BLOOD AND BEAUTY

Ryker's eyes seemed to bore into Winter's soul as if searching for something.

"Mutual understanding?" Winter repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryker nodded. "Yes. I want us to work together, Winter. For the sake of our kingdoms."

Winter's thoughts swirled. What did Ryker truly desire?

"And what do you propose I do?" Winter asked, her caution evident.

Ryker's expression softened. "Attend meetings with me, learn about our kingdom's politics. Together, we can strengthen our alliance."

Winter hesitated. This seemed reasonable, yet she sensed hidden agendas.

"I'll consider it," Winter said finally.

Ryker's face remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes.

"I expected as much," he said. "Shall we begin tomorrow?"

Winter nodded, and Ryker turned to leave.

"Ryker?" Winter called out.

He paused.

"About the note..." Winter began.

Ryker's gaze snapped back to hers, intensely.

"Note?" he repeated.

Winter's heart skipped a beat. Did he truly not know?

"The one in my chambers," Winter clarified.

Ryker's expression remained unreadable.

"I know nothing of a note," he said.

Winter searched his face, unsure what to believe.

Winter's eyes narrowed, searching for any sign of deception.

"Perhaps it was a mistake," Winter said, her tone neutral.

Ryker's gaze lingered, then nodded.

"Possible," he agreed. "Tomorrow, Logan will escort you to our first meeting."

With that, Ryker departed, leaving Winter bewildered.

Elara, the maid, approached.

"Your Highness, shall I prepare your attire for tomorrow?"

Winter nodded, her thoughts still on Ryker.

As Elara busied herself, Winter retrieved the note from her pocket.

"Seek the truth in shadows," she whispered.

What secrets lay hidden?

Logan entered the room, his expression solemn. "Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly to Ryker. "I've investigated the mysterious note."

Ryker's gaze darkened, his eyes narrowing. "What did you discover?"

Logan hesitated. "The handwriting matches... reigns ."

Ryker's face turned granite. "My stepbrother?"

Logan nodded. "It seems Prince Reign's involvement runs deeper than we thought."

"It seems," Ryker finished, his voice cold. "Yet, it appears he's still pulling strings from the shadows."

Logan's expression turned grim. "I suspect that Prince Reigns is trying to find your weakness, Your Highness."

Ryker's jaw clenched. "I'll not let that happen."

His nails dug into his palm, his voice chilling as hell," Place some knights to protect my wife, "Logan bowed leaving the room.

Her eyes snapped open as she jumped down from her bed rushing to the bathroom,as she splashed through the crystal clear water, her excitement growing, anticipating the adventure ahead. The sweet scent of blooming lotus flowers filled the air, her silk red hair dancing behind her back as she hummed a song amidst the serene beauty.

A knock disturbed her peaceful time as she opened her eyes, "come in," her voice rang in the bathroom as Elara walked in with her head bowed,Her hands grabbed the robe beside her, wrapping it around her body; as Elara lifted her gaze, her eyes met the princess's, filled with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Shall I assist you with your dressing, Your Highness?" She asked which winter nodded; she followed her into the walk-in closet as she began helping her into the simple gown adorned with intricate patterns and getting her hair packed in a ponytail. As they worked, she couldn't shake the curious feeling and she felt her throat run dry as her lips parted.

"Elara,what do you know about prince Ryker,"her voice barely above a whisper,elara's hand paused,her eyes darting around the room.

"He's ...complicated,your highness," she whispered."but what i can say is that his majesty had saved my life," She hurriedly left the room leaving the princess dumbfounded.

Her fists clenched as her thoughts raced with different questions,"princess,are you ready to leave for the city," a blonde haired woman smiled at her taking her by surprise;she failed to notice the presence of a stranger.

Her brows arched in question....

- - -

Author's pov

I finally published this book,took me a long life but i am very happy to write it,thanks for adding this book to your library. This book might have some error but please bare with it.