The Alliance Marriage Went Wrong

It had been a while since Arin and Iria returned to the palace. Crown Prince Arin was sitting in his chamber, with the sun-shaped ornament in his hand. He was still troubled by the things he experienced on the farm.

Was this how it felt to like someone? Does it mean that he like his wife? He didn't understand as he never experienced such a feeling before.

When Iria first arrived in Qalagon, he was determined to be good to her and keep her safe. It was a sense of responsibility and his way of following his mother's teachings. Since when did it become more than that? He had no idea. However, there was a bitter feeling that comes with it.

A feeling of insecurity. It's this again and he didn't like it.

Putting down the ornament, he let out a breath. What should he do to get rid of this insecure feeling? What should he do to make sure that what he afraid of won't happen? He really wished to know the answer.

* * *

Two days passed by uneventfully and the annual tournament was also just a day away. From what Iria heard, the annual tournament last for a week each year and the hunting competition was always the closing activity.

In the Crown Prince Palace, some Generals and other high ranking soldiers from the Royal Army were having a meeting with the Crown Prince who was their Commander. Now that the tournament was just a day away, they were having a meeting for it.

As the most capable and prestigious army of Qalagon, the Royal Army always produced the highest amount of winners during the tournament and the Crown Prince was always the overall champion.

According to what Iria heard, the Crown Prince only participated in a selected few activities. If he participated in everything, others won't stand a chance to win. He was that great.

Iria was casually taking a walk alone when the meeting was taking place. Rather than locking herself up all day, this was her daily routine. The weather was pleasant which made it more tempting to spend time outside. For a split second, she even thought of going out but... she thought of that incident the last time she spends time outside. She must be careful for a while.

Whenever she thought of that encounter, she would always lose focus on whatever she was doing. Even now, she was thoughtlessly walking around without even watching her steps until... she bumped into someone.

Iria was snapped out of her thoughts by the force and she quickly looked at the person she bumped into. "I'm sor -"

Her eyes grew wide before she could even finish apologizing. What the hell was this?!

A familiar grey eyes and black hair.

She was thinking of that man and now... he appeared before her? In the palace?!

There was a smile on Klaus Ermias face when he saw her. "It's you? What are you doing here?" He asked her. There was a hint of confusion beneath his amused face. It seemed like he was really happy to see her again!

Iria stood frozen! For a split second, her mind went blank and her brain stopped functioning!

Snap out, Iria Alewine! 

She briefly looked at herself and the way she dressed. It was simple and casual as she never took a liking to fancy clothes. Just from the way she dressed, it was impossible to tell that she was the Crown Princess! Then she turned to Klaus Ermias. He was dressed as a soldier should. What was he doing here?!

She avoided his gaze and glanced around as if she was looking for salvation until...

"Did you already forget me? We met a few days ago in the Garetth Forest. I'm Klaus Ermias, that soldier," he said. "It's a pity. It's impossible for me to forget the strange woman I met that day yet it seems like I was pretty easy to forget." It seemed like he was complaining but... there was a little smile on his face the whole time.

"What are you doing here?" Iria finally spoke up, still observing him with her keen gaze. "I never know that an average soldier is allowed to walk around in the palace freely." Her tone was a bit sarcastic yet the man's smile only grew wider.

"You remember me too," he uttered with an undoubtedly happy face. "I also didn't know that a mere traveller can enter the palace freely."

Iria felt cornered. For a split second, she glanced around their surroundings. No one was here, so... should she just kill this man? She didn't know any better option right now!

"Come to think of it, you only said that you're a traveller. I never know your name or identity," Klaus Ermias spoke up again. "Who are you?"

Iria had made a decision. She narrowed her eyes at the sword which was hanging on the man's waist. She must act rather than taking a risk again. She should have already done it that day!

She was about to grab the handle of the soldier's sword until...

"Your Highness." Klaus Ermias muttered and bowed.

Iria Alewine was sure that he wasn't addressing her. That means... Arin Helev was here?!

She quickly turned around, only to see Crown Prince Arin standing a few steps behind her. "Arin," she muttered, feeling flustered. When did he come? She gave Klaus Ermias a side glance and noticed the bewilderment on his face.

What a bad timing! She was doomed! 

Arin Helev walked towards them and stood beside her. He briefly glanced at her before he shifted his gaze to the man. "You came, Captain Klaus. But what are you doing here... " he eyed at Iria and continued, "With my wife?"

"Your wife?" The words escaped Klaus Ermias lips before he could even realize. The Crown Princess who was the Princess of Jerivia?

Meanwhile, Iria was troubled by how the Crown Prince addressed this man. He was a Captain of the Royal Army?! Now, he knew her identity! What was she supposed to do?! What if he talked about that day?!