Kieran was never fond of politics. Business, he understood.
He could tell why markets fluctuated as numbers didn't lie, and he could predict people's true intentions by their motivations. But in this kingdom, it was a game of fragile egos wrapped in centuries-old traditions, played by men who mistook their titles for power.
And as he watched Elara stood facing them in the council chamber, spine straight, gaze unyielding, he realized something—she was nothing like them.
The guards who were at the door moved to announce his presence, but Kieran raised his fingers to his lips, singnalling them to stay silent. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, listening to their exchange in silence. The court members barely masked their disdain, their displeasure simmering beneath tight smiles and carefully chosen words.
They expected Elara to shrink, to doubt herself but she didn't, and it didn't sit right with them. Instead, she spoke about their betrayal of the throne, slamming her fist against the armrest with a force that made the entire room flinch. And Kieran found himself genuinely impressed.
His initial assumption that Princess Elara agreed to this arrangement due to desperation she had faded away. As he watched her stand before men twice her age, commanding hem to fall in line, he now saw what it truly was.
Elara was clinging to power, she was fighting for it. The thought almost impressed Kieran….. almost.
The doors swung open abruptly, and she strode out swiftly, her expression burning with intense fury. That is, until she caught sight of him. Her eyes widened just slightly, her breath hitching for a fraction of a second just enough for him to notice.
He let the silence linger, drawing it out just enough before letting a smirk tug at his lips.
"Well, Princess," he mused, tilting his head, "I didn't know you thought so highly of me."
Elara's posture stiffened and for a second, he swore he saw something flicker behind those sharp eyes...annoyance? Embarrassment? Something deeper?
Whatever it was, she buried it quickly. Then, without warning, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along. Kieran raised a brow at the unexpected contact, but let her lead him down the corridor. Her grip was stronger than he expected and he realized she was still angry, but not just at him.
Whatever had happened in that chamber had somewhat rattled her, no matter how well she concealed it. They walked in silence until they were far enough from prying ears. Only then did she release his wrist and exhale sharply.
"I thought you had a meeting with Lord Whitmore," she said smoothly, adjusting the sleeve of her gown.
"I was supposed to," Kieran replied, falling into step beside her. "But we canceled due to the announcement."
"That's fine, I suppose. Gives us more time to talk then," she murmured, her tone unreadable.
The air between them felt charged with something unspoken as they entered her private office. Elara didn't sit immediately, she instead moved toward the window, her fingers resting lightly against the polished wooden frame.
For the first time since he'd arrived, she looked tired. Not just physically, but in a way that settled into her very bones.
Kieran studied her in silence, waiting and finally she turned with an unreadable expression. "We need to discuss the contract we signed."
Kieran arched a brow. "Oh? Are we having second thoughts already?"
"Not quite." She responded.
He took out a pen from his coat pocket, twirling it lazily between his fingers.
"Good. Because my assistant has already processed it through the court in my city. It's legally binding."
Her fingers tensed "I assumed as much," she said.
"I just wanted to ensure we're both clear on one thing." she said, meeting his gaze.
Kieran tilted his head. "Which is?"
Elara exhaled slowly, leveling him with a gaze that commanded attention.
"That this contract must remain confidential– between us and our assistants. No one else is to know about it."
He watched her closely, noting the subtle tension in her shoulders. The way her fingers gripped the edge of her desk just slightly.
"Interesting," he murmured. "Afraid it might turn against you?"
Elara didn't flinch. "Afraid the the revelation that we did not wait till the wedding will cause backlash," she corrected.
Kieran leaned back slightly, considering her words.
She was right to be cautious, the council had already shown their opposition to their alliance seeing the disparities between them. Now that the engagement was public and without their approval as well, they would be looking for ways to discredit her authority. Still, the secrecy of it intrigued him.
"You don't trust your council members that much?" he asked, and Elara let out a hollow laugh.
"I trust them to serve their own interests. And right now, their interests do not align with mine."
He leaned back, tapping his pen against his chin thoughtfully. "And what makes you believe I won't use it against you?"
Elara stilled, then lifted her chin. "Because it would benefit neither of us."
Smart answer Princess.
Kieran nodded slowly. "Fine then, then your secret's safe… for now.."
A flicker of relief crossed her features, but it was gone before he could fully register it.
Elara straightened. "Now that we have that settled, there's something else we need to address."
Kieran sighed dramatically. "Another tradition, I assume?"
Elara didn't dignify that with a response. Instead, she gestured for him to sit, finally taking her place behind her desk.
"As you know, the meeting with the nobles which was supposed to hold today will be tomorrow instead. You will be giving the first address to them." She stated, and Kieran resisted the urge to sigh.
Kieran resisted the urge to sigh, rubbing his temples instead. After signing the contract, he thought the list of things to do would reduce but it only got worse.
"So what exactly do you expect me to say to them?" he questioned.
"That you respect Bellmere's traditions and you intend to rule for the betterment of the kingdom, not against it." She stated. "That you are willing to work with the court to push forward the progress of the nation so you'll be asking for their support."
Kieran scoffed. "And why if that's not true?"
Elara's eyes grew dark as she leaned towards him. "Then you'll have to make them believe it….. you're the businessman afterall. Learn to lie better if you'll need to."
Kieran chuckled, watching as she pushed off the desk. "Fine then. As you say, Princess."
"Tomorrow morning you'll have the noble meeting, then classes will resume later in the day. I suppose you cam use the remainder of today to prepare."
"Oh Princess," he mused, standing up and straightening his coat. "I don't prepare, I improvise."
She gave him an unimpressed look, watching as he sauntered out of the office. "Try not to turn it to a spectacle."
Kieran only grinned.