My father kicked me out of the palace.
Why?
I was simply too curious about what he was planning for my debut ball. Next week, I would turn 18. That would also mean I would have to make my debut. I didn't have to search for a partner. My father told me he found a suitable one for me. The duke's eldest son.
Never met him really. Many people haven't. They said he was studying abroad, in other country. However there are rumors he is handsome.
If he's anything like his younger brother, I don't want him.
Jacob Astor, the younger son of the duke, is completely a shameless man who flirts with every single women he finds attractive.
If this man, Kairos Astor, is the same, then it simply won't do for him to be my partner to the ball. Imagine the humility I would receive if my own partner flirts with other women in front of me.
Right now, I was taking a walk through the city capital. I was probably lost in thought when I accidently bumped in to a man.
Holy shit. Was he a viking?
He looked to be around 7 feet tall, possibly more. He was buffed as hell and had a bread braided.
I'm positive he's sent by Thor.
"I am so sorry." I apologized quickly.
"It's ok lass. Watch where you're going next time." his voice was gruff and he had a friendly smile.
Ok. Friendly viking.
"Is there a problem?" A man came in between the both of us, as if he was protecting me. He was tall and muscular. He turned around and I saw his face properly. He had piercing blue eyes. He had short black hair, covering some part of his left eye.
"There's no problem, I assure you." I told the man quickly. Though how fast I said might be suspicious.
He raised an eyebrow.
I pulled him to the side and apologized again for this man's behaviour. Thankfully, he's a nice viking. Otherwise, I feel like I would be crushed into the ground. and taste the rocks.
The friendly viking man left confused and I glared at the man.
"What is your problem?" I shouted.
"That man looked like he was going to pick a fight with you."
"He wasn't! What made you think that?"
"The way he smiled was creepy."
"You're unbelievable." I scoffed.
"I was trying to protect you." He rolled his eyes.
"I can protect myself, asshole."
"Sure you can, princess." His tone was sarcastic. I don't think he actually knew I was the princess.
I stormed off.
...
The following day my father wanted me to meet the duke's son. My lady-in-waitings were certainly stressed out. They wanted me to make a good impression.
For political reasons, my father is making me marry him. As a princess, of course I had no say in this.
Though it does make sense. If he did study abroad, his knowledge would be useful. But the question is, is he suitable to become a king? More importantly, could he handle me?
Many suitors couldn't. They expected a women who would be spoiled and easy to impress with gold. Just because I'm a fucking princess, doesn't mean I'm a spoiled brat.
My father taught me how to fight, and made sure I grew up smart.
He did have a tough time raising me. My mother left us when I was 6 because she couldn't handle the kingdom anymore. My father would say she thought the people here was disgusting and only wanted power.
In some ways, she was right.
I arrived to the private tea room. Apparently my father made arrangements there and decorated the room himself.
I entered and he was sitting there.
The man from yesterday was Kairos Astor.
"YOU?" Both of us said simultaneously.
"You're Kairos Astor?" How annoying.
"And you're the princess." He said it more like a statement than a question.
I sighed and sat opposite to him. The maid served us tea and some snacks. Even if I didn't like the guy, I had no choice but to get along with him.
"Sorry for calling you an asshole yesterday."
"I couldn't hear you quite well, could you speak a bit louder?" He smirked slyly.
That fucker...
"I haven't said anything to you, simply mummering to myself." I smiled innocently. Two can play this game.
"But you were apologizing for calling me an asshole yesterday?" He tilted his head.
"If you heard me the first time, why the need for me to repeat what I said?"
Kairos laughed.
"You are amusing."
"Glad you find me entertaining."
He was not that bad once you got to know him.
Though he could work on his resting face. He looks as if he wants to kill someone. He gave my maid quite a scare.
...
At the debut ball, I had already had my first dance with Kairos. I was mingling with other people while Kairos was in a corner by himself. His resting face was able to keep girls away from approaching him. And other people too.
I walked over to him and leaned on a pillar beside him.
"Stop that."
"Stop what? I'm not doing anything." He looked over at me confused.
"Your face."
"You can't stop looking at me, huh? I know I look ravishing, but I'll still get flustered if you compliment me like that." He grinned.
I rolled my eyes.
"You look like you're plotting murder."
"So I've been told. I can't help it, I was like this as a child too."
"You're scaring off the guests."
"What do you want me to do?" He scoffed.
"Talk to people." Obviously. You're scaring them by not talking.
"You don't mind if I talk to women?" He leaned closer and smirked.
If I had the chance to wipe it off, I would done so when we first met.
I minded if he flirted with them. Though our engagement isn't announced yet, at least he could be decent enough not to flirt with other women.
He was teasing me. I knew that.
"It's just talking. I'm least interested who you converse with." I push myself off the pillar.
"So you don't care? Is that right princess?" His smile faded.
"I'm least bothered." What was up with him.
"But, I care."
...
I woke up to the sound of the bird's chirping. And this asshole screaming in my ear that we have to go.