CHAPTER 481: THE OFFER

The doors were pushed open and Kaiden stepped on hand in hand with Ariel. The room went silent once the cold prince arrived with a soft smile on his lips next to a lady whose beauty didn’t belong to this realm.

The king’s eye narrowed, recognising Ariel from the report he received. Kaiden stopped at the door, his eyes instantly locked on someone; it wasn’t the king or his mother, but someone he wasn’t expecting to see here.

Her grey eyes were locked on him, and with a soft smile, she then chimed. "Welcome back, Prince Kaiden. I have been waiting."

A soft smile, sharp grey eyes with striking black hair. She carried herself with a demeanour like she owned the room. That was the first impression Kaiden had of Eleanor.

His hold on Ariel tightened; he already knew once he saw Eleanor, where this was heading.

This wasn’t the first time he was meeting the princess. Kaiden did not acknowledge her presence at first. His gaze immediately shifted to the king and his mother

"Greetings your majesty and your highness." He greeted with a bow, and Ariel followed his lead. Kaiden went straight to the point. He already had a strong urge to flee the room immediately.

"I didn’t know you had guests. Maybe I should return another time. I came to report my trip as requested and introduce someone to you." He chimed, then glanced at Ariel, whose fingers were silently trembling on his arm.

"This is Ariel, the one who has stolen my heart and wife-to-be." Kaiden introduced without batting an eye. The king glanced at the noble consort, then at his son. He felt a strong headache coming on.

"Are you sure about what you are doing? Marriage is not something to be taken lightly." He advised his son, Kaiden smiled.

"I know that’s why I want to get married to the one I love but I can see you have guests. Ariel and I will leave for now, I just wanted to inform you about my decision and was hoping to have your blessings." Kaiden explained then bowed again.

With his mission complete it was time he took a bow, but he was certain they weren’t going to let him leave so easily.

His mother stood up. "Kaiden, don’t be in a hurry to leave. Have a seat," she pleaded, then added.

" The young lady can also stay. Your father and I have something to tell you." She beckoned, and Kaiden had no intention of waiting.

Ariel’s soft gaze was what pushed him to sit back and listen to them. They took a seat opposite young Eleanor. Tea was served with soft music playing in the background.

Eleanor equally ignored Kaiden and focused on her tea; her gaze only wandered to Ariel. She could barely hide her envy, which Kaiden recognised. Each time her eyes strayed to Ariel, he glared back, creating an awkward atmosphere.

"What is it you wish to speak of? My fiancée and I have wedding plans to make." He chimed in despite already having an idea of what his parents were about to say. It was the reason he brought Ariel along.

His mother took a sip of her tea, then placed it on the saucers, which she was still holding. "You are already of marriageable age and we feel it is time you finally settle down." Lady Annette, the king’s consort spoke.

She had bright strawberry blonde hair like Kaiden with soft pink eyes. Kaiden’s gold eyes came from his father, who was grey and fierce like the beacon of power he was.

"I know that is why I have decided to get married to Ariel and relinquish my right to the throne. I have no intentions of competing and just want to have a quiet life with Ariel at the Blackthorn Duchy." Kaiden stated his intentions and the room went silent. Shock was written all over everyone’s face, including Ariel, whose head snapped in his direction.

He was giving up on the throne. Kaiden knew choosing a commoner was going to reduce his chances of succeeding the throne, and honestly, he was ready to give it up as long as his brother assured him not to harm his future family, considering the Von Drakkar family history of killing competition.

That was the image he wanted to give them but he also had hidden intentions. First to marry Ariel, and when they least expected it, he would get rid of the bastard who tried to kill him. He knew his half-brother would never keep him alive.

The only way he could protect Ariel was if he were king. A sharp screeching sound echoed, followed by the shattering sound of ceramic. Lady Annette bolted to her feet. Her trembling fingers were pointed at Kaiden unable to control the rage.

"Are you out of your mind? What spell did she put you under?" She barked.

His eyes turned sharp."I am simply in love, mother." Kaiden stated, and his mother almost collapsed if not for the king, who caught her in time.

The king sighed after helping Annette to sit. "I can’t accept your request Kaiden. I don’t care what you do with the girl, but you can’t abandon your birthright." He stated, his voice was sharp and calm..

Kaiden’s hand clenched. "I am not the only male heir."

"But you are the one I want you to choose as my successor under a simple condition: you marry Princess Eleanor Von Omerta." He explained. Eleanor finally smiled. Kaiden knew this was a marriage talk but he was expecting such an offer.

"And if I refuse?" He asked,

"Then your brother would be the groom. Whoever weds her will be the next king, and she chose you. "

Eleanor’s kingdom was small but held a strong influence over the continent of Theraxia because of its rich magic stone mines which were among Eleanor’s dowry

If Eleanor marries his half-brother, it would be harder for Kaiden to get rid of him. "I will take my leave now." He abruptly declared and then left the room.

That’s when the silent competition between Ariel and Eleanor started. Eleanor chose Kaiden because she recognised his strength.

During their carriage ride to his home, Ariel stayed quiet processing everything that happened. She was nervous to speak, the air was thick with tension that was choking down her throat.

She clutched her dress to gather confidence, "You should marry Eleanor. She is more suitable for you." Ariel logically suggested.

Kaiden sighed then glanced at the window. How could he marry Eleanor when he wasn’t ready to let go of Ariel? Ariel wasn’t suited for the harem.

"I just can’t." He answered, then bent over to cover his face with his palm. He groaned into it.

.

"Why can’t you? It is a perfect opportunity you can’t let go of." She asked, sounding very logical.

Kaiden snapped, his anger got the best of him. "Why is it so easy for you to push me off to another woman?"

Ariel was left stunned. "I am just being logical Kaiden. You can’t let your personal feelings get the best of you." She managed to say. His eyes went cold

"You even sound more royal than me. I guess I am a fool then," he said then commanded the carriage to stop.

"It hurts knowing the woman I love can effortlessly give me up." His voice trailed before he got off the carriage.