The Princess' Harem
Chapter 50: Stolen Kiss

Chapter 50: Stolen Kiss

Viana tilted her head, her circlet catching the chandelier light. "Careful, Your Majesty. I’m the Queen of the Hunt now. I could have you chased by wolves."

He laughed, a rich sound that turned a few heads. "I’d like to see you try."

Their banter flowed easily, but Viana was keenly aware of the eyes on them, nobles whispering behind their goblets, some approving, others calculating.

The dance brought them closer, and she caught the faint scent of cedar and spice on him, a contrast to the heavy perfumes of the court. His hand tightened slightly on hers, and she felt a flicker of warmth, though she quickly dismissed it. Prince Rayne was a charmer, nothing more.

As the waltz ended, the musicians paused, and the crowd applauded politely. Prince Rayne didn’t release her hand immediately, his gaze lingering.

"You’re full of surprises, Princess Viana," he said, his voice softer now, almost serious.

She pulled her hand back, smoothing her gown to cover her unease. "And you’re full of flattery. Don’t think it’ll get you anywhere."

He grinned, unbothered. "We’ll see about that."

Before she could retort, Joel approached with a stern expression. "Your Highness, the council wishes to discuss the wolf incident."

Viana sighed. "Duty calls," she said to Prince Rayne, then followed Joel, feeling the Prince’s eyes on her as she walked away.

***

The banquet continued late into the night, but Viana’s duties as the Crown Princess kept her busy. Placating nobles, reassuring council members, and dodging Count Lazarus’s relentless approaches.

By the time she slipped away for a moment of quiet, her head throbbed. She stepped onto one of the palace’s secluded balconies, the cool night air a relief after the stifling hall. The stars glittered above, and the distant sounds of music and laughter faded.

She leaned against the stone railing, the circlet felt heavy on her brow. The magical wolf, Eryndor’s cryptic promise, the border’s unrest—it all swirled in her mind.

Footsteps broke her thoughts. She turned to see Prince Rayne stepping onto the balcony, a goblet in one hand. "Hiding already?" he asked with a light tone.

"Escaping," she corrected while crossing her arms. "It’s different."

He chuckled, joining her at the railing. "You handled them well in there. Not everyone can keep Lazarus in check."

She knew that Count Lazarus frequently met with Prince Rayne to discuss his financial dealings and political interests with the Valendale Empire.

So she snorted. "He’s a snake. I’d rather face another wolf."

Rayne took a sip from his goblet, then offered it to her. "Here. You look like you need it."

She hesitated, then accepted. The wine was sharp and sweet on her tounge. "Thanks," she muttered, handing it back.

They stood in companionable silence, the night air cool between them. Rayne broke it first. "You know, I meant what I said. You’re not what I expected."

She glanced at him, wary. "And what did you expect? A spoiled princess?"

He smirked. "Maybe. But you’re... tougher. Braver. You faced a magical wolf and walked away crowned. That’s not just luck."

Viana’s guard softened slightly, but she kept her tone skeptical. "Flattery again, Rayne? You’re wasting your breath."

He leaned against the railing, closer now, his smirk fading into something more genuine. "Not flattery. Respect. Arden’s told me about you, you know. His fearless student, always one step ahead."

Viana’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of Arden, her tutor.

Rayne took a sip from his goblet, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I remember him from that trade summit last year. Guy could balance a kingdom’s budget in his sleep. You’re lucky to have him."

She glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity. "I am. He’s more than a tutor now. He’s... family, almost."

He smirked, leaning more closer. "Maybe I’m just curious about the woman who’s got the court buzzing."

The air shifted, charged with something unspoken. Viana’s pulse quickened, and she cursed herself for letting him get to her. "Don’t get any ideas, Prince Rayne," she said, stepping back to regain control. Her heel caught on a loose stone, and she stumbled, her balance slipping.

Prince Rayne’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm. "Easy," he said, pulling her steady.

But the momentum tugged them closer, and Viana’s hand grasped his shoulder for support. Her foot slipped again, and in a clumsy lurch, her face collided with his. Their lips brushed—a fleeting, accidental touch that sent a shock through her.

They froze for a heartbeat, noses touching, breaths mingling. Viana’s eyes widened, and she yanked back, her cheeks burning. "That—that wasn’t—" she stammered, horrified.

Rayne blinked, then grinned, clearly delighted. "Not the smoothest first kiss, but I’m not complaining."

"It wasn’t a kiss!" she snapped, shoving his chest to create space. Her heart pounded, the ghost of his lips lingering. "I tripped. You saw it."

"Sure, sure," he said, his tone teasing but his eyes softer, gauging her. "You’re blushing, Your Majesty."

"I’m not blushing," she retorted, though her face felt like fire. She turned to the railing, gripping it tightly. "You’re insufferable."

Rayne leaned beside her, his shoulder brushing hers, but he didn’t push further. "Maybe. But you’re not as mad as you’re acting."

Viana shot him a glare, but her lips twitched, betraying a reluctant smile. "Don’t get used to it, Prince Rayne. I don’t trip into princes every day."

He laughed, easing the tension. "Fair enough. But I’m claiming another dance. No stones to trip over next time."

She rolled her eyes, but a warmth lingered in her chest. The balcony felt smaller, the night heavier with their accidental moment. The banquet’s music drifted up, a reminder of the court waiting.

"We should go back," she said, adjusting her gown and circlet. "Before Arden thinks I’ve fled the palace."

Rayne nodded, offering his arm with mock formality. "After you, Queen of the Hunt."

She ignored his arm but walked beside him, her mind racing. The kiss—accident or not—had stirred something, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Rayne was a complication, especially with the border issues and the wolf’s mystery looming. But as they reentered the hall, his easy grin made her wonder if complications might be worth it.

Arden caught her eye from across the room, his brow furrowing slightly as he noted Rayne at her side. Viana gave him a subtle nod, signaling they’d discuss the council’s concerns later.

For now, she had a court to face, a title to uphold, and a prince who was far too good at rattling her.