?

　　The silence and sheer confusion on both Gideon’s and mine’s face prompted Cassian to continue on with his explanation.

　　“I am six years older than her, I knew her since she was a baby and I watched her grow. I know that my father or Emperor Herman, would not deem it to be a proper excuse. So to avoid any complications between our families, I decided to use you as a way to escape,” he finally confessed.

　　“Using me?”

　　Cassian smiled. “And if you choose me to be your husband, you will be using me as well right? That is the meaning of a marriage of convenience after all.”

　　I let out a small and polite laugh. “Oh? But it sounds to me that you are just running away from the situation entirely?”

　　“No offence, princess, but you would not understand the ways of noble and high society. You may be a princess by title alone but what do you know of the burdens of expectations?”

　　My smile vanished into a thin line as I held Cassian’s gaze. I was not sure if he was trying to get back at me for saying that he is running away from his father, Emperor Herman and even Princess Olivera but he was definitely trying to get a reaction out of me.??

　　“Are you insinuating that I live a carefree life free from expectations?”

　　“Is this not why you are forced to be wed? So that the alpha can take over your duties whereas you just remain as the ‘face’ of the kingdom?”

　　“How amusing. You certainly know how to make assumptions.” I said sweetly.

　　“I could say the same about you.” He beamed, mimicking my tonality.

　　“Now, now, let us move on from this topic.” Gideon interjected, sensing the hostility between us filling the room at a rapid pace. Before any of us could speak up, there was a knock on the door.

　　Gideon’s attendant entered with his head bowed. “Lord Gideon, there is a matter that needs your attention.” He said.

　　“I’ll attend to it shortly.”

　　“It is urgent, my Lord.”

　　“Go ahead, Lord Gideon. I’m sure the princess is capable of finishing this interview by herself without you here to supervise.” He said, voice sweet yet his voice was clearly trying to agitate me and honestly, it was working.

　　I could feel Gideon’s eyes on me. “Yes, go ahead, Gideon.” I urged.?

　　“Very well then, I shall return shortly.” He said as he got up from the couch and went towards his attendant. The both of them left the room, a soft thud echoed when the door was closed shut.

　　“We’re finally alone, princess.” He purred. “What other questions would you like to ask me?”

　　“Nothing. I think I have all the answers I need from you, Duke.” I said, turning my focus on my tea once more.

　　“Oh? You sound rather annoyed.”

　　“I am not.” I said as I sipped my tea.

　　Cassian looked absolutely amused by my reaction. “Did I hurt your feelings?”

　　My eyes snapped to him as I slowly lowered the cup back on the table. “If that was your intention all along, then I’m sorry to say that I have no time to play childish games with you, Duke of Ashborne.”

　　“Again with the assumptions? Hm, well since you don’t have any questions for me, I have one for you.”

　　“One question and then I would kindly ask you to leave.”

　　Cassian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs as his fingers interlocked together. He leaned his chin on his hands and stared at me. “What would it take for you to pick me?”

　　“Pardon me?”

　　“You heard me, my fair princess.”

　　“Is this your attempt to bribe me?”

　　“If that is what I need to do to secure your hand in marriage, then so be it.”

　　“Contrary to your handsome appearance, it would seem that your personality is something you could do without.”

　　“Sharp words coming from that pretty little mouth of yours.”

　　“If you keep this up, Duke, I would have to retract my proposal to you.” I said firmly. Cassian then stood up from the couch, fingers moving towards his collar as he started to unbutton his top. I tensed. “What are you doing?” I asked.

　　“Shh. I’m just going to give you an offer you cannot refuse.” His sultry voice caused me to hold my breath as he made his way towards me.

　　“Don’t come any closer, Cassian.” I warned, moving towards the edge of my seat.

　　“Mm, what happened to formalities?” he smiled as his chest was slowly being exposed to me. “Although, I like the sound of my name escaping your lips.”?

　　I averted my gaze, looking at the entrance. If I screamed, the guard behind would come rushing in but misunderstandings were bound to happen.?

　　“Funny how you mention formalities when you are removing your clothes in front of me. This is completely inappropriate.”?

　　“Look at me.” He said, too calm for a situation like this.

　　“I rather not-” I started but his strong fingers took hold of my chin as he pulled my face to turn to him. My hand went to his wrist by reflex, tightening around him but my anger immediately vanished when my eyes fell on the spot below his chest. My eyes widened as I recognised the symbol.

　　Two swords crossed over each other with a small crown at the top whereas a flower that resembled a rose was positioned at the bottom between the blades. Craved in Cassian’s delicate skin in dark ink was none other than the insignia of the notorious mercenary group; The Hollows.

　　No one knows who the members of the secret group are. Many rumours and allegations have been passed around between civilians and even certain noblemen's involvement with the group. From the stories I have heard about them, the mercenaries would do almost anything for the right price. Theft, assassinations, and strangely even housekeeping, whatever their clients want they will do.

　　“If you keep staring at me like that, I might get embarrassed.” He whispered, snapping me out of the trance-like state I was in for a moment.

　　I flinched back from him in an attempt to get him to move his fingers from my chin while simultaneously pulling against his wrist but he merely tightened his grip, forcing me to look at him once more.

　　“So you are aware of this symbol, yes?”

　　“I cannot believe a nobleman like you is a part of that group.” I spat.

　　“A part of that group? Oh princess, you are mistaken. I founded the Hollows.” He whispered, malice emitting from his person and yet when he smiled at me, I could not help but to admire his beauty.

　　“Why are you telling me this?” I asked, not daring to look away from our eye contact.

　　“Didn’t I tell you that I would offer you something you cannot refuse?”

　　“I do not follow…”

　　“Now, now, you are a smart girl. You must know the reputation of the Hollows. The power and notoriety the name alone carries? Your letter mentioned mutual benefits, yes? I am offering you every information we have, every resource and manpower for your disposal and all I ask in return is your hand in marriage.”

　　I pondered about it for a moment. Would I be willing to pair up with a criminal for the sake of security and stability when I am finally crowned empress? As my mind swirled over the numerous pros and cons of marrying Cassian Alwyn, he was not making it easy for me as he slid his fingers downwards, trailing down to my neck slowly. His fingers stopped by my pulse point, adding pressure to it.

　　“Are you afraid?” he asked, clearly knowing that my heart was racing.

　　“Your offer sounds like a threat.” I finally said.

　　“If that is what you want to believe, then by all means. But just so you know, princess, there are only three people on this planet that knows my true identity, you being the third. So, my smart little princess, surely you know if you do not pick me then there will be…consequences.”

　　I smiled at him before using all the strength I could fathom to pry his hand away from me. He looked almost surprised when I succeeded. “It would be best if you were to fix your appearance, Duke.” I said, standing up and heading towards the door at a quick yet steady pace.

　　My heart was indeed racing erratically and I was finding it hard to determine whether it was due to the sudden reveal of information or the fact that Cassian once again dared to casually touch me. The spots where his fingers met my skin were burning and I needed to get out of the room before he noticed my strange reaction.

　　“I hope you properly consider my offer, Princess Cordelia.” He called out.??

　　I ignored him completely as I pulled the door open just enough for me to exit. The two guards stationed by the doors jolted from my sudden appearance. They did not get the chance to say anything as I rushed away, not knowing where exactly I was heading towards.