The Lost Heir: Battle Of Royalties - Chapter 168
Prince Zyrie couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious when they came to the city of Zoar. They were lying in wait for Asher at the intersection between Shittim and Zoar City.
“Are you okay?” Princess Laura noticed the prince’s restlessness.
“Ehm. I am.” He faked a smile.
“Oh okay.” The princess muttered but her eyes held an ‘I don’t think so’ look.
Prince Rohann also noticed prince Zyrie’s edginess so he came to him and elbowed his side.
“What’s wrong?” Prince Rohann asked.
“Nothing… It’s just the thought that something is off.”
“You’re feeling that too?!” Prince Rohann’s eyes lit up. “I know something was off about them too. Phew! I thought I was the only one who sensed it!”
He raised his brow upon hearing his brother’s claim. He was not pertaining to the group when he said something about the oddity he was feeling that very moment.
“I have to tell you this now brother. But I think these guys are doing something… It’s something big and dangerous. Yesterday, I was following Asher but I lost him. However, that tim—–”
“Prince Rohann!!!” Zyrie cut him off instantly. “Have you forgotten what I told you before? Why did you follow him? What if he caught you?” He wanted to scold him aloud but he tried to control himself since they were just a few meters away from the group.
“I…I thought you were doubting them too?”
“The unusual feeling within me is not because of them. I feel like someone is following us.” Prince Zyrie looked around them but he’s not finding anyone suspicious. “Someone is watching over us.”
Prince Rohann was supposed to say more when he suddenly stared at the man on a horse coming towards them.
Asher. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. He was close to finding what they were up to yesterday but he lost him. As if he knew someone was following him!
“Asher!” Liam called out as soon as the man descended on his horse.
“Liam…” He gave a brotherly hug before greeting the others. Seeing the two princes in a distance, Asher furrowed his brows and stared at Liam questioningly.
Liam partly smiled and nodded a little to ease the man’s worries. Of course, he knew what that gaze means.
“It’s okay.” The man whispered before facing everyone. “Let’s go.” Liam mounted the horse before helping Diana come up and sit behind him.
Yes, Liam didn’t allow Diana to have her own horse since he was overly worried about her healing body. Good thing the woman listened.
Princess Laura is also sitting behind Prince Zyrie. But a while ago, when they were still at the guesthouse, she insisted to get her own horse but Liam supported prince Zyrie’s suggestion.
“Please your highness, give them a chance to protect you in their own way.” Only when Liam said such a thing did princess Laura sighed in defeat.
“Fine.” She hissed before climbing behind the prince.
THE SECOND CAPTAIN and his thirty men divided themselves in four groups. One group went ahead of the team, the other group positioned themselves behind while the two groups on the opposite sides.
“Hold me tight.” Liam muttered as he glanced at Diana behind him.
‘Since you said so.’ The woman grinned mischievously and wrapped her hands around his waist and leaned then lean her head on his back.
She was blushing! Her heart is literally throbbing fast in excitement.
Liam, on the other hand, smirked within him. She didn’t change at all. She’s still the old Diana he knew since the start.
Bold— Sweet— Yet naughty.
“I believe I clearly said to ‘hold’ and not to ‘hug’ me.” The man chuckled jokingly.
“Hug you? This is me trying to hold tight. Tsk!” She hissed in jest but she was giggling silently.
“Tsk… You haven’t change a bit.” Liam chuckled softly but his words made the woman confused.
You haven’t change a bit? She was pondering on his words when Asher came beside them.
“What’s the status now?” He asked out of the blue and that made Diana jerked immediately.
“E-eh?” She’s wearing an innocent yet puzzled gaze.
“Tsk. Anyone who sees you will think you’re a couple.” Asher grinned.
“Shut up, Asher. You’re not making the ambiance any better.” Liam nonchalantly replied.
Asher rolled his eyes but he leaned forward towards the woman and whispered. “Just so you know, my big brother may look tough on the outside but believe me, he loves you soooo muchhh!”
“I heard you.” Liam’s tone seems like a warning for the young man.
“Okay. I’ll stop now.” He replied and winked at the woman. “I’m rooting for you, sister-in-law!” Asher shouted when he was a few meters away from them.
“Don’t mind him.” Liam interjected. “He’s good at lying.”
Diana forced a chuckle for a second but snorted after. She was softly mumbling words behind him and Liam knew she’s badmouthing him.
“I hope you’re not cursing me silently.” He muttered.
“I’m praying.” She lied but then Liam chuckled.
UNKNOWN TO THEM, their colleagues were watching them from behind.
“Don’t they look good together?” Princess Laura muttered dreamily.
“Do you approve their relationship too? I thought you like that guy?” Prince Zyrie replied.
Yes, he knew that princess Laura is fond of that guy Liam. She didn’t tell him but her eyes and how she talks with the man says it all.
“How did you know I like him?” She was surprised.
The prince hissed teasingly. “Because I am a man. And a man can tell if a woman likes him through her actions in front of them.”
“Really?!” She widened her eyes in shock. “Don’t tell me Liam also knew?!” She felt a little bit embarrass.
“I bet his friends sensed it too.”
“Oh no. I’m doomed!” She yelped mortified.
“But don’t worry, seeing how dedicated that man to Diana will set you off the hook.” He uttered in jest. “I bet he didn’t even notice it.” He chuckled.
“That’s a relief then.” She heaved a sigh.
“Well, having affection towards someone isn’t a crime though, so enjoy it while you can.”
Since princess Laura was behind the man, she didn’t see that prince Zyrie kept on looking at Diana’s back from time to time.
Does he like her? Well, yeah. But he knew that he cannot beat that guy named Liam even though he is a prince.
The love and affection in their eyes towards each other was too evident.
But still, he can’t hide the fact that he like the woman. She’s cute and feisty.
“However, don’t forget that you’re already taken.” Prince Zyrie teased the princess.
“Tsk! Did you forget? I came here to break off whatever that agreement is.” She was firm.
“You can try.” The prince challenged her. “But knowing the first prince, I doubt it.” He chuckled and was about to talk to prince Rohann when he suddenly caught a shadow among the trees on their left
Wait! That movement and the presence is kinda familiar! After a few minutes of careful thought, Prince Zyrie shockingly yank.
That’s not impossible to happen!
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“Why do I feel like you’re trying to stop me from meeting the princess?”
The king sense suspicion in prince Veziron’s voice. Base on the prince tone, he seemed hurt and disappointed at him, not just as a king but also as a father.
“Tell me father, you don’t like me to take the princess of Armany as my wife, isn’t it? That’s the reason why you sent Prince Zyrie to search for her instead of informing me.”
“No, that’s not it, my son. I didn’t even dare to think about that.” The king was surprised to hear his accusation.
“Lies!” He bawled. “I know what you’re thinking. You want the princess to meet my brother so they can build a strong relationship with each other. Prince Zyrie was and has always been your favorite son. You wanted him to succeed the throne so you planned everything, even his meeting with the princess was well-coordinated.” He finally voiced his own thoughts without his grandfather’s instructions.
He couldn’t hide his bitterness against his own father and his brothers any longer.
“Prince Veziron, how could you say that?! I am not favoring anyone of you. I’m——”
“Yes, you do! You only care about him since we were young… and until now. And you’ve been treating me as a nobody since then and until now. As if I am not a part of your family.”
The king went silent all of a sudden. Seeing and hearing such words from his first son grieves him. His bitterness and resentment against him were seemingly deep. Too deep for him to reach this time.
He didn’t know he was cold and distant towards him and it pained him greatly when he just realized it. How could a father discard one of his precious boys? Was he that busy securing the throne against all the threat side-by-side?
“Veziron, my son… I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’ve been feeling that way—-”
“You didn’t notice because you were so busy with your other sons. If not to them then to your power.”
“I’m sorry, I failed you, my son.” He lowered his head in guilt.
“It’s too late, my king, it’s too late. I grew up without a father and I think I will die without a father as well. Too sad, isn’t it?” Prince Veziron sneered in contempt. “I have to go now, my king. I should have known beforehand that you will never be a fair king since you already failed as a father.”
His eyes were filled with resentment and that greatly alarmed the king.
On the other hand, prince Veziron smirked as soon as he left the king’s chamber. He was already on his way to his place when he remembered the signet ring he secretly took at the king’s table.
He smirked evilly.
“Then I shall do it my way then.” He chuckled when he thought of a beautiful plan. “I must bring you here, my princess, by hook or by crook!”