Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 183: Made Use Of I

Chapter 183: Made Use Of I

"That’s a great idea, but do you think he can get the flowers delivered in time?" Daphne’s eyes initially lit up in excitement, but she couldn’t help feeling anxious when she thought about the logistics of the matter. With limited time and at such a short notice, Daphne’s request was definitely going to cause a lot of trouble for Prince Nathaniel.

Assuming he even agreed to help her.

"It’s worth a shot." Jonah shrugged. "We’ll still do our best to secure the blooms in Vramid, but I’m not too hopeful we can get anything good. Vramid isn’t known for orange and red flowers― most of our flowers are whites and blues."

Daphne sighed. When she had her idea, she had completely forgotten to consider that flowers with these colors were very rare. She didn’t know enough about Vramid’s flora, especially since she had only spent a winter here, where there were no blooms for her to even see.

Yet she didn’t want to rework her idea. She couldn’t think of any alternative that would mean as much to her as her first idea. Jonah also encouraged her to stick to it, since many ladies would already be using the same blooms.

He would know, since he was the one running around making inquiries about flowers.

"These ladies are practically plucking the bushes dry to get enough petals for their floats! At this rate, there wouldn’t be any flowers blooming in Vramid left," Jonah complained.

Daphne winced. She didn’t want to strip Vramid bare of its natural beauty while attempting to celebrate said beauty!

Jonah patted her shoulder consolingly. "It’s not entirely your fault. This whole contest wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand if Atticus didn’t agree to be the prize."

"Did you know that man said he would destroy every other float just to make sure mine would win?" Daphne shook her head.

"Such a display of devotion," Jonah said approvingly, "Do you think he can do it the night before the parade so I don’t have to worry about our flowers?"

"Jonah!" Daphne scolded.

"Sorry," Jonah said, not sounding very sorry. "I’m just saying, I wouldn’t say no to someone making our lives easier."

"...You have a point." Daphne sighed. "I don’t want Atticus to spend even a minute with another woman. I’m even considering burdening Prince Nathaniel with my request. Is that selfish of me?"

"Yes, but you are his wife. You should be entitled to some selfishness," Jonah said gently while Daphne sucked in a tired breath. "Now, let’s go back and you can send a letter to Prince Nathaniel. Then we can check on the other nurseries, there should be some further away from the capital that still have some blooms..."

While they walked away, they didn’t notice the puddles of water that appeared behind them, nor the contemplative look that crossed a pair of dark eyes. Every word of Daphne and Jonah’s conversation had been carefully considered, all the way from needing flowers for the float all the way to sabotaging the other contestants’ creations.

It quickly vanished, disappearing into a nearby river.

It had a job to do.

***

Daphne had expected many things from Prince Nathaniel after she had sent him a letter detailing her request. A kind rejection, lovingly penned from his hand. Perhaps a messenger would be sent along with several blooms, if Prince Nathaniel had actually agreed to help.

She didn’t expect Prince Nathaniel to appear in front of her in person right in front of the castle, along with a handful of his retinue, a mere two days after she had sent out the letter!

Servants gawked and blushed as they caught a rare sight of an ethereal blond man speaking to their king. He was so beautiful that it hurt to even look at him!

To their surprise, the strange man and their Queen seem to be on good terms.

"Prince Nathaniel! You are here!" Daphne exclaimed delightedly.

"Why are you here?" Beside her, Atticus gave a less-than-polite greeting. "If you want to tell me you’ve caught Jean Nott or the kelpie, you could have just sent a letter."

"Nice to meet you too, King Atticus," Prince Nathaniel said dryly. He addressed Daphne more warmly, "And Queen Daphne, I have the flowers you asked for."

"You asked him for help?" Atticus asked incredulously. Daphne had turned away all gestures of help from him, only to ask this blond snake?

Daphne smiled sheepishly in response. She hadn’t consulted Atticus on this issue.

"Oh, so Queen Daphne didn’t tell you?" Prince Nathaniel asked with a slow innocent blink. "I’m sure it must have slipped her mind. She’s a very busy woman."

Atticus clenched his jaw, "Where are the flowers then?" He demanded, making a show of looking behind them. "I see no wagons or carriages."

"I wouldn’t use such a rudimentary way to transport my prized blooms," Prince Nathaniel said imperiously. Instead, he pulled out a familiar pouch and handed it to Daphne.

"The flowers you want are inside, along with some blooms I think would be useful for the design you have in mind," Prince Nathaniel explained. Daphne eagerly opened the bag and she was hit with a fragrant scent. She gingerly pulled out a handful of flowers and beamed.

"This is perfect! How did you know this is just what I wanted?"

Smug satisfaction radiated off Prince Nathaniel like a cat that caught the canary, but he only smiled gently at Queen Daphne. "I’m glad you are satisfied with my choices."

"Are you leaving now?" Atticus asked brusquely.

"Atticus!" Daphne asked, appalled by his manners. "He’s a guest!"

"Actually, I hope to actually stay until the festival is over," Prince Nathaniel said, ignoring Atticus’s rudeness. "I would like to see the end result of your hard work and vote for your float."

"The end result is Daphne going on a date with me," Atticus retorted, crossing his arms. "If that’s what you’re into, sure."

Sensing that Prince Nathaniel was confused, Daphne hurried to explain. "The winner of the Spring Parade gets to go on a date with Atticus."

"You... did not mention that in the letter," Prince Nathaniel said, a discomfited look on his face. Now, it was Atticus’s turn to look smug.

"Yes... I’m sorry about that," Daphne said, her insides twisting at Prince Nathaniel’s disappointed demeanor. She couldn’t meet his eyes. She had deliberately chosen not to share that information with him, fearing that he might not help her if he knew.

After all, she knew Prince Nathaniel still harbored feelings for her.

"I see..." Prince Nathaniel sighed. He knew that he had been manipulated. "In that case, I shall not tarry further. I’ll rest up for the night and be on the way tomorrow."

"Excellent," Atticus said cheerfully. "I’ll prepare the best rooms for you and your men. Eat and drink to your heart’s content then!"

"I thank you for your hospitality," Prince Nathaniel said, and soon he and his men were escorted to a set of lavish rooms specifically prepared for their use. While Prince Nathaniel chose to rest in his room alone with his turbulent feelings, his men were walking in the streets, feeling outraged on his behalf.

"I can’t believe that Queen of theirs! Does she think it’s fun playing with our Prince’s feelings like that?"

"She just strung him along... I can’t believe this..."

"Our prince even plucked his precious sunset carnations for her! What a waste!"

"Isn’t this cheating to begin with? If she can’t win, she shouldn’t have played."

They continued to grumble, but then they were interrupted by a new womanly voice.

"Gentlemen, I can’t help but be curious about your conversation. May I know who you are referring to?"