Elysium: Desired by the Cold-hearted Princess [GL]
Chapter 224 224: Bold Requests

Electra's POV

I hated bowing my head, and it wasn't because I was arrogant—though I very much was.

It was because I knew that every time I lowered my head, I was giving away power, and being born and raised in a place like this, I'd always been taught that power was everything.

Still, I did it.

Because I needed something, and my father, King Vale, wasn't a man who gave anything freely.

As expected, the moment I lifted my head, I found him watching me suspiciously, his sharp gaze analyzing my every move.

"I wasn't expecting to see you," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I didn't call for you."

"And yet, here I am," I responded, forcing my usual careless smirk onto my face.

He studied me for a moment before raising a brow. "This isn't about the marriage proposal, is it?" he asked, and my eye twitched.

Of course, he'd assume I came crawling back, ready to throw myself into some political union just to secure my claim. I almost rolled my eyes.

Almost, but I stopped myself, inhaling slowly before replying, "No, Father, this has nothing to do with Prince Loric. I came here to discuss something else entirely."

I could tell by the slight downturn of his lips that he wasn't thrilled by that answer; still, he gestured to the chair in front of him.

"Sit."

I hesitated—because I never sat in my father's presence unless absolutely necessary. He and I didn't have that sort of relationship, and sitting in front of him and having to face him in that way always made me uncomfortable. But I didn't want to test his patience today.

So, I sat.

"Now, tell me," he said, fingers interlocking on his desk. "Why are you being so... surprisingly gentle today?"

I scoffed. "You make it sound like I'm some kind of tyrant, father. You should speak more kindly to your only child."

His expression remained blank, but amusement flickered in his cold eyes. "Aren't you a tyrant, though?" he mused. "You certainly have a reputation for it."

I rolled my eyes this time.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I muttered. "But no, I'm not here to throw a tantrum or demand anything unreasonable. I actually came to talk about something that you might find interesting, or possibly foolish."

Now, that got his attention.

His brow lifted slightly, and for the first time since I walked in, he actually looked interested. "Go on."

Sighing, I crossed my legs and met his gaze head-on, refusing to waver under his scrutinizing stare.

"I came here for two things, Father," I said, keeping my voice steady. "The first—"

I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on the armrests of my chair. "I need you to tell me where exactly Hunter Vale is right now."

That definitely took him by surprise. His brows furrowed instantly, and a flicker of something dangerous passed through his eyes.

"Why in the world would you need to know that?" he questioned, clearly annoyed by my request.

I expected that reaction, so I shrugged, playing it cool. "Because I want to see him," I said simply.

His expression darkened, and for a long moment, he just stared at me, as if trying to gauge my sanity.

"You want to meet the man who's trying to take your throne?" he asked slowly, like he was making sure he heard me correctly.

"Yes."

Silence, and then—

"Electra," he sighed, rubbing his temples. "Do you even realize what you're asking me?"

"I do."

He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "You are aware that this is your competition, correct?" he said, voice laced with frustration. "The council is already considering replacing you with him, and you—"

He let out a humorless laugh. "You want to go meet him?"

I tilted my head slightly. "Yes."

His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

I smirked. "Because I want to see for myself if he's actually worth all this trouble."

That made him pause, and I could tell he wasn't expecting that answer, but I meant it.

I needed to see Hunter Vale with my own eyes. I wanted to face him and decide for myself how much of a threat he really was. I also had other intentions, but it was best to keep that to myself.

Still, my father didn't respond immediately. He just kept staring at me, his sharp gaze digging into me, trying to read my mind, and I let him because he wouldn't find anything there except determination.

After what felt like an eternity, he sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I don't know where he is," he admitted. "Jella is keeping that information from me, but if you're serious about this—"

His gaze hardened. "I can find out for you."

Bingo.

I grinned, but before I could thank him, he raised a finger.

"But."

I tensed. Here it comes.

"If I do this for you," he said, voice dangerously calm, "you better have a damn good reason for why you're doing it."

I nodded.

That was fair.

"I do," I assured him. "And you'll understand when the time comes."

He studied me for a moment longer, then sighed. "Fine."

I hid my smirk.

"And the second thing?" he asked.

My grin widened.

"I'd like to be Elmeria's representative at the engagement ceremony of the prince of Aldoria."

Now he looked genuinely confused. "What?"

"You heard me."

His frown deepened.

"Why?"

This time, I leaned back comfortably, enjoying his reaction. "Because it'll be fun," I said simply. "And because I feel like it."

His jaw clenched, and I could tell he was starting to get irritated.

"Electra," he said slowly, "you never attend these things willingly. Why now?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Maybe I'm turning over a new leaf," I said innocently. "You're the one that complained that I wasn't taking my position as seriously as I should."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "Try again, child."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine," I sighed. "I want to see Seraphina Hook in person."

That froze him, and for a second, his expression went blank, like he was processing my words.

Then—"Seraphina Hook? Who is that, and why would you want to go and see her in person?" he repeated slowly.

I smirked.

"Well, she happens to attend Elysium Girls High, so I know her personally,'" I said, not bothering to hide my amusement. "And, she also happens to be the girl I like."

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.