Kiss the Stranger

“Your Highness, at such an early ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) hour.”
Hayden was the first to break the silence, bowing deeply—though his tone sounded teasing rather than respectful. I could tell he didn’t truly mean it. Yet his formality was flawless, revealing his cunning. I longed to see Asgaile’s expression but couldn’t—nor did I dare lean forward to catch a glimpse. I froze, breath held, as Rikal squirmed in my arms, uneasy the moment he heard Asgaile’s voice. At least the pheromones were gone—otherwise the cat would have reacted already.
I, too, was shaken. My hands trembled and my mouth went dry the instant I realized the crown prince stood there. Asgaile’s calm voice continued.
“Your attendants should have shown you to your rooms.”
His tone was exactly as always. I chastised myself—had I needlessly created awkwardness? But then Hayden replied briskly,
“They did, Your Highness. But I had spare time, so I came to see my angel.”
“…Your angel?”
Asgaile’s quiet echo sounded eerie. My heart pounded until Hayden spoke again.
“Yes—here.”
He stepped aside, and I found myself looking directly at Asgaile. My eyes went wide in shock. I glanced from Hayden to Asgaile and back. Hayden stood serenely; Asgaile frowned at me.
“You don’t mean her.”
“I do, with all due respect.”
Hayden extended an arm toward me in a grand bow, like unveiling a masterpiece. I gaped, clutching Rikal, unable to speak. Asgaile’s voice cut in.
“She’s an omega.”
I froze. The disdain in his words made my arm tense around the cat.
“An omega? Really?”
I couldn’t lift my gaze, and Hayden’s voice, soft with concern, asked,
“You smell nothing—have you taken medicine?”
Surprising kindness. I slowly shook my head. Asgaile snorted disdainfully.
“Why would she take medicine? Omegas exist only for that. She’s broken—no scent for ages.”
“Oh.”
Hayden murmured. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled widely.
“Then you are a peony.”
“P-peony?”
He grinned.
“A flower without scent. It suits you perfectly.”
He reached to stroke my hair—but paused midair, as if waiting for my consent. I blinked, and his hand fell. That gentle motion reminded me of Kamar’s touch. My chest tightened, and he murmured to himself,

“I want you more and more.”
Then he turned to Asgaile.
“Your Highness, once this matter is resolved, might I have her as my fee?”
“What?”
I gasped, but both men ignored me. Asgaile looked at Hayden and said,
“You ask for a broken omega instead of the agreed payment? Hardly a profitable venture, Hayden. You’ll ruin yourself.”
“Not at all. I merely refer to a separate success bonus.”
“As if she’s worth that cost.”
Asgaile sneered. Hayden shrugged confidently.
“A good businessman never forgoes profit.”
Asgaile replied coldly,
“Sometimes you must. Choose one—both cannot be yours.”
“Ah…”
Hayden sighed like a tragic hero, stroking his chin. I found the entire exchange absurd and uncomfortable. Why were they bargaining over me? Hayden, serious a moment ago, suddenly flashed a sly grin at Asgaile.
“Could you not simply grant her to me? I promise to make her more beautiful than anyone else.”
Asgaile said nothing—but his face, normally inscrutable, betrayed clear thought. I stared, stunned, until Asgaile suddenly looked at me. Startled, I dropped the piece of bread I held.
Ah.
I sighed silently. Bending to pick it up, Hayden said,
“Leave it be, Yohan. You’d break every tooth.”
I bowed silently, though it was my only food. Then Asgaile’s icy voice cut through me.
“Picking up food from the floor? What are you doing?”
I froze, then looked up into his sharp glare. My body trembled and breathing grew difficult.
No.
I could not repeat past humiliations. I would not give him another reason to despise me. Acting on impulse, I grabbed Hayden’s arm and pulled him behind me.
“Huh?”
Hayden exclaimed, taken by surprise. I hid behind him, heart pounding. Silence fell. Hayden glanced down at me, and I dared not meet his eyes.
“…What are you doing?”
Asgaile’s soft voice startled me. Hayden turned to him.
“Yohan seems unwell, Your Highness. I interrupted her meal.”
“A meal? Where?”
Hayden indicated the crumbs on the floor.
“Here.”
Another hush followed.
“She eats that? Why?”
Asgaile sounded baffled. Hayden answered for me,
“I’m not sure, but it’s definitely Yohan’s meal.”
Asgaile fell silent—his contemplative pause terrifying me. Finally he said,
“In my country, no one eats that.”
Hayden blinked.
“Weren’t omegas considered non-human here?”
That was a line crossed. Asgaile’s voice grew cold,
“Mind your tongue, or you’ll learn my dungeons firsthand.”
At that, I trembled with fear—the cellars are the worst torture I know. Hayden bowed deeply.
“My apologies.”
Asgaile moved on without another word. Hayden followed, glancing back at me.
“Farewell, Yohan and Rikal. Until next time.”
I heard Hayden’s voice drift down the corridor:
“To not recognize such haunting beauty, Your Highness.”
I exhaled shakily. In my hand remained a piece of dried bread. I dipped it in lukewarm water and nibbled, my empty stomach aching.
“Yohan, where have you been?”
Later, after finishing work, I made my way to the prince’s chamber. Meisa greeted me with a relieved smile.
“In the workshop…”
“My goodness, still there? How are you? I heard you almost had an accident.”
She hurried me inside. I answered hoarsely,
“The prince saved me… I’m fine, thankfully. Thank you.”
Suddenly a familiar fragrance drifted in, cutting my words. I froze as attendants stepped back, revealing a lavish feast: warm tea, soft bread, rich stew, rice, lamb—more food than I’d seen since dining with Princess Najima. My stomach churned and mouth watered, but I stood motionless. Meisa took my hand.
“Please sit. Eat first.”
“…Me?”
“Of course, Yohan.”
She smiled as she seated me.
“Everything here is for you, granted by the crown prince himself.”
I nodded, heart fluttering, and took the bread Meisa offered—finally allowing myself to eat.