tyrant chapter 17

Though perpetually single, I’d counseled countless friends on their romantic woes. One thing was certain: jealousy was the first sign of true love. Karta’s demeanor, his very expression, screamed it. This was textbook jealousy.

“Suddenly, this is all so amusing.”

“Amusing?”

Karta stood stiffly, a look of utter incomprehension on his face. Fiogen found his bewilderment incredibly entertaining. The book she’d read was a romance fantasy, so naturally, she’d assumed Karta would fall head over heels for the female lead. But for him to fall for Duke Delcart…

“Today’s date was so much fun. Shall we meet again tomorrow? Just the two of us?” Fiogen winked at Duke Delcart. At first, she’d been puzzled by the Duke’s wooden responses, but now, everything seemed to click into place. As she ramped up her flirtatious charm, the Duke blanched.

“M-Meet again tomorrow, you say?”

His stammering confirmed her suspicions; he was deeply affected by Karta’s presence. Fiogen casually took the Duke’s arm and nodded.

“I’d like that very much.”

“I, I don’t believe I shall be attending court tomorrow.”

Delcart’s hasty excuse brought a look of satisfaction to Karta’s face, a look Fiogen mirrored with a sweet smile.

“What wonderful news. Then I shall visit the ducal estate tomorrow.”

Delcart’s eyes darted to Prince Karta, as if awaiting his response. Karta, jaw clenched, stared back. Fiogen found the entire scene utterly captivating. A love triangle was something she hadn’t anticipated, but she wasn’t complaining.

“Karta.”

Fiogen called out to the silent prince. His eyes flickered as he met her gaze.

“Yes.”

His voice trembled, but Fiogen couldn’t stop now. If this story wasn’t going to follow the original plot, then she had no reason to die. Neither did Prince Karta, not for the sake of the female lead.

‘A happy ending for everyone. A perfect story.’

Fiogen planned to coax Duke Delcart into helping her gain independence. He would do anything for Karta. She suspected he’d want her gone before his jealousy became uncontrollable.

“I’m truly enjoying my courtship with the Duke. What do you think, Karta?”

Even without hearing his voice, she knew his answer. He wouldn’t be pleased. Hiding her wicked intentions, Fiogen plastered a happy smile on her face.

“If you’re happy, Fiogen, then I am too.”

His strained reply made her giggle. She could feel Duke Delcart’s glare burning into her.

“We’ve taken up so much of your time, Duke, interrupting your training. Let’s finish what we started tomorrow.”

Fiogen winked at him again, a seductive smile playing on her lips. The Duke’s neck flushed crimson as he abruptly turned away. His obvious anger sent a thrill through her. She felt like the patty between two halves of a delicious hamburger bun.

“Fiogen. I’ll escort you tomorrow.”

Karta slowly extended his hand, his intention clear: he wouldn’t allow her to be alone with the Duke. Fiogen turned away, clinging tighter to Delcart’s arm.

“No, no. I want to be alone with the Duke, Karta. I’ve never known life could be so enjoyable.”

Karta fell silent.

“I’m glad you’ve found a reason to live.”

As Karta turned sharply and walked away, Fiogen looked up at Duke Delcart. He was staring after the prince with a desolate expression. Fiogen patted his back.

“Everything will be alright.”

Her words prompted a sigh from the Duke, a sigh so heavy it seemed to carry the weight of the world. Fiogen closed her eyes, offering a silent prayer for their love to blossom.

***

Later, Fiogen waited in her bedroom for Karta. She expected him to storm in, furious, but, surprisingly, he didn’t appear until late into the night. While waiting, she drifted off to sleep.

Karta stumbled in, drunk.

“Fiogen.”

His voice was thick with unshed tears. Fiogen kept her eyes closed as his cold hand touched her cheek, brushing away a stray strand of hair.

Her mind raced. Was he heartbroken over Duke Delcart? Or was he reeling from the realization of his feelings for another man?

“What am I supposed to do?”

His anguish was palpable. She could ask him for help, but that would draw the Emperor’s attention. She wanted to disappear quietly, to some remote countryside with the Duke.

***

Duke Delcart sighed as he watched Fiogen’s playful grin in his drawing-room. It was barely dawn. He hadn’t expected her to arrive at the ducal estate so early.

“You’re up rather early.”

Fiogen smiled and nodded. She could feel the servants’ curious glances, no doubt directed at her typically informal attire. Seemingly oblivious, she sighed dramatically.

“I sensed Karta’s distress.”

The Duke’s eyes widened. He was surprised that she was aware of feelings that Prince Karta himself seemed to be grappling with.

“You knew?”

Delcart’s voice was hushed, tentative. Fiogen studied his expression for a moment before nodding, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“And what do you intend to do?”

Fiogen sighed again.

“I know I’m in the way. But I can’t simply disappear; the Emperor would notice.”

The Duke frowned.

“Is that why you wished for death?”

He felt a pang of sympathy for her, trapped by love and circumstance. But like a rotten leaf that must be pruned to save the tree, sometimes difficult decisions had to be made. In that sense, he felt a strange kinship with her.

“My kingdom fell. If anyone discovers I’m alive, it could spark a rebellion.”

Her pragmatism silenced him. Fiogen paced the room, then paused, gazing out the window. The rising sun bathed Delcart’s meticulously manicured garden in a warm orange glow. It felt like a promise of a golden future.