Layana walked to her manor when she came across a general who had asked for her hand in marriage from her father. But her answer is yet to be given. Who would want to marry someone you know nothing about? It's no longer like the old days.
"Hello princess" he greeted with a smile and a bow.
"Hello general Mathias" she bowed slightly.
"It's good to see you today" he said
"Same here also" she replied with a feigned smile.
"The morning breeze is cool. How about we go out for a walk ?" he asked.
What a great approach!
"I wish I could, but I have other things to do" she rejected politely. "Maybe some other time?"
"Alright princess. We'll see some other time then" Mathias said
"Thank you for understanding."
"There's no problem, princess" he smiled at her and she found it annoying.
"Then, I will be on my way" saying that she left.
Mathias' smile disappeared and he let a deep exhale. Walking away with clenched fist.
Layana saw Zayden in front. Was he watching them? If he did then he would surely tease her.
"Hi, brother" she spoke lazily.
"I saw that" Zayden blurted
"So?" She shot him a glare
"Trying to bond with your future husband?" he grinned
"You're saying the opposite of what you saw, brother" she said, looking the other way.
"Give him a chance, Yana" Zayden began "He's a general with Fame. He's rich and quite handsome. Why not get to know to know him? You both would make a great couple"
"Never" she snapped
"Why?"
"Because he's the son of whomever demon that wants my brother dead. There's no way I'm marrying an enemy." She walked passed him.
"It doesn't make him an enemy, Yana" he spoke loudly so she could hear.
"They have the same blood " she said.
At that moment Zayden felt jealousy course through him. Does everything have to be about Ryan? He should see Kang Jimyeong right away.
*....*.....*.....*.....*....*
"Is everything going as planned?" Choi Su Jin asked
"No. The human girl has refused to be used" Kang Jimyeong replied
"What do we do now?"
"We'll have to use the ones close to him. That way he'll be out of the way first" he said
"But who do you think would betray him?" Choi Su Jin asked. Because as far as he knew, the half breed has no one to betray him. All have been loyal.
"Don't worry, I know the right person for it" he gave a sly grin.
"My lord, Prince Zayden from the capital is here" a guard informed.
"Send him in" he chuckled lightly. Looks like the bait is ready.
"Yes, my lord"
"You should be in your way. I have an important guest" Kang Jimyeong said."
Choi Su Jin scrutinized his face. He noticed his smile and understood what he meant.
"Alright then. I shall take my leave" he said and stood up. Zayden walked in the same time Choi Su Jin was walking out. He gave a smile before walking out the door. Zayden looked at him skeptically. Why was he here?
He walked ahead, coming to stand in front of Kang Jimyeong who sat on a chaise.
"You took longer than expected" Kang Jimyeong said.
"Get straight to the point" Zayden demanded.
"Have a seat, would you?"
"It's not something I need to be reminded of" Zayden said as he sat on the chaise lounge and crossed one leg over the other.
"Let me pour you some tea" Kang Jimyeong offered and poured the tea into two cups and gave him. He took it, but never drank.
"What's that thing about my brother you wanted to tell?" He asked with authority but still kept his calm demeanour. A thing he learned from Ryan.
Kang Jimyeong breathed "You see the half breed is your brother. So as his brother you should knows somethings. But I'll need something from you in return"
Zayden peered at him, waiting for his next words.
"He has found her. But doesn't know yet" he said
"What do you mean by 'her'?" Zayden furrowed his brows
"His bride of course" he replied.
Zayden felt both happiness and anger in his heart. All at the same time.
"Which means...he would soon be free and return to take the thrown" he stated, putting much emphasis on his last words.
Zayden gulped. So he'd finally be free. Then come back to take the throne from him?
"But that cannot happen if the girl dies, and you get to do your part."
"What do you want from me?" Zayden asked with lowered eyes.
"His head on a platter" he said without batting an eye.
Zayden lifted his eyes and looked at him "You want me to kill him?"
"Yes. For your own benefit" he added. Zayden was quiet, contemplating.
"Think about it. When both of them dies, the throne would finally be yours. No one would be there to drag that position with you. I know how much you've trained for it" Kang Jimyeong said, polluting his mind even more.
Yes. If Ryan dies, the throne would only be his. A smile crept to his face
"You don't have to worry. I'll get this job" Zayden said
"I knew I could count on you" he smiled.
"Alright then, I shall take my leave" he stood up and left. The smile on Kang Jimyeong's face changed into a sly smirk as soon as Zayden walked out the door.
Such a fool. He laughed.