TPHRU 63

Chapter 63…

The Crown Prince’s Skill.

A few days before Felicia and Yoann were to visit the royal castle, Alexis had invited Celine out to the rose garden. There, in the royal garden, he was putting into practice a method he had learned over time—how to make her loosen her tongue.

“Look, Celine—your favorite red roses are in bloom. They’re dazzling and beautiful, just like you. I’ll have a bouquet made and sent to your home later.”
Even words that would sound unbearably sweet from anyone else somehow worked when Alexis said them with his radiant smile. It was almost frightening how natural it seemed.
Celine, entranced, looked as if she were dreaming and nodded blissfully.
“Oh, Lord Alexis, how delightful!”

Alexis didn’t often have much time to spend with Celine. It was rare—perhaps even the first time—that he had invited her himself. Overjoyed, Celine clung tightly to his arm, unable to hide her happiness.
From a corner of the garden, her etiquette tutor cast a disapproving look that clearly said, how improper.
Noticing it, Alexis smiled wryly to himself.
She had undergone two full years of queenly education, yet Celine still hadn’t risen above the level of an ordinary noble’s daughter.

Celine, proud and vain as she was, seemed to find her greatest joy in being treated preciously by the handsome Alexis.
(To Celine, I’m probably nothing more than a big, glittering jewel—a prize she snatched from Felicia. She just wants to show it off to everyone and bask in the glory of being the crown prince’s fiancée.)
Behind his gentle smile, Alexis seethed inwardly.

Ever since his childhood, every woman around Alexis had been like Celine—drawn to his beauty and status like moths to honey.
Everyone except for one: Felicia.