Ayla sat in her office, staring at nothing in particular. It used to be full, people everywhere, coming in with all kinds of problems: missing spouses, murder cases even the supernatural, things no one else could solve. Back then life was good. Back when she mattered. Now? Empty. Ever since that investigator showed up, Unveil everything went downhill. People wouldn't stop talking about him.
More efficient. Less messy. Better. And of course, a man. Something she unfortunately wasn't. Ayla clenched her fists at the memory. What annoyed her wasn't the praise. It was the lie about that missing prince case. That was hers. She solved it, yet somehow he got all the credit. She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to relax. Getting angry wouldn't change anything. Her gaze shifted to the ceiling, now lined with dust. For a moment, she wondered if it was time to quit.
Suddenly her assistant called out "Investigator, you have a guest."Ayla blinked. A guest? That was new. She straightened immediately, adjusting her posture pretending she was doing something meaningful with her life. Her hand instinctively moved to her mask, making sure it was still in place."Let them in," she said. The door creaked open, her heart racing with anticipation. A man stepped inside, dressed in expensive clothes that could buy two mansions in the capital. His presence was enough to make the room feel smaller.
But that wasn't what caught her attention. It was the blindfold that clung to his face, black with those notorious silver patterns. And his hair, bright blond, almost glowing. Ayla froze. She knew exactly who he was, the notorious prince Zyren. Swiftly, she stood up nearly knocking off her chair before deeply bowing. "I greet the moon of the great Dervon Empire," she said trying to keep her voice steady. What was this psychopath doing here?
"Please, no need for formalities," he said. His voice was calm. Too calm. Ayla straightened, forcing herself not to react. "Your Highness," she said carefully,"What brings you to my humble office?" He smiled. A small one, just enough to show his canines. She couldn't tell if it was friendly or a warning.
"Straight to business, I see," he said, letting out a quiet chuckle. "Then I'll be blunt." Something about that didn't sit right. "Marry me." Ayla froze." …Pardon me, Your Highness," she said slowly. "What did you just say?" He tilted his head slightly. Not out of confusion, simply observing.
"I'm asking for your hand, Lady Ayla." Her heart skipped. Then stopped. He knew her name. Her real name. Her hand shot up to her mask. Still there. So how did he— He noticed her tensed posture and added "Relax." he said lightly " Your secrets safe with me." like that was suppose to make things better. Ayla sighed.
She slowly removed her mask revealing her face, she saw no need in wearing it since he already knew who she was. He chuckled slightly "Much better" he murmured "Hiding never suited you." Now Ayla was genuinely worried, she knew he was a bit unsettling based on the rumours but not to this extent. He sat up adjusting himself "Your little attempt in hiding was....cute, though i expected more from you" he said casually. Ayla clenched her jaws, forcing the words back down.
Talking back wasn't an option not when he can wipe out her entire family she reminded herself. "I assume you didn't come here to make a lousy proposal and criticise me did you?" she shot back but quickly regretted it. That came out more spiteful than she thought. Ayla nervously glanced at the man before her who thankfully didn't seem affected by her words. She couldn't tell if that was good or bad.
"Lousy you say" he said sounding a bit offended. He placed his hands on his chest "Your words really struck me in the heart" Silence. Followed by more silence. Ayla stared at him,unease settling deep within her chest. The rumours hadn't exaggerated, if anything..... calling him a mad prince was far too generous.