Aurelius sat on his elaborate chair gazing out into the beautiful garden. A chessboard was spread on the table in front of him where the black pieces are on his side while a set of red pieces lie on the opposite. A sour look decorated his face as he broods the events that had occurred.

"'Battle Royale: Lady Ruby Edelweiss of House Pendragon apologized for acting violently as a response for mistakenly assuming that Cecilion, an actor at the Opera, was disrespecting her fiancée Lady Carmilla Ansaac when she found her passed out in his arms. She initially thought that her bride to be was being harassed when in truth Cecilion was merely assisting her because of her anemic attack. Lady Ruby already apologized to the actor as well as thanked him for his assistance.'" Silvanna read out as she entered the room.

"The lies she has woven. I'm completely annoyed but I can't help but applaud her devotion. More so if it was for me." Aurelius muttered bitterly.

"It didn't go well as planned. Ruby's love for Carmilla seemed to be greater than the pain of her betrayal. Perhaps she had known initially or much less suspected it." Silvanna commented as she wandered around the garden room touching a blooming rose that had caught her interest.

"They still managed to turn it around and make it appear as a simple misunderstanding and the people are fast to suck it up because Ruby herself had made a public apology. Honestly, I couldn't believe how well she could manipulate people's perspectives with her pretty face and sweet voice. She also managed to fool the ones who were present in the scene. She contained the fire before it even spread. It was a very risky move but it was understandable. If they had admitted the truth their whole bloodline will be put into scandal especially the Ansaac. Kudos to your princess for being swift with her wit. Her devotion is certainly admirable. But you don't seem particularly happy. Your little date didn't go well, I presume?" Aurelius only clicked his tongue at the memory.

"No, it did not."

A few days ago Aurelius received a letter from Ruby written from a hotel she was currently staying at in the empire. She was accepting his proposal regarding a meeting for lunch as a symbol of his gratitude at the High Garden Gallery rooftop. The mere touch he made on the parchment where her elegant hand had graced sent electricity running through his veins but more so was the fact that she was inviting him to a date. He quickly replied positively like an excited child and booked the date for the two of them.

It took him hours to choose the right clothing to wear and the flowers he would give to her since roses seemed overrated he wanted to be original. After a lot of consultation with Silvanna regarding the perfect outfit, he finally chose to go with something casual yet charismatic. He wore a burgundy turtleneck overlapped by a dark grey suit coat and some matching pants. His hair was combed back and styled to perfection with no flaw whatsoever.

He had a beaming smile that could have rivaled the sun as he walked to the rooftop garden of the art gallery where his princess was already waiting for him. His heart skipped a beat when he entered the premises and saw her marveling the blooming flowers around her while butterflies of all colors and sizes fluttered around her as if they were worshipping a deity. The dancing sunlight that flitted through the paned glass gave her beauty an ethereal glow like angelic radiance.

Ruby wore a simple bow a-line chiffon halter frilly sleeved dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was styled in a simple updo with a few golden strands framing her perfectly smooth face. Ruby wore minimal makeup and accessories but he thinks that her smile is the only decoration she needs to look beautiful and even without it she would still be alluring. He paused for a while wanting to relish the view and engrave it into his memory.

His reverie was interrupted when she turned around to face him.

"Prince Aurelius, you're finally here." she smiled. Too formal. He thought but didn't point it out and only replied with his own smile.

"Hello, Ruby. Sorry, I'm a bit late. Here I got you this." he said before handing her the bouquet of middlemist red, that is the rarest and most expensive plant he could find in the empire.

"How very thoughtful of you. Thank you but isn't this type of camellia flowers very expensive? This color also means love, passion, and deep desire. Could this be a confession of love, my prince? I should tell you again that I'm an engaged woman. It would be much controversial for our families if I have you as my mistress." Ruby teased with a mischievous smile making the prince blush.

"Oh no. It was merely an accident. I asked the florist to give me the rarest plant because I didn't think that roses would be enough to be on par with you so I bought this instead. So how have you been since... you know?" he asked changing the subject.

"Oh that. We're fine. It was a simple misunderstanding and we handled it accordingly. Carmilla and I are still going strong, actually, we are better than ever thanks to this little incident we got to address a few problems we have and sorted it out. She even accompanied me here." Ruby gestured to her left before the said maiden entered the scene and went beside his princess. His smile nearly fell due to her words but he did his best to hold it intact.

"Greetings Prince Aurelius. Ruby had filled me in on what happened that night. I want to thank you for helping her out and keeping her company while I was having another anemic episode." smiled Carmilla as she wrapped an arm around Ruby's waist nearly making him grit his teeth in anger.

"Of course, you're very much welcome but I suppose my actions were still meager compared to what she's done for me. Will you be joining us as well Lady Carmilla?" he asked wanting to roll his eyes.

"Oh no. It's just you and me. She's here to present her latest artworks on the High Garden Society to be bid later on in the auction. She'll be in on that for quite a while and I guess I'll be waiting here for her until it's done." Ruby explained.

"I should be going now, my love. Have fun with your lunch." Carmilla informed before grabbing Ruby's cheek and giving her a full long kiss making Aurelius nearly explode as he watched them happily make out with tongues and all.

"I'll see you later cutie pie." Carmilla said seductively before placing a last peck on her cheek.

"Don't overexert yourself you'll do excellently. I know it." Ruby cheered before letting her go.

"See you later your highness and please take care of my darling." Carmilla bid goodbye before leaving the scene. Aurelius rejoiced in her absence as he finally has the Huntress all to himself.

He pulled a chair for her to sit in and then took the chair opposite hers. Once they were settled, waiters and waitresses poured into the room holding covered platters and crystal pitchers. Another set of servants placed plates and utensils on their table before returning to the side.

"A seven-course meal? You went extra fancy for a casual lunch and it's so curious how there's no other guest here but us. I've read that this place is usually quite packed with the rich and famous so it's quite surprising why we're alone here. Did you perhaps rent the cafe?" Ruby questioned in curiosity as the servers set hors d'oeuvres on their table and pour matching wine on their glasses.

"I actually bought the whole building so that I can have it vacant just for today."

"Oh is that so? Why go to such lengths for a mere meet up?" she asked before popping a slice of cucumber topped with crab cooked in cream cheese.

"I'm not comfortable with other people around since I tend to attract a lot of attention because of who I am and I also don't want to meet any of my former suitors slash present haters like the last time. Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's a very interesting taste that suits my palate. I know what I like, but do you?" Ruby smiled before picking another bite-sized dish and hanging it in front of his lips. Aurelius stared at her hand for a bit, feeling his inside warm-up due to the gesture before taking it into his mouth. He intentionally grazed his lips against her fingers a little before giving her a smile.

"I think I know what I want." he said flirtatiously. He felt his little guy pulse when Ruby placed the fingers she used to feed him with against her lips to remove the oil.

"Let's cut to the chase and get to business." Ruby leaned against her seat cooly and stared at him with cold eyes that nearly made him shiver.

"What do you mean?" The smile on his lips faded and confusion replaced the warm feelings on his stomach due to her sudden sharp tone.

"You don't really expect an engaged woman who had just been in a scandal due to her fiance cheating, to meet with a man because of mere amicable gestures? No, I came here to confront you." Her words made ice-cold frost run through his veins, especially due to the harsh sharpness of her tone. He did not reply and waited for her to continue.

"I found it quite suspicious that a famous theater would have a broken lock when it's quite profitable. Surely the manager wouldn't be too lazy nor stingy because it would be a bad review. A perfectly functioning door wouldn't be locking itself unless of course... someone locks it. And then I heard that someone had paid off quite a hefty sum for the key and the person's silence which I had to double to open his mouth. Imagine my surprise when the person who bribed the manager was also the same person I was with while the door was locked. He distracted me for a bit and then led me to the room where my fiance is frolicking with her mistress. Now, what does that imply to me? What were you really aiming for when you tried ruining my relationship? What qualms do you have for the union of the Ansaac and Pendragon family? I suppose the royal family is also in on your scheme. However, you should know that Carmilla and I are not only bound by feelings but also by a bond honed by time and devotion. Plus the sex was very, very good. So what do you really want?"

"I want you to know the truth that your girlfriend is cheating on you! She doesn't deserve you! You're loyal, kind, and sweet, and yet she... She betrayed you all for a lowly opera singer!" he exclaimed with an enraged expression, his emotions pouring out like an open faucet. He recomposed himself after a brief pause and spoke in a softer tone, ashamed that he had raised his voice on her.

"I'm your friend. I just want you to know the truth. I don't want anyone making a fool out of you because... I love you."

"I finally understand. I get it."

"You do?" he perked up at this like an expectant child.

"By marrying me your usurping bloodline will finally make it seem that you are returning the flow of power to its rightful owner, the Pendragon and the son I will bear for you will have unquestionable rightful claim to his throne. But my children with Carmilla will be a threat to your seats of power because he or she will be an Ansaac King or Queen with the right to reclaim Camelot or Moniyan. You've only thought of that now that the Pendragons are finally showing face to the world."

"What?! No! It's not political! I really love you, Ruby. And I only want to have a chance to prove to you that I deserve your love." he reasoned more alarmed this time because of her misinterpretation of his true intentions. Ruby raised her hand shutting him up.

"Spare me your lies, Prince Aurelius. You've known me for what? Nine days, ten hours, and 36 minutes. That's not love that's merely infatuation. Love does not grow that fast. True love takes time and effort. Although I must applaud your exertions, you were very subtle and your plans could have worked if it wasn't me. I'm not as dense as you think I would be. And the next time you do something to destroy my relationship with Carmilla will be the last time you will be able to do anything." she spat coldly before standing up and taking her leave. He wasn't able to do anything to make her stay even though his heart was begging him to call out to her. He just sat there dumbfounded as she turned her back on him and watched as she slowly drifted away.

She paused when she reached the threshold. "If you really wanted to be my friend, I don't need your schemes and games. I just need your honesty and your loyalty. I don't care about gifts and grand gestures. I just need an honest friend." She said not even taking a last glance at him before leaving though the door.

A sigh escaped his lips as he fondly reminisced the fierce spark that ignited within her viridian eyes. The memory sent shivers down his spine due to how penetrating her gaze was.

"So you didn't even get to the second course before you were rejected. Are you sure you should be barking at this tree? I mean there are certainly other women in the empire who are quite similar to her." Silvanna asked raising a brow at him.

"There are no other women quite like her. What occurred made me more drawn to her. She's not someone who would allow herself to be played with. She would fight back with ten times the tenacity and unleash holy hell into her enemies. It's excellent because I don't want Cinderellas and Snow Whites. She's the little red riding hood and the wolf combined. Beautiful yet cunning."

"Oh, brother. You are enchanted. I should inform you that pain and sorrow always accompany love and regret is oftentimes its final destination. But she is right though." Silvanna warned directing her brother a worried glance.

"What do you mean?" he asked in confusion.

"Ruby is currently in a very emotional crisis and the last thing that she needs right now is a suitor. She's in a very complicated love conflict since she found her childhood love cheating and then suddenly, you, the prince of this nation declares that you love her. Don't you think that you've put her in a more compromising position? I mean, even if she's as great as you claim her to be, Ruby is still a human. And she's still a child. She's being subjected to a lot of stress and the best thing you can do for her right now is to be her friend. Drink with her and listen to her cry about her problems. Maybe make friendship bracelets or drink in a pub." Silvanna voiced placing a hand on his shoulder.

Aurelius seems to contemplate this for a while before nodding in agreement.

"I was wrong. I wanted to be something that she doesn't need, a lover, but if I really want to be anything in her life... I should start by considering what she feels. I'll be her friend." He produced a gentle smile before picking up the red queen.

"I'm going all in."

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹HTUADP🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Ruby sat brooding in her hotel room balcony while a chessboard lay in front of her. She held the king chess piece in her hand made of real sapphire stones. She replayed the events that had occurred during their date. She believed that the words he had uttered to her were only for deception so that he could achieve his end and yet... why does she keep thinking about him? She couldn't remove his words from her mind as well as the realistic sincerity he had while proclaiming his love for her. She only laughed it out as a mere jest however she was beginning to doubt if he was really bluffing or not.

"Trouble in paradise?" Carmilla asked wrapping her arms around her shoulders and putting her head on top of her shoulder.

"Good morning. How was your sleep and how was your night with Cecilion? I trust that your date was much better than mine." Ruby smiled pushing away her thoughts.

"It was marvelous. Though I still feel quite guilty with the whole ordeal. I should have told you the first time I felt something for him instead of letting you find it out from your admirer. Speaking of which do I smell a love rival?"

"Yes, he had professed his affections for me though I suspect that it was all a sham so that I could marry him and make their family the rightful rulers. I do not want to be subjected as a tool to retain their power ladder."

"I don't mind a small rival. I'd like to see him try and win you away from me. If he can." Carmilla whispered seductively before placing her hand inside Ruby's bodice and fondling her breasts. The blonde released a soft moan of pleasure as her partner pinch her nipples and rub it tenderly.

Carmilla sat on Ruby's lap who pushed her fingers inside her skirt and started caressing her slit. The ravenette grabbed her face and crashed their lips together in a passionate make out. Ruby can feel the drive and sincerity in each movement of her lips but why does it feel... different. She's aware that for Carmilla their relationship had lost its excitement and romance, and the rapid beating of her heart had faded. It seems that they are truly getting jaded. She still loves Carmilla and Carmilla clearly loves her but their love feels more platonic than romantic as time goes by.

She pushed away her thoughts and abandoned her doubts. They need to marry, their feelings don't matter. What matters is their obligation.

Carmilla soon pulled away and gazed at her evergreen eyes passionately.

"I promise you that I won't be keeping any secrets from you anymore. I know that you'll start getting skeptical about the things I say to you but I want you to trust me again. So I will do everything I can to earn your trust." The smile on Ruby's lips faded as she released a sigh. She averted her eyes from the female and began speaking in a melancholic tone.

"I would be lying if I tell you that I still trust you like I trusted you before, but Carmilla... we need to talk." This seemed to be enough to earn the full attention of the princess and Ruby decided to proceed when she didn't reply.

"Our marriage is an obligation. I may not condone to forced marriage but it is our duty to fulfill the oath of our family. As long as Cecilion remains as a fling, I will allow your relationship, even if we marry you can still keep him as your mistress. I just hope that you don't do something so brash."

"I know." Carmilla weakly replied with a downcast expression. "I will not betray our vows."

"I'm sorry for subjecting you to this but I also greatly love you. I may be acting selfish and even foolish but it is the curse that accompanies our noble birth. We are bound to our families' desires."

"I know and I completely understand." Carmilla sighed looking at her shoes.

"I don't want to lie to you and keep things from you especially those that will greatly affect your future. I was told to keep it from you just yet but... you deserve to know the truth." Carmilla raised her bowed head at this and looked at her in curiosity. Ruby's tone and downcast expression are foreboding making her afraid of what news she will bring.

"They're moving up our wedding date and sending you with me back to Cadmure until you give birth. Your father found out about your relationship with Cecilion and thought that he's a setback to your compliance so he's ensuring that you comply. He has already spoken to my mother and she agreed. We're getting married on the 18th of the next two months."

Carmilla's world collapsed right then and there. Time seemed to stop still as Ruby's words sink into her mind. No words can form on her lips as she stood there dumbfounded, her heart breaking into a million pieces as she felt powerless against the control of her father and her fate.

"That's so unfair. What will I-- How can I be with Cecilion if I'm in Cadmure? What can I do?" She whispered solemnly as tears of grief started falling from her bright fuchsia eyes. Her attention turned back to Ruby who looked at her with pity.

"Ruby... I beg you. Please... I need your help. I'm not asking you to stop our marriage. I will comply but please... Give me more time with Cecilion now that he has confessed to me how much he loves me. Please, I'm begging you." she pleaded in desperation. Ruby's heart nearly broke at the sight of her despondency however she can only avert her eyes to prevent herself from giving into tears.

"I'm sorry, Carmilla... but there's nothing more I can do."