CHAPTER 145: I CAN’T GIVE YOU MY HEART

Sylas took Eresia on a tour of the palace before bringing her to the lake. During the carriage ride, the girl did not stop talking. She told him many things about her kingdom, Ganesh.

"Father will give us a territory in Antern after we get married," said Eresia, her voice spoiled and slightly fast.

Sylas frowned. Antern was a border region between the Kingdom of Ganesh and the Kingdom of Vinsh. In recent years, there had been a dispute over the territory. Sylas had heard that the Kingdom of Vinsh had been ruled by Obaze for the past three years.

Antern was a region rich in resources. It was coveted by many great kingdoms. So it was surprising that Obaze had decided to give the region to a girl who, in Sylas’s opinion, did not understand how to govern.

"That is very good. Antern is a very promising region. But I hear the residents have a high rate of depression, especially after the war. It will take time to revive the area," replied Sylas.

Eresia nodded, her eyes staring at Sylas without blinking, not really understanding the topic. But she liked hearing his opinion.

"I like the region because there are many jewelry craftsmen there. You can find pearls, gold, and silver everywhere you step!" said Eresia, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

She continued. "Imagine if that region belonged to us. We could get jewelry every day!"

Sylas looked at Eresia, realizing she was already talking about their future together. It made him uncomfortable.

He only smiled politely, responding to her excitement about jewelry and gold. These were topics he was not familiar with, but he tried to keep up.

When they arrived at the lake, the guards were already in place, and Sylas took the girl to a gazebo nearby.

Eresia looked at the lake within the palace grounds casually. Her eyes wandered around.

"In Ganesh, we also have a lake. But it is bigger, and my father made it beautiful," said Eresia.

Sylas nodded. "I believe that. Ganesh is a very prosperous kingdom. King Obaze is very skilled at ruling. I am sure he pays attention to every detail of his territory."

Eresia shook her head. "Oh, no! That is because I asked him to. Father will do anything for me. If you want, I will ask him to make a lake in our palace to enjoy when we visit there."

Sylas was a little surprised, then chuckled. "Oh no, Princess. I do not want to trouble others. How many people would have to be mobilized to create a lake? Besides, I am sure you will only visit for a few days."

Eresia insisted. "It’s okay. My father will take care of everything."

Sylas looked at her, and she finally fell silent. Then he smiled. "We don’t need it, Princess. We have many things to enjoy already, no need to create something that does not exist."

Eresia was silent for a moment, caught by Sylas’s steady gaze, her heart beating faster. The young king’s handsome face was so captivating. He was very different from when they last met when she was eighteen.

Now he was more mature, his voice calm and soothing. His gaze was gentle, as if reaching into her soul and embracing her.

Eresia felt her face heat up. She had dreamed of this marriage since their first meeting when she was only seven. Sylas had never changed. He was still calm, gentle, and protective.

She smiled broadly. "If that’s what you want, I’ll obey you," she said.

Sylas poured tea into her cup and his own. He listened as she told him about the wedding she wanted, along with the grand celebration that would involve both kingdoms.

Sylas’s thoughts drifted to Kai. His heart felt restless and unsettled.

"Princess, I know our marriage is meant to strengthen our kingdoms. I do like you, but I must tell you that I already love someone else." Sylas spoke calmly, though his heart was pounding. If Eresia misunderstood, many bad things could happen.

But to his surprise, Eresia smiled. "I know Prince Anam of Emeria proposed to you. I also know you like men. I don’t mind as long as you marry me. Because I truly love you," she said bluntly.

Sylas was silent for a few seconds. He had not expected that response.

Eresia went on. "My father has many wives and concubines. I am very familiar with that. I cannot force you to love only me."

Sylas cleared his throat. "I have no plans to take concubines. That has never crossed my mind. I think our kingdoms could find other ways to build a relationship besides marriage," said Sylas.

Eresia suddenly froze, staring at him as if he had stabbed her with something sharp.

"You don’t want to marry me? Didn’t you invite us here to discuss marriage?"

Sylas tensed at her sudden sharp tone.

"Yes, that was the intention."

"If my father hears you say that, he will think you are insulting us," Eresia cut in.

"No, I don’t want to insult you or your kingdom. Never. I just don’t want you to be trapped in a political marriage. I want you to be happy, Princess. My heart already belongs to someone else. I would be grateful if we could establish a strong cooperation without marriage," said Sylas, trying to be honest. He knew in the end Eresia had to accept she would never win his love.

Eresia was silent, playing with the teacup in her hand. "I don’t care if you love me or not. But I want to marry you."

Sylas stayed quiet.

Silence filled the air, making the mood tense.

Sylas was about to speak when Eresia spoke first. "If my father finds out what you’re thinking, I’m sure he will take me back and declare war on Valigria. Do you want that to happen?"

Sylas sighed, then took a deep breath. He would not be surprised if King Obaze reacted that way. The king was known to be cruel, conquering kingdoms out of personal revenge. Sylas did not want war. He did not want to sacrifice soldiers for something that could be avoided.

"I’m sorry, Princess. I just want you to know from the beginning what will happen if we marry."

Eresia stared sharply at him. "If you marry me, shouldn’t you try to make me happy?"

Sylas nodded. "Of course. I just cannot give you my heart."

Eresia lowered her gaze. "You have no other choice. Marry me or we will end up in a big war. And you must show your efforts, Your Majesty," she said.

Sylas looked at her before finally nodding. "All right, as long as you accept these terms, it is up to you, Princess."

He then tried to lighten the mood. But it was clear Eresia’s mood had changed. He was shocked when the girl slapped her servant’s hand for misplacing a teaspoon.

"Oh, come on, are you that stupid?! You are really embarrassing me!" Eresia snapped, not caring that Sylas was sitting right there.

The servant looked frightened, bowing and apologizing repeatedly.

Eresia threw the spoon out of the gazebo. She then looked at Sylas. "I really can’t tolerate stupid servants."

Sylas raised his teacup, disturbed by the scene. Never before had he seen such open rudeness from a royal woman.

Eresia noticed Sylas had fallen silent. She pouted and sulked. "I’m sorry, I’m not usually like this."

Sylas smiled slightly. "I believe you will find sincere people you can trust when you treat them well. That applies to everything."

Eresia seemed thoughtful, not fully understanding his words. But she smiled anyway, her mood appearing to recover. She went back to talking about many things.

In that short encounter, Sylas could already see his future with her. A spoiled, rude, and ambitious girl.