tyrant chapter 6

***

Karta was interrupted mid-sword practice with news of a fire in the Imperial Palace. He clicked his tongue at the idiot responsible, then Fiogen flashed into his mind. Given her unprecedented behavior, setting the palace ablaze seemed entirely within her capabilities. Surely not. She has some sense of decorum. He initially dismissed the thought, but a nagging unease grew, demanding his attention. He turned to Duke Delcart. “Duke, where did the fire start?”

The Duke tilted his head, observing the prince’s unusual pallor. Karta had declared he would personally execute Princess Fiogen Lorencia, yet he had inexplicably spared her and brought her to the Grandcle Empire. Such behavior was so unlike him that the Duke struggled to believe it. He’d even drawn his sword that day, intending to kill her himself. It was Karta who had stopped him, or rather, Karta’s fist, intercepting the murderous glint in the Duke’s eyes with a swift blow to the solar plexus. Had Karta not ordered him to stop, Fiogen Lorencia would have been long gone from this world.

Even now, the Duke found the entire incident surreal. It was unthinkable, especially coming from Karta Helseiro, a prince who had never shown an ounce of mercy. “Your Highness, are you serious?”

Karta frowned at the unexpected question, displeased by its very nature. His expression questioned whether concern for another human being warranted such suspicion. He turned away. “Are you asking if my concern for Princess Lorencia is genuine?”

The Duke chuckled softly and shook his head. Agreeing here might cost him an arm. Moreover, Karta’s expression was unfamiliar – anxious. The Duke hadn’t seen such a look since the death of Karta’s mother. “I believe I have my answer. The fire seems to have originated in Your Highness’s chambers.” The Duke’s eyesight was exceptional; his assessment was undoubtedly accurate.

“All hands on deck. Find Princess Fiogen Lorencia immediately.” Karta placed a hand on his forehead and headed towards his bedchamber. Acrid smoke filled the air. Amidst the same smoke as the previous night, Fiogen Lorencia hummed a cheerful tune.

“Where are all the servants?” Karta’s voice was dark. Fiogen looked up. The bed linens were ablaze, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the air. She beamed at him. “They ran away.” And with that, she rushed towards him, arms outstretched.

“They abandoned you while the room was on fire?”

“I told them they could go. What a spectacle it is.” Fiogen flung her arms around his neck, twirling him around. Duke Delcart, who had followed them in, coughed pointedly. Fiogen ignored him, her touch gentle as she stroked Karta’s hair, as if caressing something precious.

“I heard you despise these… displays of affection.”

Karta laughed. “And if I do?” His voice was unexpectedly tender, almost enough to sway her. She realized this was the first time she’d truly seen his face – the dark, tousled hair, the crimson eyes. The novel had mentioned his handsomeness, but she hadn’t anticipated this level of beauty.

“Don’t be kind, tyrant. It doesn’t suit you. Execute me now, while you have the chance.” As Fiogen’s fingers traced the contours of his strong muscles, the flustered Duke fled. While they appeared to be lovers lost in each other’s embrace, the reality was far different.

“I always welcome displays of affection… with my sword.” Karta scooped her into his arms, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“No potions. No smoke. No incense. No… anything.” His tone was firm, and Fiogen’s eyes wavered.

“What kind of nonsense is that?” She struggled, her entire body writhing in protest, but Karta’s grip only tightened.

“You set fire to the prince’s bedchamber. Be grateful you’re still alive. Consider this your punishment. From now on, any and all remedies must come through my hands.”

Fiogen nodded, a smile gracing her lips. “Just kill me.”

“Oh, and I left my sword in the training grounds. I don’t mind you running towards me, but not towards my sword. I’m rather fond of it.” His gaze was gentle, utterly unlike the tyrant from the novel. He was supposed to be taciturn and aloof, but in person, his smile was as sweet as honey.

“I heard you decimated the Kingdom. Why keep me locked up in this palace? I have no title.”

“Because I want you.”

“What?” Fiogen’s face contorted, and she instinctively covered her breasts. Karta burst into laughter.

“Not like that. I want… your life.”

A shiver ran down Fiogen’s spine, and she trembled. “Just say you want my body. It’s dirty and vile, but at least it’s honest. What kind of nonsense is this?” Just act like the tyrant you’re supposed to be, she wanted to scream.

“…Actually, this is my first confession. It’s the first time I’ve spared someone’s life.” Karta’s ears flushed crimson as he confessed, and Fiogen’s face hardened.

“So, you’re saying… I have to live with you until we die of old age? Fiogen Lorencia.”