Predatory Marriage

“You know that I cannot do that, right? Why are you getting me into trouble?” she hissed quietly at him. Ishakan frowned with her short reply. He stubbornly drew his face closer to her, ignoring the witnesses.

“Is that too much for a man who served you with his whole body?” he whispered.

As soon as she turned her head, even though slightly, the sharp tip of her nose brushed over his cheek.

“I helped you a lot, right? I even almost died.” she spat back coolly.

Even if she told him, he would still do the same. Had it not been because of Ishakan, she would have been caught by Byun Gyongbaek in the garden that night. Ishakan snapped and lightly brushed his forehead against hers.

“You should return me a favor, princess.” he softly demanded of her.

Leah eventually took a step back minutely. But despite that, Ishakan only drew closer to her. The more she ran away, the more he would provoke her. Eventually, she found she could no longer avoid his gaze, as her eyes slowly looked up to meet his…

When she did, there was a satisfied glint in his eyes. Leah silently opened her mouth.

“Tell me what you want.”

“Walk with me towards the luncheon hall.”

Ishakan playfully quirked up his eyebrows. After sharply looking at Ishakan in a sidelong glance, Leah unwillingly moved her first step ahead of him. She thought of walking ahead of him at a far distance. Give herself some space away from him.

However, she overlooked something. There was a great difference between their bodies, just like heaven and earth. He quickly caught up with Leah in only a couple of steps.

“You walk too fast.” he jested, and she bit the inside of her lower lip in annoyance.

I can’t believe this man.

Leah scowled at him as he laughed mischievously.

“I came because of you. It’s been hard to see you these days.” Ishakan grumbled, saying that the princess, who is locked up in the tower, should not be like this. She admittedly finds it cute, though it doesn’t quite suit him.

Leah discreetly stared at him. His brownish-black hair naturally falling down on his broad forehead. The clear line on the bridge of his nose that continues all the way up to his eyebrows gave him a fierce look, contrary to how he gifts her with a softer gaze

An itching feeling enveloped her hands. It was an unbearably itchy sensation, like the buds that sprout during springtime.

Leah fisted her hands under the white-laced gloves, then moved slowly. Ishakan walked right next to her, matching her step by step as they walked in perfect tandem together. They were getting nearer to the garden where the luncheon will be held. After all, it was just a walkable distance.

With every step, she thought of the people who would be seeing them, so she chose the road where fewer people would pass by. The maids followed them at a distance where they cannot hear the conversation between the two of them.

The weather was good. Walking under the warm sun felt better than she originally thought. Both of them kept their silence while walking. There was a cozy feeling blanketing them as quietness ensued between them.

It’s been a long time since Leah went out for a walk. Like a cat hanging by the window at noon, Leah fully enjoyed the sunshine with a relaxed mood. Having a walk outside had never felt this good, possibly because she had only been staying inside the palace for many days.

A thought suddenly occurred in her mind.

It might be possible that Ishakan knew what happened to her so he deliberately asked her to walk with him outside today. But she didn’t bother to ask him for confirmation, and let her thoughts slip away.

When they were about to reach the garden, Ishakan who had remained silent along the way, suddenly opened for the first time since they began walking…

“You look lovely today.” He complimented her. His simple statement left her feeling breathless. While Leah thought of her answer, Ishakan continued speaking, not waiting for a response. “Did I mention that the Crown Prince will also attend the luncheon?”

There was a deep frown creased on his forehead.

It seemed that he was displeased with the news he let slip from his mouth but he did add anymore, nor ask her what she thought because they were about to arrive in the Queen’s palace.

The maids of the royal palace, who were waiting outside to greet her, looked at them with a tinge of surprise. Possibly because they expected neither of them to arrive together. However, the maids only bowed down before them as Leah passed by, impassive like a doll, without any expression on her face.

“They are waiting inside.” the head maid informed them, leading them to the way.

They walked towards the garden as escorted by the maids. She could see, even at a distance, the tablecloth embellished with gold sand. The table was decorated with attractive flowers, small fruits, lace, and petals scattered artfully all over, while exquisite silverware and ceramics lined up—which were all a bit too fancy for a luncheon, Leah thought.

The nobles were already sitting at the table. At the upper corner of the table, the King and Cerdina were seated, while Blaine, the Crown Prince, was located by the left side of the table. The seating plan was pre-arranged, and Leah was set to sit beside Blaine, while Ishakan would be sat across from her.

She paused in front of them, and firmly stood, before giving them a blank stare.

Cerdina drew a smile upon seeing Leah. The queen’s dress shimmered brightly beneath the direct sunlight. The form of flat dress without the balloon effect was undoubtedly not of Estian style. Its skirt fell smoothly unto the floor.

The princess’ eyes widened fractionally when she realized what the queen was wearing—it was the silk dress that Ishakan gifted to Leah.