Fatima: The Slave Princess-Chapter 92 - 91

Given that our destinies were decided from birth, the crown prince ought to have only eyes for me, and no one else. As a child, I followed him everywhere because I desperately wanted to earn his affections before our official union. However, no matter how many times I visited the palace, intruded on his personal time, or pretended to be hurt in front of him, he would just stare at me coldly and walk away quietly. Yet for reasons unknown, he never once chased me away or even scorned me. On a good day, I'd be allowed to sit next to him in the quiet library, the only sound the rhythmic turning of pages as he studied. I'm certain the crown prince has romantic feelings for me, but his gruff demeanor and the way he avoids eye contact hides his true emotions, making him appear distant. He hasn't even glanced in my direction once since he entered the arena.

"Are you alright, Lady Florette? You are trembling, my lady."

Why...why is it that his heart always strays towards such common and unattractive women? In what ways are they better off than me? I, Florette Kartier, am the most prominent lady in all of Alkaraz, a fact that is reflected in the hushed whispers and admiring glances that follow me wherever I go. These beggars are so beneath me that I wouldn't even stoop to acknowledge their presence. So, why?

~Meanwhile...

"Emilia..."

"Yes, your majesty-ahem! Yes...father."

Was that glare really necessary?

"What do you think of her?" he asked, a smile flashed across his face as he stared at the distant seats below.

"Lady Florette?"

"Your vision must be far worse than mine. And here I thought my eyes were failing me."

"Why don't you just tell me who you're referring to, old man? Last I check, I did not possess telepathic abilities."

*sigh* Conversations with him always end with a quarrel.

"Were you not following my gaze at all? What is the matter with you?"

"Wha- How was I supposed to figure that out all on my own, father? You were staring-"

"Ahem! Ahem!" the empress interrupted.

"Aw! I was enjoying the show, but you ruined it, mother." Yuri whined, slumping into her chair and spreading her legs leisurely.

"Shut your mouth, Yuri! And fix your undignified posture before I make you."

"A duchess should show more respect when speaking to a princess! I shall see to it that you are punished, duchess Emilia." She retorted stubbornly, straightening her bearing in her seat.

"I see you have a death wish, my dear sister. I'll gladly grant that for you-"

"Mind your manners, children. You are in the presence of his majesty." The empress reprimanded in a serious tone.

"Honestly, it is always the same with the two of you. Countless times I have admonished you for displaying such unseemly behavior in public, yet my efforts seem to have had no effect. Why can't you get along like normal sisters? *sigh* My head is throbbing."

"Are you all through?" father growled, menacingly glaring at us.

"If so, I would like to continue my conversation with my lovely daughter. Come closer, Emilia."

"Wha-Father, how could you be so cruel?! I too, am your beloved daughter." Yuri exclaimed, clinging to the emperor's arm.

"Father! Spare me some of your affection too!"

+++

"What are they up to over there?"

"They look like they're having a marvelous time, your highness."

Hm? Did the emperor...just winked at me? Haha! Hop off your high horse, Fati, that would be impossible. Strangely enough, Nathan's mood seems to have completely taken a turn for the better. I was taken aback when he unexpectedly interrupted our conversation, yet I simultaneously found comfort in his warm smile. Bemusement filled the arena as nobles and commoners alike whispered and pointed, their eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and disbelief.

"I suppose it's time for my second match." He said as he rose from his seat dusting the dirt from his hands.

"Why don't you wish me luck...the Ecchelon way?"

H-huh?! Did he just blatantly...request a peck on his forehead? As I pictured the scenario in my head, my heart instantly returned to its rapid rhythm. With so many people around, he's making such a personal request. Surely, he must be teasing me.

"What...you don't want to?" He sulked, folding his arms across his chest.

"And here I thought we were close enough to share such trivial gestures. I hear in Ecchelon, this was done even among friends."

Everyone is staring at us, which is unnerving enough, but the truly concerning aspect is Lady Florette's murderous glare. Though I am tempted to act on impulse, a foolish urge whispers in my ear, yet I resist, knowing the consequences of drawing unwanted attention. My heart aches with a love for him that is both tender and profound, yet I know, with a painful certainty, that he can never be mine. Her numerous superior qualities and suitability make her a far better match for him than I could ever hope to be.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, your highness. What would people think...when they witness you and your secretary engaging in such an intimate act?"

"I see you are at it again, erecting yet another wall between us. Patience was never one of my strong suits, but you somehow embedded that in me without my noticing. I truly hope one day I'll make you realize just how much I..."

His voice trailed off into an incomprehensible murmur as he finished his sentence, leaving me entirely unable to hear what he had said. However, my heart seems to have ears of its own.

"His highness seems to be head over heels for you, Miss Lottie." Ulissa whispered in my ears, causing me to jump in startled surprise.

"Which makes his relationship with Lady Florette even more confusing." She muttered, gazing into the distance where lady Florette was sitting.

"Don't tell me!" She said with a loud gasp, taking hold of my shoulders.

"Could it be that he's planning on making you...his m-mistress?!"

It's a common occurrence, even expected in most social circles within Alkaraz, for aristocratic men to have relationships with women besides their marital partners. In fact, promiscuity is often used to flaunt a man's power and wealth, boasting of his virility through many offspring while securing heirs for his family in case his wife was barren. The emperor himself is required to house as many concubines as possible in order to preserve the line of succession. Thus, I wouldn't be surprised if one day I became one of Nathan's many concubines. I made a solemn promise to be of use to him in any way that I could be. Therefore, should that day arrive, I will certainly...

"You must decline, Miss Lottie!"

"U-Ulissa?"

Her suggestion... I could tell from the steely resolve burning in her eyes, came from a place of deep, personal experience. But that's simply not possible, given her past as crown princess of Lithiar. The tremors in Ulissa's hands were a stark contrast to her usual sweet smile, which had been replaced by a fretful frown.

"Unlike me...you don't deserve to be treated that way. You are too valuable, Princess."

"Shhh! People will hear you." I hushed as I covered her mouth.

"Kill him, your highness! Off with his head!" bellowed a random spectator.

"Make him eat dirt for disrespecting a member of the imperial family!"

I suppose our little chat is safe from prying ears. They're all too busy cheering.

"I will do as you say...under one condition, Miss Ulissa."

"W-what could that be?" she stuttered in response, her body stiffened nervously.

"You must never speak of yourself that way ever again. As fellow princesses, please know that you are just as precious and valuable as anyone else. Therefore, going forward, promise me you'll be kind to yourself."

Princess Fatima must have overheard the murmurs that's been circulating around the palace of late. In all honesty, the instant I left my tribe and embarked on this journey in service of the crown prince of Alkaraz, the path ahead was clear to me. I would much rather endure the occasional contemptuous and curious stares from the nobles than face death at the hands of those I once considered to be my family.

"I promise."

I've never encountered such a genuinely sweet spirit; her demeanor is incredibly refreshing.

"Ack! Miss Ulissa, you are choking me."

"This is called an 'amamoa hug' in Uluka. It is used to commemorate a newfound lifetime bond. The two parties ought to hug each other...so tightly...that their bodies would start fitting into one another."

"But...your bosoms are..."

"She's turning blue, Ulissa. You should release her before she actually chokes." Sir Uler warned with a sigh.

She's so strong. *cough*.

"Isn't 'amamoa hug' a lovers' thing?" Sir Ulyx interjected.

"Well...I don't have a lover, but I have a soulmate now." She shrugged with a smirk.

"You...don't have a lover? Strange...I was under the impression you two..." Sir Ulrick pondered, glancing at Sir Leonardo.

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"What?"

"N-nothing, Sir!"

His expression, though hidden under a mask, hinted he was displeased with something. But... why does it feel so familiar?