Realms of power

As Prince Liam navigated the labyrinthine corridors in search of Sarah, he accidentally collided with a vision of loveliness. The lady, a stunning redhead with porcelain skin and piercing emerald eyes, spilled tea all over her elegant gown.

"Oh dear, I am so sorry," she apologized, her voice husky and confident. "Please, do accept my sincerest apologies, Your Highness." She bowed low, and raised herself slowly and deliberately. Her eyes met his and, she smiled.

Liam's eyes widened as he took in the lady's sophisticated beauty. She introduced herself as,"Angelina, the daughter of the minister of finance." Her gaze locked onto Liam's, and she smiled seductively, her full lips curling upward.

"Perhaps, Your Highness, you would like to refresh yourself after our little mishap? Your handsomeness can never be tainted. However, your Highness will look more ravishing after a change of attire." Angelina suggested, her voice dripping with honey. "There is a side chamber just nearby where you can change into something more comfortable, my prince."

Liam's eyes never left Angelina's face as he nodded, entranced by her charms. He felt an inexplicable pull towards her, as if drawn by an unseen force.

Angelina turned to the male eunuch walking beside Liam. "Please, kindly assist His Highness in acquiring fresh attire while he cleans up."

The eunuch bowed and hastened to obey, leaving Liam alone with Angelina. He noticed the prince's mood and knew this was what he wanted. Angelina gazed up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief, before nodding and turning to leave.

Liam watched her go, his mind reeling with thoughts of the mysterious redhead. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized he was actually looking forward to changing into fresh clothes, simply because Angelina had suggested it.

As he changed, Liam could not shake the feeling that Angelina was watching him, even though he knew it was impossible. He felt a strange sense of excitement, as if he was walking into a trap, but one that he could not resist. Red read Angelica fit perfectly into his fantasy. She had a strangeness about her that he desired. He closed his eyes and replayed her face in his memory. He balled his fists and shook his head, "Angelina, oh! What a woman!"

Just as Liam was finishing up, he heard a soft knock on the door. "Your Highness?" Angelina's voice called out, husky and alluring. "Is everything to your liking? Do you wish for anything, a snack? A drink? Or is the dress you have with you too plain for your magnificence? I could help you out. I will always be loyal to such a strong man, as you."

Liam's heart skipped a beat as he hesitated for a moment before responding, "Please, enter. Your help is greatly needed at such times."

The door creaked open, and Angelina slipped inside, a tray of food in her hands. Her eyes locking onto Liam's with an unmistakable spark of attraction.

Prince Victor observed from a distance, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he watched Angelina effortlessly captivate Prince Liam. His mission to distract Liam was well underway, and now it was time to focus on his own objective: finding Sarah. Liam always had his weakness for attractive women, and Angelina was everything but unattractive.

Victor would go after gold now. His eyes scanned the gardens, searching for the elusive Sarah. He finally spotted her standing amidst a group of ladies, admiring the vibrant flowers on display. Victor's curiosity was piqued, and he decided to watch from afar, intrigued by the dynamics of the gathering.

As he observed, Victor noticed that Sarah did not seem pleased, her expression a mixture of discomfort and annoyance. He followed her gaze to a Burnett standing beside her, a woman with a sly grin spreading across her face. Victor's instincts told him that this Burnett, Clara, was the source of Sarah's unease. He recognized Clara at once. Not that he was fond of her, she was a distant relative's daughter, so they bumped into each other on occasion during palace gatherings. 

Clara's voice carried over the gentle hum of the garden, her words dripping with malice. "You see, my dear Sarah, some flowers are like the Japanese knotweed – they grow rapidly, spreading their roots far and wide, convinced they are the only good thing that exists."

Clara's eyes sparkled with amusement as she continued, "But the problem with these swift-growing flowers is that they become boring to look at in the long run. They are like a child's toy, fascinating at first, but soon discarded for something more intriguing. Ladies, do I not speak the truth? Are you not tired of gazing at them already?" There was a hint of amusement in Clara's voice. As if she was trying to stifle her own laughter. 

The other maidens in the group giggled, their eyes darting towards Sarah with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. They knew that Clara was implying that even if Prince Liam had set his eyes on Sarah, she would eventually become boring to him. Someone else would eventually come and take the prince's fancy.

Sarah's face flushed with irritation, but instead of retreating, she shot back with a witty comeback. "Ah, but Clara, isn't it better to be a flower that grows and spreads, even if it is just for a short time, than to be a flower that does not grow at all? Unnoticed by no one but themselves? Absolutely pitiful!"

The implication was clear: Sarah was saying that Clara was unnoticed by anyone important. The group of maidens erupted into laughter, their eyes sparkling with mirth.

Clara's face fell, her grin faltering as she realized she had been outmaneuvered. Sarah, satisfied with her retort, turned and walked away, leaving the group in stitches.

Victor couldn't help but laugh at the exchange, impressed by Sarah's quick wit and sharp tongue. He liked her humor, and he found himself looking forward to their next encounter.

In fact, he would go after her right this moment. He was ready for anything, a banter, a calm conversation, an argument . Whatever, but she would not escape him today. He was determined.