Aurein's POV
"I want someone like him," Princess Serena said with a sly smile, her manicured finger pointing straight at General Voltaire—who had just stepped onto the balcony, the afternoon light catching the polished silver of his uniform.
"Princess Serena, it's an honor to meet you. I am Voltaire, one of the seven generals of the Kingdom of Ardentia," he said, bowing with elegant precision.
"Wait—did I hear that correctly?" she asked, her eyes widening. "You're THE General Voltaire? The one they call the War Prodigy?"
"That is what they call me," he answered with a small, unbothered nod—neither proud nor modest, simply used to the weight of the title.
"I've heard so much about you, yet I've never seen you until now," Serena said, stepping closer as if inspecting him. "Whenever your name comes up, I always imagined some enormous, terrifying warrior." She grinned, her eyes sweeping over him shamelessly. "But in person, I didn't expect you to be this handsome. Or buff. Or... extremely attractive."
"Thank you for your kind words, Princess Serena," General Voltaire said, maintaining his courteous composure.
Then his gaze shifted—straight to me. Calm. Direct. Cutting straight through the noise around us.
"It seems you are busy at the moment, Your Highness," he said. "I will wait for you in front of your chamber."
I swallowed hard and nodded. My lips parted, trying to form a response—anything—but no words came out. I wanted to hold onto him, even for just a heartbeat.
But he had already turned away, his broad frame disappearing back through the balcony entrance.
The moment he left, my lungs finally remembered how to breathe.
Serena's eyes slid toward me—sharp, observant. Then to the doorway. Then back to me again.
And then she smirked.
"Well, now I know why you don't want to marry me," she said, folding her arms. "I can clearly see you like the General too."
"N-no! Why would you say that? We're both men, and relationships like that are forbidden in Ardentia," I stammered.
"Oh come on," she said, rolling her eyes. "In case you forgot, I'm a girl, Aurein. I know the look people give when they like a guy. And you? You stare at him like he's the last star left in the night sky."
"You're mistaken," I said, forcing firmness into my voice.
"No need to lie," she said casually. "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. I'm a girl of a hundred secrets—I can add this one more to my list. Your parents won't hear from me that you're... romantically interested in the General."
"Why are you doing this to me?" I said, irritation slipping through.
"I told you already." She leaned against the railing, afternoon light framing her like she was posing for a portrait. "I want fame. I want fortune. And the easiest path to both... is you, my dear future king." She smirked. "I'm not here to destroy you. I'm here to help, in the most cunning ways I can."
She laughed softly, her voice echoing faintly in the open air.
"Funny, isn't it? The king I'm destined to marry... ends up being my rival for the same man."
"You cannot marry the General. He's not a royalty. It's forbidden here in Ardentia," I said sharply.
"In Ardentia, yes," she said with a shrug. "But not in Grition. Our beliefs are different. If I wanted to, I could take him back home and marry him there."
My chest tightened.
"But it wouldn't benefit me," she added. "Yes there is fame since he is a well known General, but there's no fortune I'd gain from him. Unlike marrying you. I can have both."
"You're selfish, Serena."
"Call me whatever you like," she said. "I'll still do whatever I want—and you can do whatever you want." Then she smirked again. "And while we play the perfect prince and princess in front of everyone... I'll be busy flirting with the General behind the scenes."
"No! Not him!"
"Oh? Are you scared?" she teased. "Scared he might leave you behind and choose me instead? I mean... I am a lady. Someone who can satisfy his urges, his needs. Someone who can give him something you never can—a child."
Her words punched straight into my chest.
I turned away, fists clenched, fury burning hot in my veins.
I didn't trust myself to speak without screaming.
I started to walk off, but her voice called after me, light and unbothered.
"Well, now we both know what we want," she said. "We'll benefit from each other, Aurein. No need to complicate it."
I didn't reply. I stepped out of the balcony and left her there alone.
Serena... she is dangerous. Not because she is cruel— but because she is right.
She knew exactly what she wanted.
Exactly what I felt.
And exactly how to twist it into something useful.
Her deal wasn't terrible.
But the thought of her flirting with the General—my General—the man I admired, desired, and longed for...
No. I couldn't bear it.
Because deep down, I knew it.
He would be drawn to her beauty. Her charm. Her perfect smile.
Why was my life like this?
Why him?
Why her?
Why me?
Someone, please—can you tell me?
* * *
The moment I reached the entrance of my chamber, I froze.
There he was—General Voltaire—standing guard outside my door as if an intruder might burst in at any moment. His posture was rigid, commanding, a silent wall of steel between the world and my sanctuary.
The instant his eyes landed on me, he opened the door without a word and motioned for me to go inside.
I stepped in quietly. He followed.
The door closed behind us with a soft thud—sealing us in the same space, alone.
We stood facing each other, the air suspended between us. He looked straight at me, steady and unreadable, while I couldn't even lift my gaze past the marble floor. My heart hammered against my ribs, loud enough that I wondered if he heard it.
"Prince Aurein..." he finally said.
"Yes?" I answered, barely above a whisper.
"I just wanted to say... I'm sorry if I made you feel uneasy," he said, his voice gentle in a way that loosened every knot in my chest.
That wasn't what I expected. My head snapped up.
He was smiling at me—softly, warmly.
I sighed, the tension draining out of me. Truthfully, I wanted to hug him. I wanted to close the distance, bury myself in his scent, his warmth. But something inside me held me back, a stubborn fear or instinct tugging at my wrist, keeping me grounded.
Then he spoke again.
"Congratulations. You've met your future queen. And she is really beautiful," he said, sounding more like he was teasing me than congratulating me.
"I—I don't like her," I muttered, awkwardly.
"Why not? She's like a rare species to me," he said.
"What rare species? You make her sound like an animal!" I exclaimed, my brows shooting up.
General Voltaire exhaled—a long, relieved sigh.
"There you go. A different emotion. That's what I like to see," he said. "Not the Prince Aurein who was sulking and lost in his thoughts."
Heat crept up my cheeks, and I instinctively covered my face with my hands.
"Maybe you like her, don't you!" I snapped.
"Well, she does look like a goddess with that white silky hair. I wouldn't mind," he said, shrugging.
"General!" I barked.
He smirked.
And just like that—we slipped back into our old rhythm. The Prince and the General. Bickering. Annoying each other. Acting like nothing had gone terribly wrong earlier.
"I'm telling you—she's beautiful on the outside, but on the inside she's rotten," I whispered.
"Oh, don't speak ill of your future queen," he said. "Maybe you're just jealous that's she's a real princess and you just want to be like her."
"No, I'm not!" I protested. "I'm telling the truth! She curses at me whenever we talk, but with everyone else she speaks sweetly and elegantly!"
"Your future queen doesn't seem like the type to curse you," he said as if refusing to believe me.
"It's true! Believe me! She even told me she didn't want to marry me. She's only doing this for the fame and fortune of being the next queen of Ardentia!" I explained, waving my hands frantically.
"She sounds like a goal-oriented lady," he said casually.
"Why are you taking her side? Shouldn't you be defending me?" I asked, raising a brow.
Instead of guilt, he just grinned like a complete fool.
"Are you happy now that my life is turning into chaos?" I asked irritably.
"Probably?" he smirked.
"General!" I growled.
But deep inside... I felt lighter. The heaviness of earlier faded. Even if I didn't get to hug him... at least we were back to normal. Back to us.
"There's still plenty of time today," he said. "Do you want to continue training?"
"Yes!" I answered brightly.
"Alright, let's go. And don't bring that annoying—" he said, then suddenly stopped, realizing what he'd nearly admitted.
I narrowed my eyes and smirked. "Seems like you just admitted you don't like Rowan."
"Truth be told, I want to punch him every time I see him. But I have to remind myself that there will be a proper time for that," he said. "Maybe if we are not here in Ardentia."
I burst out laughing.
"Why are you laughing? I wasn't even joking," he said, annoyed.
"Tell me—just so I'm clear. Who were you angrier at earlier for disrespecting your authority? Rowan, for bringing food to the warriors without your permission... or me, for defying your command?" I asked carefully.
"Both of you made me angry," he said flatly.
"Ouch," I muttered, scratching my head.
"And I keep telling you—there is a proper time for everything. You should know by now how I run things, Prince Aurein," he said with a frown.
"Okay, okay!" I surrendered. "I'm sorry for what I did—on behalf of Rowan too. But honestly, the idea came from me. So it's probably all my fault," I said with a sheepish laugh.
"Let's forget about it. Come, let's return to the training grounds," he said.
"Sure! But I'll change first!" I said, turning to my wardrobe—
—or I would have, if he didn't suddenly grab my arm.
He scanned me from head to toe, slowly.
"What?" I asked, stunned.
"No need to change. You can wear that. It looks good on you," he said. "You look a little bit—just a tiny bit—like a real prince."
"Well, I am a real prince!" I snapped.
"You're not, to me. A real princess, maybe," he added.
"General Voltaire!"
He laughed—an actual, genuine laugh—and for the first time today, I felt alive. As if his voice alone swept away every worry I had carried.
"Anyway," he continued, "I want you to train in that outfit. Because in wartime—"
"Oh, here we go again," I said, rolling my eyes.
"We never know when the enemy is coming. There might be a celebration happening, and suddenly an attack strikes. And you'll be in all your regal outfits. You should be able to fight even in attire like that."
"Well... point taken. That's true. Then shall we go?" I said.
"My little prince, allow me to do the honor." he said, offering me his hand.
I stared at it. Instinctively, I was about to take it—softly, gently—like he was the King and I was his Queen.
But then I caught the smirk tugging at his lips.
"You really want to be fetched like a lady, don't you?" he teased.
"I hate you!" I yelled and shoved him, embarrassed beyond reason.
He laughed softly and opened the door—
—and both of us halted.
Princess Serena was standing right there. She straightened in an instant, stiff as a spear. And the air shattered into silence.
"Why are you here?" I asked, unable to hide the irritation in my voice.
"I was just looking for you, my prince," she said sweetly, her tone dripping with gentle elegance.
"Oh, cut the act, Serena. No need to play the graceful maiden," I said, annoyed.
She lifted her hand with delicate finesse, covering her mouth as if shocked I dared accuse her.
"What are you talking about, Prince Aurein?" she asked softly. "I am not acting. This is the real me."
I shot a look at General Voltaire. "You see? This is what she shows everyone—everyone except me."
"I don't think the princess can act rudely. It doesn't suit her," General Voltaire said, nodding politely toward her, as if she truly were a delicate flower.
Curse them both.
"You are hurting my feelings, my prince," Serena said with a graceful smile. "But do not worry... I forgive you." She clasped her hands in front of her. "Anyway, where are you going?"
"None of your business. Can you please leave us alone?" I said, exasperated.
She gasped—dramatically—placing a hand over her chest like a fragile flower about to wilt.
"Good acting, Serena. Very good. Quite convincing," I said, squinting at her.
"General Voltaire, Prince Aurein is hurting me," she said, feigning helplessness.
I widened my eyes at the General and shook my head insistently, silently yelling Don't believe her! She's lying!
But of course, he sighed deeply—perhaps realizing he was dealing with two children trapped in royal bodies.
"If you want to come with us, Princess Serena," he said, "we are heading back to the training grounds of my army, where the prince is currently taking his warrior lessons. He is under my supervision and care at all times, as ordered by the King."
"No! Don't let her come!" I protested instantly.
"So, you mean... you are Prince Aurein's personal guard?" Serena asked curiously.
"Yes, I am. It is my responsibility to protect and guard our prince at all times," General Voltaire said.
Serena chuckled softly.
I narrowed my eyes. "Is there a problem, Serena?"
She walk toward me and leaned closer—far too close—and whispered, "See? You cannot even defend yourself. You still need General Voltaire to protect you. Or maybe you crave his attention... don't you?"
I froze.
She pulled away just as quickly, her face shifting back into a picture of sweet decorum, as if nothing venomous had ever left her lips.
"You think you're a delicate princess like you still needed protection?" She said lightly, though the insult dripped beneath the surface.
"There! You heard it! That is her real tone! The real Serena hiding under that pink soft gown!" I said, pointing accusingly at her like I was reporting a crime.
General Voltaire merely frowned, looking increasingly overwhelmed.
"I think... I won't come after all," she said. "I've changed my mind. I shall rest in my chamber instead."
And with that, she hurried off—likely to hide the fact she had slipped and exposed her true colors.
Hmp!
"Let's go before I lose my sanity because of Serena!" I said, walking ahead. "You see? Do you believe me now? She was acting! She slipped! She insulted me in her real tone."
"And?" he asked.
"And—what? Aren't you bothered?" I demanded.
"Why would I be?"
"I mean—she'll be acting sweet in front of you! She'll pretend to be delicate! She'll try to seduce you!"
"And?"
"And... and..."
"Will you get jealous if I entertain her?" he asked.
"Yes," I said... then instantly panicked. "I mean, NO!"
But it was too late.
The smirk forming on his lips said it all.
Curse this stupid mouth.
He didn't even speak. He kept his eyes forward as we walked—and he was enjoying this. I could feel it radiating off him.
"Just..." I muttered, "Just don't get too... flirty with her."
"Why not?" he asked.
"Because people might get the wrong idea if you flirt with her. So yes, fine—I'll be jealous," I said, covering my face with my hands.
"Wait," he said, "I just want to clarify—are you jealous because I'm stealing Princess Serena from you?"
"No! Yes! I mean—whatever you want to think! You're impossible to talk to!" I snapped.
"You're actually the more impossible one to talk to," he said. "Besides, why would you be jealous over Princess Serena? It's not like you have feelings for me to feel jealous over her. If anything, it should be the opposite."
I shot him a side-eye.
"Talk to the hand," I muttered, raising my palm in front of his face.
He leaned toward my hand.
"Hello, little hand. How are you today?" he asked casually—to my palm.
"General! Are you insane!" I yelled, jerking my hand away.
"What? You said to talk to your hand, so I did. I was simply following the crown prince's order," he teased.
"You're really annoying!" I laughed, slapping his arm lightly.
He always did this—turned my storms into sunlight.
* * *
After a long walk filled with bickering, teasing, and my endless embarrassment, we finally arrived at the training grounds.
"Wow! Prince Aurein! You look stunning!" Ton-Ton exclaimed.
"Your Highness," Dante said, bowing.
"Sometimes, we forget—because we're so close to you—that you are an actual prince," Asper said with a laugh.
"Oh, you guys!" I said, laughing with them.
"Enough chatter. Back to training!" General Voltaire commanded.
Just moments ago he was teasing me like a mischievous boy—now he transformed back into the stern, disciplined general.
Annoying... but undeniably attractive.
And so, our lesson began.
He trained me in swordsmanship while I wore my formal attire. It was hard to move, hard to breathe, hard to do anything without tripping on embroidered fabric—yet somehow, I managed, guided by his strong, precise hands.
He corrected everything—my stance, my grip, the angle of my blade—and though he demanded perfection, his tone was gentler than before. As if earlier tensions had never existed.
As if this was exactly where I was meant to be—
Standing before him, learning to fight, learning to be a prince in every sense.
And maybe... learning something far more dangerous than swordsmanship.
* * *
After a long, exhilarating training session with General Voltaire and his warriors, we finally made our way back to the palace—still catching our breath, still laughing softly under the warm afterglow of the afternoon sun. Sweat clung to our skin, the edges of our clothing dusted from the training grounds. Yet somehow, walking beside him, everything felt lighter. Easier.
That was when we crossed paths with my mother.
"Oh, you're just in time, Aurein. Dinner is about to be served," she said warmly, her eyes sweeping over me before drifting—curiously—to General Voltaire.
"I will be waiting in front of your chamber then, Prince Aurein," General Voltaire said beside me.
"It would be better if you joined us, General Voltaire," my mother said.
My head snapped toward her.
"Really?" I exclaimed, unable to hide my delight. "That's great!" I added and looked at him enthusiastically.
General Voltaire straightened subtly, caught off guard.
"It would be an honor, Queen Crysta, but I think—"
I immediately cut him off.
"Queen's order. Don't argue," I said firmly, pointing at him before he could escape.
A low breath escaped him—half a sigh, half surrender—as his shoulders eased in quiet defeat.
"I guess I cannot refuse anymore, I surrender, Prince Aurein." He said.
My mother giggled softly.
"It seems the two of you have grown quite close," she said with a pleased sigh.
General Voltaire and I glanced at each other instinctively.
I gave him a grin. He gave me a gentle, comforting smile in return.
And for a heartbeat, it felt like only the two of us stood there.
Then—
"Maybe too close?" My mother uttered.
Beside me, General Voltaire's smile faltered for a fraction of a second—barely noticeable unless you were looking. His posture straightened, almost imperceptibly, the practiced composure of a general slipping back into place.
My grin vanished, and I quickly looked at her.
The air tightened around us.
Too close? What did she mean by that? Did she see something?
"Anyway," my mother continued, oblivious—or pretending to be, "the reason I wanted you to join us, General Voltaire, is that I'd like you to meet King Lexor as well. King Lucen has spoken highly of you and wishes to introduce you."
General Voltaire froze.
Just slightly.
But I felt it.
As if some invisible weight had been placed onto his shoulders.
I swallowed, suddenly aware of how dangerous this dinner might become—for him, for me, for whatever it was forming quietly between us.
But I am hoping, nothing worse will happen. Please, Gods above, if you happen to hear my prayer, make this a peaceful dinner.
"It would be a privilege, Queen Crysta," General Voltaire said seriously—too seriously, almost as if he wasn't happy about it.
"So, shall we?" my mother asked.
"After you, Your Majesty." General Voltaire said and gestured, "Your Highness." He added and looked at me as he nodded once, as of signalling me that everything is going to be okay and not for me to worry that much.
I smiled, walking beside my mother as General Voltaire followed a step behind us.
* * *
Upon entering the grand hall, we discovered everyone already in their seats, waiting for us. Crystal chandeliers glowed like constellations above, the long banquet table glimmering with gold-rimmed plates and delicately carved silverware.
"Ahh! Very good!" my father said cheerfully the moment he saw us. He stood up. "King Lexor, I want you to meet one of my most promising—if not the most exceptional—General of Ardentia. General Voltaire."
King Lexor also rose, his expression brightening.
"The famous General Voltaire. I've heard quite a lot about you. Meeting you in person is a privilege," King Lexor said as he extended his hand.
"I am honored as well, to be recognized by the King of Grition," General Voltaire said, accepting the handshake.
And there I was...smiling like a proud lover.
Wait—
No.
No, no, no.
Scrap that thought entirely.
...But still.
The idea of being his lover felt strangely wonderful.
"It's good you brought him here, Aurein," Serena whispered beside me—and just like that, my good mood drowned in a bucket of ice. "Don't smile too much at the General, you're being too obvious, my prince. Someone might notice you."
"What do you want now?" I muttered back.
She only smiled sweetly—the kind of smile that concealed sharp daggers behind silk. Something about it made my instincts curl in warning.
"Let's take our seats, shall we?" King Lucen announced.
We all settled in our places—exactly the same seating arrangement from lunch... except this time, I purposely made General Voltaire sit beside me.
Why not?
I liked him there.
Dinner began, and soon the hall filled with conversation.
"So, General Voltaire," King Lexor began, "I heard that because of you, Ardentia won many wars—making your kingdom one of the most powerful and feared across the lands."
"It was because of the guidance and perseverance of my late father, General Orion, who taught me everything I am today. I carried his teachings with me," General Voltaire said with conviction.
I watched him in awe.
He spoke with the strength of a warrior, the discipline of a general, and the heart of someone who carried heavy memories on his shoulders.
Then, I noticed Serena across from me—raising a brow at me.
Her chin lifted, her expression poised, as if she were trying to hide her real, fiery nature from showing.
I knew exactly what she was thinking.
"Ah, General Orion," King Lucen said, nodding solemnly. "A truly powerful general. It is sad he died in the last major war with the Kingdom of Aregon, but he died as a hero, and we will never forget that."
I looked at General Voltaire.
His expression shifted.
Barely.
A twitch of his eye. A tightening of his jaw. Something only visible if you looked closely.
He didn't want to talk about his father's death.
"But not to worry," King Lucen continued, "General Orion's greatest legacy lives on—General Voltaire himself. My greatest weapon. The living fortress of Ardentia. And I am certain he will protect the kingdom with all his might, just as his father did."
"I will, Your Majesty. I will protect this kingdom as if my life depends on it," General Voltaire said. "I want to make my father proud."
"That's what I like to hear!" my father said proudly.
He then turned to King Lexor, clearly trying to impress him further.
"Did you know he is my youngest general? And though he is the youngest, he is the best—when it comes to combat, strategy, and discipline. Traits he inherited from his father. No one can compete against him even the older Generals."
"That is very impressive! Well, he is not called the 'War Prodigy' for nothing," King Lexor said.
"And he's amazing with his warriors too! They all respect him!" I blurted out, excitement taking over before I could stop myself.
Silence.
They all stared at me, surprised.
"What?" I asked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"Nothing," my father said. "I'm just surprised. Earlier at lunch, you barely spoke. You were so quiet... but now, you're talking with such enthusiasm."
Even the General turned his head toward me, brow slightly raised in confusion.
I froze, embarrassed.
"Go on, please tell us more, Prince Aurein," King Lexor said brightly. "I heard you are training under General Voltaire's supervision. I'd like to hear about your experience."
His tone was warm and inviting.
It made my chest flutter.
I glanced at General Voltaire.
He gave a small nod and a faint smile—silent permission, silent encouragement.
And my heart... betrayed me with a skip.
"Definitely! I know I've told this story to you already, Mother, Father—but I'd like King Lexor to hear it as well."
I leaned forward with pride warming my chest.
"My first day with the General and his warriors was brutal. He made me run from the training grounds all the way to Mount Tramo and told me that if I got captured, I'd lose that trial and face punishment. Luckily, I made it!" I said proudly, unable to hide my grin. "I did everything—hid under thick bushes, squeezed inside a cave, distracted his warriors going into the wrong path, even got trapped in a pitfall he set... but in the end, I still outsmarted him!" I added with triumphant delight.
King Lexor asked, startled. "Is that true, General Voltaire?" he asked.
"Yes," General Voltaire answered calmly. "He was exceptional. He showed that he is capable—and proved that he is worthy of becoming the next king."
Hearing that from him... stars above, it made my heart soar.
"That's fantastic!" my father said, clearly thrilled.
"Well, that's not even all," I continued, excited. "He also makes us run forty laps every morning. Even Rowan experienced it. Right?" I asked, nodding toward him.
"Yeah! And I still can't believe Prince Aurein can do it," Rowan said, smiling at me. "He really has impressive endurance."
"Wow... very interesting, Prince Aurein. You continue to amaze me," Princess Serena said in her sweetest, most honey-drenched voice. "That is the quality of Ardentia's next king. I'm proud of you."
I narrowed my eyes at her subtle performance. Oh, I know exactly what she's doing—playing the innocent, gentle princess card. And I would have snapped at it... if she weren't currently holding one of my forbidden secrets hostage.
Actually—two people held my secrets now: Serena and General Voltaire. And both used them whenever they pleased. Hmph!
"I didn't know you could do such a thing," my father said, nodding in satisfaction. "It seems your training is paying off."
"Right now, he is also performing very well in swordsmanship," General Voltaire said suddenly, drawing all our attention. "My apologies for interrupting—I was simply sharing his progress with weaponry."
"No, it's good that this comes from you," my father said proudly. "I'm amazed that Aurein impresses not only us—but you as well."
"And the Prince works wonderfully with the warriors," Rowan added. "They love him and trust him as a comrade. He's doing very well with the army."
"Remarkable," my father said. "Perhaps I should visit the training grounds myself. Now—do either of you wish to commend Aurein further?" he asked, turning to both Rowan and General Voltaire.
"Very dependable," Rowan said.
"Consistent and inspiring," General Voltaire said.
"Values camaraderie," Rowan added and looked at General Voltaire.
"Strategic and intelligent," General Voltaire said, with conviction as he glanced at Rowan.
Wait... what is happening? I know they are still talking about me, but why does it feel like they are competing with each other?
"Charming," Rowan said.
"Commanding," General Voltaire countered.
"Handsome," Rowan said boldly.
"Attractive—inside and out," General Voltaire said without missing a beat.
That's too much already!
I stared at them, stunned, unsure whether I should laugh or hide under the table. Were they... still going!?
Finally, my father lifted his hand to stop them. "Alright! Enough, before we run out of positive words in the entire kingdom. We understand—Aurein is doing his very best."
Both men fell silent. I let out a slow breath of relief.
"It seems that Prince Aurein truly has the qualities of a king," Princess Serena said suddenly, her tone gentle, calm... calculating.
I stiffened. What is she plotting now?
"Yes, a most fitting king. Impressive," King Lexor agreed. "Ardentia will be in good hands."
"I simply have... one very small concern," Serena said sweetly.
What now? What does she want! Ugh!
"What is it, my dear princess?" King Lexor asked.
"It has come to my attention that Prince Aurein has a personal guard—General Voltaire—who is also his trainer. Isn't that right?" she asked.
"Yes. Why?" my father said, puzzled.
"I was just wondering..." Serena tilted her head innocently. "If Prince Aurein is as skilled, impressive, and exceptional as they all say, does he truly need to be guarded by General Voltaire? He seems capable of being independent. A personal guard may not be necessary."
I clenched my jaw. This girl—she was good. Too good. She knew exactly how to frame things in a way that sounded polite yet dangerous.
She was targeting something. Or rather—someone.
"This is to ensure nothing happens to him," my father said firmly. "We never know when enemies will strike. And besides, I also have a personal guard. Don't worry as I am assigning one to you as well, since you'll be staying here."
"Wonderful! Thank you, King Lucen. But... may I choose my own personal guard?" she asked sweetly.
My heart dropped.
Don't you dare say his name, Serena.
"Go on," my father said. "What kind of personal guard you want?"
"I want the best of the best—the one worthy of protecting the future queen of Ardentia," Serena stated, her voice smooth as silk. "And I want him to be my personal guard."
She extended her finger toward the General just as he reached for his glass of wine. He froze mid-motion, his hand suspended in the air.
My stomach dropped.
"General Voltaire? But he is my personal guard," I said to my father, ready to fight for this—ready to fight for him.
"It seems Prince Aurein has no intention of letting General Voltaire go," Serena said with a soft, disappointed sigh. Her gaze drifted toward me, then back to the General. "I truly believe he was the best option. Like how he is Ardentia's very own living fortress. Someone that can protect the next queen."
She exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping in resignation.
"Well... I suppose I'll have to find someone else. Though honestly, I'm not sure anyone can ever measure up to the General."
My father turned to me. "Aurein, I think it's best if General Voltaire does guard Princess Serena. Since he and Rowan both said you are already exceptional, perhaps you won't need someone watching over you."
I snapped my gaze toward Serena. She was smiling at me—no, smirking secretly—like a cat who finally cornered her prey.
"But... but I still need him. Especially during training!"
"You will still train under the General's supervision," my father said. "He's done an excellent job teaching you. But he must stay beside Princess Serena."
"But if he has to be with the Princess, then how can we continue our training?" I asked, panic rising inside my chest.
"I will be at the training as well," Serena said, smiling sweetly—as if this entire situation were a pleasant daydream.
My father blinked. "Are you sure, Princess Serena?"
"Yes," she said, her tone sugar-coated poison. "That way, I can remain close to Prince Aurein and witness his growth firsthand. Everything gets done at once—I stay with General Voltaire while also getting to know Aurein better."
"I can be with Aurein for the time being. I can be his guard," Rowan added proudly.
I wanted to snap at him. You're not helping me—you're making everything worse!
"I think that is also a good idea," my mother said gently—too gently.
But there was something behind her calmness... a hint of quiet suspicion. The same suspicion I saw flash in her eyes earlier when something between me and General Voltaire caught her attention.
"Perhaps Aurein is beginning to depend too much on the General," she said softly. "And Princess Serena is not yet accustomed to Ardentia. To ensure her safety, it is only right to entrust her to the best of the best. And that is none other than General Voltaire himself."
Mother... why now?
"Very well then," my father declared, turning to the General. "From this moment onward, you are to cease guarding Aurein. You will now be assigned to Princess Serena. Is that understood, General Voltaire?"
I looked at him quickly—desperately—trying to signal him with my eyes. Say no. Refuse. Please. I know you can't but still!
He hadn't spoken yet, but I couldn't leave this to happen.
I stood abruptly.
Everyone turned to me.
"Can I speak with Princess Serena in private?" I asked, my voice strained but steady. "Just for a few minutes before General Voltaire gives his answer."
"Go ahead," my father said.
"Thank you, Father."
I turned to the princess. "Princess Serena..." I gestured for her to follow.
A few moments later, we stood at a quiet corner of the hall, away from the prying ears of nobles and servants.
"What do you think you're doing?" I whispered harshly, barely containing my anger.
"I'm getting what I want—and what I deserve," she said with an infuriating smile.
"You can choose any warrior or general in the kingdom, but not General Voltaire!" I said, my voice rising with frustration.
"You cannot stop me, Aurein," she replied coolly. "I will take everything within my reach. The kingdom. The title of queen. You. And General Voltaire."
"No! You can't do that! Don't be selfish!" I said through clenched teeth.
"Oh, I can. And you will follow what I want. Or else..."
My breath hitched. "Or else what?"
"I'll tell your parents that you have feelings for the General," she said smoothly.
My entire world stopped.
"Shh!" I hissed, frantically checking if anyone overheard.
She simply smiled.
"So this conversation is over," Serena said, turning her back on me. "General Voltaire is mine now. He'll be with me all the time—perhaps even for the rest of my life."
She glanced over her shoulder, eyes glinting victoriously.
"Serena, one. Aurein, zero," she said, before letting out a soft, cruel laugh as she walked back toward the banquet hall.
I clenched my fists until my nails dug into my palms.
Arghh! Why does everyone use my weakness against me? Always!
How...
How can I stay by General Voltaire's side now that Princess Serena wants him?
End of Chapter 17