Page 55 of Dueling the Suitors

“I don’t know what you think of me, Astoria,” Cyrus began, narrowing his eyes and taking a step towards her, “or what all those rumors have convinced the people of the unconqueredkingdoms, but I am an honorable man, and I intend to stay that way until my last breath.”

His gaze arrested hers, and Astoria couldn’t help but stare back into his intense, midnight eyes, captivated by them and unable to look away.

But then Cyrus broke the spell by turning away abruptly and storming out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

Astoria blinked and stared at the door in utter bafflement, listening to his fading footsteps. Whatwasthat?

12

The Manipulating Fiend

Shortly after Cyrus departed, a knock sounded at the door.

Astoria opened the door hesitantly, expecting him, but it was only her new handmaiden carrying a food tray. Astoria welcomed her in and was surprised to find Skylar at her heels. He jumped away from her when she bent down to scoop him up out of habit.

Princess! I told you!

Astoria remembered his humiliation before Spyrah and smirked a little before straightening up. She looked out of the room and spotted Spyrah watching her from the sitting room. Spyrah dipped her chin in acknowledgement and Astoria returned it, her amusement increasing, before she closed the door.

The maid introduced herself as Emily. As Astoria helped herself to the meal she brought, Emily drew a bath for her in the washroom. Skylar complained about Spyrah while he atehis portion of the meal and continued even as Astoria rose and followed Emily into the washroom.

When she stepped inside and learned that it was Cyrus’ washroom too, she tuned out of Skylar’s rants and focused her eyes and ears on the door that assumedly connected to his room. Emily helped her out of her travel gown. Only when she was safely in the bathtub did she relax and take notice of her surroundings.

Her breath caught.

It was the most beautiful and luxurious washroom Astoria had ever seen. There was even a pool, sprinkled with rose petals, in the middle. The walls were sea blue, and the ceiling—Astoria gasped at the sight of blue sky and white clouds. But with one look, she realized it was an illusion.

Did Cyrus do this for her? Because she would bet on anything that it was black and lavender-grey before. Did he want toimpressher?

Astoria immediately shut down her awe—as hard as it was—and focused solely on her bath. Every single detail around her was a wonder, but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.

Whatever game he was playing this time, he wasn’t going to win.

This was her moment. Her turn for games and victories.

Skylar was still ranting. Astoria listened to him occasionally and responded when he allowed her space to talk. But mostly, he did all the talking, so he didn’t realize she was tuning in and out as she interacted with Emily.

After the bath, Emily helped her into a comfortable gown from Astoria’s own collection and sat her in front of the dressing table. When the girl began to dry her hair with a towel, Astoria summoned the wind to her fingertips and let the breeze play with her hair.

She met Emily’s astonished face in the mirror and smiled. Emily composed herself, apologized for her shock, and smiled back.

“May I ask something, Your Highness?” she asked hesitantly.

“Anything I have an answer for,” Astoria replied.

“Are you—are youthePrincess of Daliston who challenged all her suitors in magical duels in order to win her hand in marriage?”

Astoria nodded.

Emily’s eyes lit up, and she clasped her hands over her mouth. “I knew it—I knew it from the moment His Majesty said Your Highness is the princess of Daliston! The others refused to believe me, but I was sure. Now I can tell them—oh, does this mean His Majesty was in Daliston these days to participate in your duel?”

Astoria’s face dropped at the reminder of their duel. Emily’s face turned ashen, and she began a flurry of apologies. “Your Highness, pardon me, I shouldn’t—”

“Relax, Emily, you’re not in trouble.” Astoria gave the girl an assuring smile in the mirror. “Yes, the Emperor was in Daliston to participate in the duel for my hand—though it’s not like how you think it is. I shall leave the honor to the Emperor himself to disclose the story to you all.”

Because Astoria was too tired to relive that moment again. Now that she thought about it, a new thought popped into her mind, adding a new layer of hatred towards her husband.

He had humiliated her in front of her people.

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