. She tried to retaliate, but Prince Orion came just in time and stopped her,” Cassie explained, making Kael laugh.
“Let’s go,” he said, his expression grave.
“I don’t want to see you around him,” he warned, taking her hand as they walked away together.
******
Back in the guest room…
Princess Isolde stood in front of a mirror, touching her swollen face.
“What did you say to Cassie, huh?” Prince Orion asked, his tone chilly.
“What? You want to take her side, huh? Don’t you have any remorse for me?” Princess Isolde said angrily.
“I don’t care!
Just watch your mouth when she’s around.
Remember, she’s King Kael’s wife.”
“She’s his wife and nothing else!
Her position can change anytime!” Princess Isolde shot back, standing up in anger.
“You promised Father not to act rashly, yet here you are, causing trouble.”
“There’s a difference between acting rashly and getting what I want!”
“I warned you to abandon that fantasy of being King Kael’s wife or the future Queen of Duskmoor,” he said angrily, his fists shaking.
“Shut up! I won’t take that from you! I don’t care who you are to me, but toying with my plans and goals is something I won’t tolerate! Brother… don’t meddle in my affairs. I’ll get what I want, and no one can stop me not even you!” she said, pointing at him.
“Watch your tongue, Isolde! No man will want to marry a woman who doesn’t respect her elders,” Prince Orion said, his veins popping from his forehead.
“My marital life has nothing to do with you, brother! Get lost!” she screamed.
Immediately, she felt an invisible force lifting her off the ground, choking her.
“B-Bro…” she tried to say but couldn’t.
She grasped at her throat, struggling to ease the pressure, but it was impossible.
Prince Orion’s eyes glowed with light, and a wicked smile played on his lips as he watched Princess Isolde struggle for breath.
Her face turned purple, her legs dangled in the air, and just when she was on the brink of passing out, he released her.
She collapsed onto the floor with a loud thud, gasping for air.
Her chest heaved up and down rapidly, her eyes red and watery.
“I hope you’ve learned your lesson. Don’t ever raise your voice at me again,” he said coldly and walked out as if nothing had happened.