Elysium: Desired by the Cold-hearted Princess [GL]
Chapter 235 235: Foolish Pride

Electra's POV

I forced my expression into something composed, even though the fire burning inside me begged to be unleashed.

Every fiber of my being wanted to lash out, to rip Hunter Vale's arrogance apart, but I knew better than to let my emotions dictate my actions—not here, not in an enemy's house.

Instead, I turned my attention to the older man seated opposite us, the noble who had opened his doors to my so-called uncle.

"Before we get into why I'm here," I said smoothly, tilting my head slightly, "I think it's only fair that you introduce yourself first. I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting before."

The older man let out a deep chuckle, his amusement irritating me for reasons I couldn't quite pinpoint. "Oh, but we have met before, Your Highness," he corrected rather arrogantly. "You were much younger at the time, so it's understandable that you wouldn't remember me."

I kept my expression neutral, but my mind was already working, analyzing every syllable he spoke, every twitch of his fingers.

"Is that so?" I asked, arching a brow. "Then you have me at a disadvantage."

The man gave a polite nod before finally offering, "General Lucian Aurelian, at your service. I serve as one of Valternor's generals and have long been a loyal servant of its crown."

Aurelian.

The moment he said his name, that nagging thought from earlier surged forward again, the one I had been trying to ignore. It was irrational, probably nothing—but something about the name Aurelian gnawed at me, like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit yet was impossible to ignore.

I buried the thought—for now.

"A pleasure," I lied smoothly, giving him a small, courteous nod.

General Aurelian studied me for a moment before offering a small smile. "From what I hear, however, you did not come to Valternor to see me."

I exhaled through my nose, forcing a polite—albeit empty—smile. "Unfortunately, no, General. While I do appreciate your hospitality, my visit here is rather specific."

I turned my attention to Hunter, who had been watching me in silence, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"I'm here to see him," I clarified, my voice sharpening slightly.

Hunter smiled, slow and deliberate. He leaned back in his chair, as if he were in complete control of this situation—which only made my blood boil more.

"Well then," he mused, "I suppose you should get to it, niece."

I clenched my jaw. He's enjoying this. Enjoying watching me come all this way to confront him, but I would not give him the satisfaction of reacting.

"You've made quite the name for yourself in a short amount of time, Uncle," I remarked coolly, my fingers tracing the edge of the chair's armrest. "First, I hear rumors about a long-lost Vale appearing out of nowhere. Then, those rumors turn into the rumors of you being positioned to take my place as Elmeria's heir. Interesting, don't you think?"

Hunter tilted his head slightly, as if amused by my words. "Rumors do have a way of spreading quickly, don't they?"

I narrowed my eyes. "So, tell me—what exactly are you playing at?"

Hunter let out a low hum of thought, glancing at General Aurelian, who merely observed in silence. When he finally spoke, his voice was infuriatingly measured. "It's not a game, Electra. I assure you, everything that is happening is… natural. I didn't appear out of nowhere, and I didn't start the rumors."

"Yet here you are, conveniently benefiting from them," I shot back.

Hunter sighed, shaking his head. "Electra, you seem to have this misconception that I chose to be here, that I wanted to challenge you for the throne."

"Didn't you?" I countered.

His lips curved slightly, and I hated that it looked more like a knowing smirk than an actual smile. "No, I didn't," he said simply. "But just because I didn't seek this out doesn't mean I'll refuse it."

I clenched my fingers against the armrest, willing myself to stay calm. "And what exactly makes you think you deserve it? You may carry the Vale name, but you've spent your life as a ghost, hidden away from the public, and now, suddenly, you're just… worthy?"

Hunter exhaled softly, as if my words meant nothing to him. "You misunderstand. It isn't about who is 'worthy.' It's about who the council supports—and who they believe can be controlled, and from what I hear, you're an incredibly difficult individual. No one in their right minds would want a future monarch who has no self-control."

I let out a loud, almost amused laugh, tilting my head at Hunter like he was some kind of fascinating creature on display. He thought that was something to be proud of? That being a puppet to a bunch of old, disgusting men was some kind of accomplishment?

"Wow," I said, my lips curling into a slow smirk. "You actually think being easy to control is something to flex about?"

Hunter simply shrugged, the picture of indifference. "Unlike you, I don't let my pride get in the way of securing my future."

His voice was calm, annoyingly so, as if he truly believed he had already won. "Maybe because you're still just a child, Electra. You carry around that foolish pride of yours like a badge of honor, but ultimately, it'll be your downfall."

I let out another chuckle, shaking my head. "And how old are you again? Twenty-two? Maybe three years older than me at most? Don't act like you're some wise old man, uncle."

Hunter's lips twitched like he wanted to respond, but I raised a hand, effectively shutting him up before he could start. I turned my attention to General Aurelian instead, fixing him with a casual smile. "General, would you mind excusing us?"

Aurelian quirked a brow. "Are you sure, Your Highness?" His voice was mild, but there was an underlying warning there. "It would be… unfortunate if anything drastic were to happen to Prince Hunter while in my home."

I grinned. "Oh, come on, General. What could a little girl like me possibly do to hurt a 'grown' man like my dear uncle?"

Aurelian's lips pressed together in something that looked vaguely like amusement, but he didn't argue. With a slight bow, he gave Hunter a look that seemed to ask if he wanted him to stay, but Hunter waved him off.

"Let her have her fun," Hunter said smoothly, leaning back in his chair.

Aurelian gave me one last glance before exiting the room, leaving the two of us alone.