Chapter 63: Princess Consort
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Princess Nari stood up to welcome Prince Noore. Princess Sera followed along. Dressed in his usual white attire, Prince Noore's was a changed man with his newly acquired power and authority. His aura and presence was more overbearing and authoritative.
"Your highness." Princess Nari and Princess Sera greeted at the same time.
Striding in, Prince Noore nodded to the two princesses and took the main seat.
"Princess Sera, I hope you are adjusting well in our empire?" Prince Noore immediately addressed Princess Sera, ignoring his Princess Consort.
"Thank you for your concern, your highness. I am adjusting well." Princess Sera replied with a smile.
"That is good to hear. Do let me know if you ever need anything. As a host, cannot guarantee I will be able to fulfil your every needs, but I will do my best to provide you with we can." His gentle smile pricked Princess Nari's eyes.
It was the same smile he used to greet with her. The same smile she used to blush on seeing. And now, that same smile was aimed at another woman.
What had gone wrong between them? Why was he no longer that same prince?
Her brown eyes reddened on thinking of the past. It had not been even three weeks into their marriage, and their relationship was already crumbling.
'No, I cannot allow things to continue in such a way. I have to do something to save our relationship. Otherwise, I will lose everything. I will neither have him nor my status as Princess Consort.'
Even though Princess Nari was mainly disdained and looked down upon by the noble ladies of the empire, through them, she had also come to know of the importance of her position. She came to know of the Amayan Empire's status within the seven realms, and how desperately the other six realms sought to form alliance with the empire.
By a stroke of great fortune, she became the Princess Consort of a prince of this great empire. Now, it was up to her to safeguard that title.
Standing, Princess Nari strode to Prince Noore's side, softly smiled, and amiably served him his tea and snacks. Prince Noore looked at his Princess Consort in puzzlement.
'What is she up to now?' He internally wondered.
Unconsciously, he had been avoiding the Jinn Princess. He blamed her for his missed chance with Princess Qamari, and every time he saw her face, he was reminded of his foiled plot.
Since Crown Prince Lail's disappearance, however, the blame in his heart lessened a bit. He was now close to getting what he plotted and schemed for so long, and so, did not see the need to waste time over spilled water.
As long as he got what he wanted in the end, he did not care for the process. As such, he was no longer strongly averse to her presence. However, he also did not care for her enough to personally seek her out.
"Your highness, you have been quiet busy lately. I know you have a lot of workload, but please, do not neglect your health. You should take short breaks whenever you are able to. After all, no matter how important work is, it cannot be more important than your health." Princess Nari's soft voice drifted in the quiet room, gentle and concerned.
"Hmm." Taking the offered cup, Prince Noore indifferently responded as he drank his tea.
"The Princess is so devoted like this, Prince Noore must feel quiet lucky." At this moment, Princess Sera's friendly voice interrupted the interaction between the couple.
Displeased at being sidelined, she lost her calm, taking the opportunity herself to divert the attention back on her. She had not come to watch Prince Noore and the backwater Princess act lovey and dovely before her and burn. She came to put on a lovely show for Princess Nari and have her burn!
Prince Noore turned to the Ahankar princess and smiled.
"Nothing of the sort, Princess. However, how does the princess know my Princess Consort?" He asked in curiosity.
"You do not know, your highness? Your Princess Consort is the most popular in the capital right now. Her tea parties and unending invitations are a tale discussed in teashops." Covering her mouth, she laughed in delight.
From her words, it seemed as if she were praising the princess, but in fact, was indirectly labeling her as a subject to be discussed in teashops by even ordinary subjects.
Princess Nari caught her need hidden jab, but did not react. Prince Noore was present. She had to control herself.
"It is really difficult to adjust to a new place. But I did not want that to stop me from connecting with the madams and their daughters. So, I set up the tea parties to familiarize myself with them. My royal mother told me it was the duty of the wife to form connections with the ministers madams. Did I do anything wrong, your highness?"
"No. You did well. It is important to have connections with the madams of the ministers. After all, they are my officials families." Prince Noore knew he could not take over the throne on his own.
He would need the support of every official and minister of the empire. If his Princess Consort formed strong relationships with their madams, he would not need to worry about controlling them. He was actually satisfied with Princess Nari's actions.
Although, she was only a chess piece in his original plot, she at least had some use.
Failing to achieve the affect she desired, Princess Sera's fake smile turned stiff. Glancing over at the obedient looking princess again, she started having doubts.
'Did I underestimate her a little too much? She does not seem to be as simple as she looks. Whatever! I will think of how to handle her later. Now, I need to accomplish what I came here for.'
Eyes flashing, she turned to Prince Noore.
"Your highness, I heard that your banquet pavilion is splendid. Could I request for a tour? If you do not mind, that is." She added quickly as if in after thought.
Before Prince Noore could answer however, Princess Nari replied.
"Your highness, if you do not mind, I will be more than willing to accompany you. Prince Noore is busy with state affairs lately. It would not be convenient for him to show you around. Besides, if others saw the prince of Amaya strolling with the princess of Ahankar, what would they think?"
Princess Nari had no intention of leaving the two alone together. She had experienced for herself how quickly the relationship between man and woman progressed. If anything happened between them because of her neglect, she would have no one but herself to blame.
"Your highness, please rest assured. I will take good care of Princess Nari for you. After all, as a guest of the Amayan Empire, it is only right that, as your Princess Consort, I show her around on your behalf." Standing, she turned towards the frozen Princess Sera.
"Hmm. Than, I will leave the princess to you." Prince Noore saw nothing wrong with the suggestion. He had invited the princess to the royal palace to show her around. But as Princess Nari pointed out, he did have a lot of work pending.
Since his Princess Consort was willing to show his important guest around, he was more than relieved.
"Yes, your highness. Princess, please." She gestured towards the door.
Princess Sera was fuming inside.
Did this Princess Nari suspect her intentions? Or was she just being cautious? She seemed to be purposely getting in her way.
She could not tell. However, she was not going to let her spoil her plans.
Standing, Princess Sera looked at Prince Noore with a crestfallen expression, attracting the prince's attention.
"Princess Sera, are you okay? Why did you suddenly become sad?" Standing, he moved in front of her, his brows furrowed, concern in his eyes.
"I...I just thought...I am sorry, your highness." Tears streamed down her face and she turned to run out of the hall.
Just as she reached the threshold, her foot twisted, and the princess fell backwards.
Princess Nari was immediately alert the instant Princess Sera started shedding tears out of the blue. Knowing the princess did not have any good intentions, she kept her eyes glued on her, watching her every move.
The moment she ran out of the hall, Princess Nari was almost tricked into suspecting herself. Wondering if she was reading too much into the matter. However, the second the princess tripped and fell backwards towards her husband's arms, she knew.
The Princess intended to play the 'hurt and pitiful' card. She wanted Prince Noore to touch her. Then, she would use the fact he touched her to stick herself to him.
Moving without thinking, she stood in between Prince Noore and Princess Sera's falling body, taking the full weight of the princess on herself, the two crashed heavily on the aquiline stone.
Pain flashed through her body, blood flowed.
"Ahhhhh!"
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Princess Nari stood up to welcome Prince Noore. Princess Sera followed along. Dressed in his usual white attire, Prince Noore's was a changed man with his newly acquired power and authority. His aura and presence was more overbearing and authoritative.
"Your highness." Princess Nari and Princess Sera greeted at the same time.
Striding in, Prince Noore nodded to the two princesses and took the main seat.
"Princess Sera, I hope you are adjusting well in our empire?" Prince Noore immediately addressed Princess Sera, ignoring his Princess Consort.
"Thank you for your concern, your highness. I am adjusting well." Princess Sera replied with a smile.
"That is good to hear. Do let me know if you ever need anything. As a host, cannot guarantee I will be able to fulfil your every needs, but I will do my best to provide you with we can." His gentle smile pricked Princess Nari's eyes.
It was the same smile he used to greet with her. The same smile she used to blush on seeing. And now, that same smile was aimed at another woman.
What had gone wrong between them? Why was he no longer that same prince?
Her brown eyes reddened on thinking of the past. It had not been even three weeks into their marriage, and their relationship was already crumbling.
'No, I cannot allow things to continue in such a way. I have to do something to save our relationship. Otherwise, I will lose everything. I will neither have him nor my status as Princess Consort.'
Even though Princess Nari was mainly disdained and looked down upon by the noble ladies of the empire, through them, she had also come to know of the importance of her position. She came to know of the Amayan Empire's status within the seven realms, and how desperately the other six realms sought to form alliance with the empire.
By a stroke of great fortune, she became the Princess Consort of a prince of this great empire. Now, it was up to her to safeguard that title.
Standing, Princess Nari strode to Prince Noore's side, softly smiled, and amiably served him his tea and snacks. Prince Noore looked at his Princess Consort in puzzlement.
'What is she up to now?' He internally wondered.
Unconsciously, he had been avoiding the Jinn Princess. He blamed her for his missed chance with Princess Qamari, and every time he saw her face, he was reminded of his foiled plot.
Since Crown Prince Lail's disappearance, however, the blame in his heart lessened a bit. He was now close to getting what he plotted and schemed for so long, and so, did not see the need to waste time over spilled water.
As long as he got what he wanted in the end, he did not care for the process. As such, he was no longer strongly averse to her presence. However, he also did not care for her enough to personally seek her out.
"Your highness, you have been quiet busy lately. I know you have a lot of workload, but please, do not neglect your health. You should take short breaks whenever you are able to. After all, no matter how important work is, it cannot be more important than your health." Princess Nari's soft voice drifted in the quiet room, gentle and concerned.
"Hmm." Taking the offered cup, Prince Noore indifferently responded as he drank his tea.
"The Princess is so devoted like this, Prince Noore must feel quiet lucky." At this moment, Princess Sera's friendly voice interrupted the interaction between the couple.
Displeased at being sidelined, she lost her calm, taking the opportunity herself to divert the attention back on her. She had not come to watch Prince Noore and the backwater Princess act lovey and dovely before her and burn. She came to put on a lovely show for Princess Nari and have her burn!
Prince Noore turned to the Ahankar princess and smiled.
"Nothing of the sort, Princess. However, how does the princess know my Princess Consort?" He asked in curiosity.
"You do not know, your highness? Your Princess Consort is the most popular in the capital right now. Her tea parties and unending invitations are a tale discussed in teashops." Covering her mouth, she laughed in delight.
From her words, it seemed as if she were praising the princess, but in fact, was indirectly labeling her as a subject to be discussed in teashops by even ordinary subjects.
Princess Nari caught her need hidden jab, but did not react. Prince Noore was present. She had to control herself.
"It is really difficult to adjust to a new place. But I did not want that to stop me from connecting with the madams and their daughters. So, I set up the tea parties to familiarize myself with them. My royal mother told me it was the duty of the wife to form connections with the ministers madams. Did I do anything wrong, your highness?"
"No. You did well. It is important to have connections with the madams of the ministers. After all, they are my officials families." Prince Noore knew he could not take over the throne on his own.
He would need the support of every official and minister of the empire. If his Princess Consort formed strong relationships with their madams, he would not need to worry about controlling them. He was actually satisfied with Princess Nari's actions.
Although, she was only a chess piece in his original plot, she at least had some use.
Failing to achieve the affect she desired, Princess Sera's fake smile turned stiff. Glancing over at the obedient looking princess again, she started having doubts.
'Did I underestimate her a little too much? She does not seem to be as simple as she looks. Whatever! I will think of how to handle her later. Now, I need to accomplish what I came here for.'
Eyes flashing, she turned to Prince Noore.
"Your highness, I heard that your banquet pavilion is splendid. Could I request for a tour? If you do not mind, that is." She added quickly as if in after thought.
Before Prince Noore could answer however, Princess Nari replied.
"Your highness, if you do not mind, I will be more than willing to accompany you. Prince Noore is busy with state affairs lately. It would not be convenient for him to show you around. Besides, if others saw the prince of Amaya strolling with the princess of Ahankar, what would they think?"
Princess Nari had no intention of leaving the two alone together. She had experienced for herself how quickly the relationship between man and woman progressed. If anything happened between them because of her neglect, she would have no one but herself to blame.
"Your highness, please rest assured. I will take good care of Princess Nari for you. After all, as a guest of the Amayan Empire, it is only right that, as your Princess Consort, I show her around on your behalf." Standing, she turned towards the frozen Princess Sera.
"Hmm. Than, I will leave the princess to you." Prince Noore saw nothing wrong with the suggestion. He had invited the princess to the royal palace to show her around. But as Princess Nari pointed out, he did have a lot of work pending.
Since his Princess Consort was willing to show his important guest around, he was more than relieved.
"Yes, your highness. Princess, please." She gestured towards the door.
Princess Sera was fuming inside.
Did this Princess Nari suspect her intentions? Or was she just being cautious? She seemed to be purposely getting in her way.
She could not tell. However, she was not going to let her spoil her plans.
Standing, Princess Sera looked at Prince Noore with a crestfallen expression, attracting the prince's attention.
"Princess Sera, are you okay? Why did you suddenly become sad?" Standing, he moved in front of her, his brows furrowed, concern in his eyes.
"I...I just thought...I am sorry, your highness." Tears streamed down her face and she turned to run out of the hall.
Just as she reached the threshold, her foot twisted, and the princess fell backwards.
Princess Nari was immediately alert the instant Princess Sera started shedding tears out of the blue. Knowing the princess did not have any good intentions, she kept her eyes glued on her, watching her every move.
The moment she ran out of the hall, Princess Nari was almost tricked into suspecting herself. Wondering if she was reading too much into the matter. However, the second the princess tripped and fell backwards towards her husband's arms, she knew.
The Princess intended to play the 'hurt and pitiful' card. She wanted Prince Noore to touch her. Then, she would use the fact he touched her to stick herself to him.
Moving without thinking, she stood in between Prince Noore and Princess Sera's falling body, taking the full weight of the princess on herself, the two crashed heavily on the aquiline stone.
Pain flashed through her body, blood flowed.
"Ahhhhh!"
Princess Nari stood up to welcome Prince Noore. Princess Sera followed along. Dressed in his usual white attire, Prince Noore's was a changed man with his newly acquired power and authority. His aura and presence was more overbearing and authoritative. "Your highness." Princess Nari and Princess Sera greeted at the same time. Striding in, Prince Noore nodded to the two princesses and took the main seat. "Princess Sera, I hope you are adjusting well in our empire?" Prince Noore immediately addressed Princess Sera, ignoring his Princess Consort. "Thank you for your concern, your highness. I am adjusting well." Princess Sera replied with a smile. "That is good to hear. Do let me know if you ever need anything. As a host, cannot guarantee I will be able to fulfil your every needs, but I will do my best to provide you with we can." His gentle smile pricked Princess Nari's eyes. It was the same smile he used to greet with her. The same smile she used to blush on seeing. And now, that same smile was aimed at another woman. What had gone wrong between them? Why was he no longer that same prince? Her brown eyes reddened on thinking of the past. It had not been even three weeks into their marriage, and their relationship was already crumbling. 'No, I cannot allow things to continue in such a way. I have to do something to save our relationship. Otherwise, I will lose everything. I will neither have him nor my status as Princess Consort.' Even though Princess Nari was mainly disdained and looked down upon by the noble ladies of the empire, through them, she had also come to know of the importance of her position. She came to know of the Amayan Empire's status within the seven realms, and how desperately the other six realms sought to form alliance with the empire. By a stroke of great fortune, she became the Princess Consort of a prince of this great empire. Now, it was up to her to safeguard that title. Standing, Princess Nari strode to Prince Noore's side, softly smiled, and amiably served him his tea and snacks. Prince Noore looked at his Princess Consort in puzzlement. 'What is she up to now?' He internally wondered. Unconsciously, he had been avoiding the Jinn Princess. He blamed her for his missed chance with Princess Qamari, and every time he saw her face, he was reminded of his foiled plot. Since Crown Prince Lail's disappearance, however, the blame in his heart lessened a bit. He was now close to getting what he plotted and schemed for so long, and so, did not see the need to waste time over spilled water. As long as he got what he wanted in the end, he did not care for the process. As such, he was no longer strongly averse to her presence. However, he also did not care for her enough to personally seek her out. "Your highness, you have been quiet busy lately. I know you have a lot of workload, but please, do not neglect your health. You should take short breaks whenever you are able to. After all, no matter how important work is, it cannot be more important than your health." Princess Nari's soft voice drifted in the quiet room, gentle and concerned. "Hmm." Taking the offered cup, Prince Noore indifferently responded as he drank his tea. "The Princess is so devoted like this, Prince Noore must feel quiet lucky." At this moment, Princess Sera's friendly voice interrupted the interaction between the couple. Displeased at being sidelined, she lost her calm, taking the opportunity herself to divert the attention back on her. She had not come to watch Prince Noore and the backwater Princess act lovey and dovely before her and burn. She came to put on a lovely show for Princess Nari and have her burn! Prince Noore turned to the Ahankar princess and smiled. "Nothing of the sort, Princess. However, how does the princess know my Princess Consort?" He asked in curiosity. "You do not know, your highness? Your Princess Consort is the most popular in the capital right now. Her tea parties and unending invitations are a tale discussed in teashops." Covering her mouth, she laughed in delight. From her words, it seemed as if she were praising the princess, but in fact, was indirectly labeling her as a subject to be discussed in teashops by even ordinary subjects. Princess Nari caught her need hidden jab, but did not react. Prince Noore was present. She had to control herself. "It is really difficult to adjust to a new place. But I did not want that to stop me from connecting with the madams and their daughters. So, I set up the tea parties to familiarize myself with them. My royal mother told me it was the duty of the wife to form connections with the ministers madams. Did I do anything wrong, your highness?" "No. You did well. It is important to have connections with the madams of the ministers. After all, they are my officials families." Prince Noore knew he could not take over the throne on his own. He would need the support of every official and minister of the empire. If his Princess Consort formed strong relationships with their madams, he would not need to worry about controlling them. He was actually satisfied with Princess Nari's actions. Although, she was only a chess piece in his original plot, she at least had some use. Failing to achieve the affect she desired, Princess Sera's fake smile turned stiff. Glancing over at the obedient looking princess again, she started having doubts. 'Did I underestimate her a little too much? She does not seem to be as simple as she looks. Whatever! I will think of how to handle her later. Now, I need to accomplish what I came here for.' Eyes flashing, she turned to Prince Noore. "Your highness, I heard that your banquet pavilion is splendid. Could I request for a tour? If you do not mind, that is." She added quickly as if in after thought. Before Prince Noore could answer however, Princess Nari replied. "Your highness, if you do not mind, I will be more than willing to accompany you. Prince Noore is busy with state affairs lately. It would not be convenient for him to show you around. Besides, if others saw the prince of Amaya strolling with the princess of Ahankar, what would they think?" Princess Nari had no intention of leaving the two alone together. She had experienced for herself how quickly the relationship between man and woman progressed. If anything happened between them because of her neglect, she would have no one but herself to blame. "Your highness, please rest assured. I will take good care of Princess Nari for you. After all, as a guest of the Amayan Empire, it is only right that, as your Princess Consort, I show her around on your behalf." Standing, she turned towards the frozen Princess Sera. "Hmm. Than, I will leave the princess to you." Prince Noore saw nothing wrong with the suggestion. He had invited the princess to the royal palace to show her around. But as Princess Nari pointed out, he did have a lot of work pending. Since his Princess Consort was willing to show his important guest around, he was more than relieved. "Yes, your highness. Princess, please." She gestured towards the door. Princess Sera was fuming inside. Did this Princess Nari suspect her intentions? Or was she just being cautious? She seemed to be purposely getting in her way. She could not tell. However, she was not going to let her spoil her plans. Standing, Princess Sera looked at Prince Noore with a crestfallen expression, attracting the prince's attention. "Princess Sera, are you okay? Why did you suddenly become sad?" Standing, he moved in front of her, his brows furrowed, concern in his eyes. "I...I just thought...I am sorry, your highness." Tears streamed down her face and she turned to run out of the hall. Just as she reached the threshold, her foot twisted, and the princess fell backwards. Princess Nari was immediately alert the instant Princess Sera started shedding tears out of the blue. Knowing the princess did not have any good intentions, she kept her eyes glued on her, watching her every move. The moment she ran out of the hall, Princess Nari was almost tricked into suspecting herself. Wondering if she was reading too much into the matter. However, the second the princess tripped and fell backwards towards her husband's arms, she knew. The Princess intended to play the 'hurt and pitiful' card. She wanted Prince Noore to touch her. Then, she would use the fact he touched her to stick herself to him. Moving without thinking, she stood in between Prince Noore and Princess Sera's falling body, taking the full weight of the princess on herself, the two crashed heavily on the aquiline stone. Pain flashed through her body, blood flowed. "Ahhhhh!"
