The palace was just as Esmeralda remembered-grand, suffocating, and filled with people who thought far too highly of themselves.
Including one particular crown prince.
"His Highness will see you now," the attendant announced.
Esmeralda exhaled slowly, smoothing her dress before stepping inside.
Rael stood near the window, sunlight framing him in that annoyingly perfect way of his. Composed. Elegant. Infuriating.
He turned as she entered, his gaze sharp-then softened, just slightly.
"Esmeralda," he greeted. "You came."
She raised a brow. "You summoned me. It would've been rather scandalous if I ignored you, wouldn't it?"
"A shame," he said lightly. "I was curious to see if you would."
"Oh?" she replied, walking further into the room. "And risk damaging your political ties with my family? I think not, Your Highness."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "You think very highly of your importance."
"I think very accurately," she corrected smoothly.
Silence lingered for a moment-comfortable, yet edged with something sharper.
Rael studied her. "You've been... different."
"There it is," she sighed, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "I was wondering how long it would take for you to say that."
"You're avoiding the point."
"And you're stating the obvious."
His eyes narrowed slightly, though amusement flickered beneath. "You used to follow me everywhere."
"And now I don't," she replied. "You're welcome."
"...Welcome?"
"Yes," she said, nodding seriously. "I've removed a significant burden from your daily life. Truly, I deserve gratitude."
Rael let out a quiet breath that almost sounded like a laugh. "You're insufferable."
"And yet, here I am. Still invited into the palace."
"Summoned," he corrected.
"Ah, yes. Forgive me, Your Highness. I forget you prefer things to sound authoritative."
He stepped closer, gaze intent. "And I forget you enjoy provoking me."
"I don't enjoy it," she said thoughtfully. "...I simply find it very easy."
A pause.
Then-
Rael chuckled. Soft. Genuine.
It caught her off guard for half a second.
"You really have changed," he said, his voice quieter now.
Esmeralda crossed her arms. "If this is the part where you say you prefer the 'new me,' I'd advise against it."
"Oh?"
"Yes," she said flatly. "It would sound suspicious."
He raised a brow. "Suspicious?"
"Of ulterior motives," she replied. "Political ones, most likely."
Rael tilted his head slightly, studying her. "And if I said I simply meant it?"
"I would say," she replied smoothly, "that you're very dedicated to maintaining our alliance."
A flicker of something unreadable crossed his eyes.
"You don't believe I could be sincere?"
"I believe you're a crown prince," she said lightly. "Sincerity tends to come second to strategy."
That... almost sounded like a challenge.
Rael took another step closer, closing the distance between them.
"Then let me be clear," he said. "You look well today."
Esmeralda blinked.
Then sighed.
"There it is."
"...There what is?"
"The compliment," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "Well-timed, appropriately vague, and politically harmless."
His lips twitched. "You're impossible."
"And you're predictable," she shot back.
He leaned slightly closer. "You truly think I would waste my time complimenting you for politics alone?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation. "You've done far more exhausting things for the sake of the empire."
A beat.
Then-
Rael laughed again.
This time, there was no restraint.
"You really don't make this easy for me, do you?"
"I'm not supposed to," she replied sweetly. "Where would the fun be in that?"
He studied her for a long moment.
And for once-
He wasn't looking at her like a political ally.
"...You're interesting," he said quietly.
Esmeralda groaned softly. "Please don't tell me that's another compliment."
"It is."
She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Your Highness, if you continue this, people might start thinking you like me."
"And if they do?" he asked.
She gave him a flat look.
"Then I would be deeply concerned for the kingdom's future."
Silence.
Then-
Rael smiled.
Not the practiced, diplomatic smile he wore in court.
But something far more genuine.
"...We'll see about that," he said.
Esmeralda only shook her head, already turning away.
"Please don't. I've just started enjoying my peaceful life."
But as she walked toward the door, she could feel his gaze linger on her-curious, amused, and far too interested for her liking.
And for the first time-
Rael wasn't thinking about alliances.
He was thinking about her.