Royal Betrayal

Chapter 8 Charmed

The frigid, deep blue eyes bore into hers, sending a ripple of unease through Josoline. His disheveled dark hair framed a face that seemed chiseled by the gods themselves, his riding clothes hugging his tall, lean frame perfectly.

"What are you doing here, miss?" His voice was cool, arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed her.

It was the first time Josoline had the opportunity to truly take in his appearance. He was every bit as handsome as the rumors suggested.

She nervously bit her lower lip. "My Prince," she murmured, executing a hesitant curtsy.

"Yes," he nodded, his expression expectant. "You still haven't answered my question, miss," he added, his brows knitting together in curiosity.

Josoline quickly composed herself, meeting his gaze with determination. "I came to see the horses," she replied, her voice tinged with nerves.

He detected the hint of unease in her tone. "And aren't you supposed to be working?" he asked, his tone mild yet probing.

Astonished by his question, Josoline's brows shot up in surprise. "Do I look like one of your servants?" she challenged, her voice betraying her confusion. Unaware of the apron she wore, she realized she might be mistaken for one of the staff if anyone else caught sight of her.

He glanced her over, a lopsided grin forming on his lips. She had heard tales of his charming smile and its effect on hearts, as well as his penchant for stunning gowns.

"As a matter of fact... no, you do not," he replied, his voice tinged with something Josoline couldn't quite identify.

She couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of relief. "Good," she murmured, looking away momentarily.

"Are you a lady-in-waiting?" he inquired, his question catching her off guard. She had danced with him at the ball, looking every bit the elegant debutante, so how could he not recognize her?

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she shot him a glare. "If you'll excuse me, Prince Leonardo," Josoline said, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. How could she hope to impress him if she couldn't even hold his attention?

As she walked away, she muttered to herself, "That pig. How could he remember all those debutantes?"

"Lady Prescott," he called after her, causing her to freeze in her tracks. Turning to face him, she asked in a hushed tone, "You knew?"

"Yes," he replied, closing the distance between them with a smirk. "Do you really think I saw you as one of the help?"

She scoffed, her frustration evident. "Yes," she spat, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within her.

***,******
He couldn't help but chuckle at her unladylike behavior, noticing the leaves in her hair and the dirt on her cheek. "You're way too cute to be a maid," he complimented, his tone playful.

Her expression remained icy, seemingly unaffected by his charm. "Then maybe, Your Highness, you should have better-looking servants," she retorted, her tone sharp.

He chuckled once more. "And then my young brother would have no peace."

"Or is it that you wouldn't?" she countered, her brow arched.

His lopsided grin reappeared. "And what do you mean, Lady Prescott?"

If the stories she heard about him were true, he was a notorious heartbreaker. She knew he had to marry to restore the Royal family name after his scandalous escapades abroad.

"The entire kingdom is aware of your scandalous manner," she said with a small smile, noticing his stance change as she spoke. She saw his hands tuck into his trousers, a sign he was affected.

"Oh, really? Only this kingdom?" he replied sarcastically, his tone teasing.

He approached her slowly, reaching out to remove the leaves from her hair. She stepped back, surprised by his gesture, but he persisted.

"Oh, do relax, Lady Prescott. I'm only removing the leaves," he reassured her.

Her face flushed with embarrassment as he brushed away the leaves. "Thank you for the compliment," she muttered, avoiding eye contact.

As they stood in silence, a stable boy interrupted, announcing that his horse was ready. Leonardo glanced at Josoline, still intrigued by her.

"Wait, Eddy," he called after the boy. "You did not see me with company. And try your very best not to make Mr. Cane come this way until you see me leave."

Josoline's eyes met his, surprised by his actions.

"Yes, my prince," the boy replied, leaving hastily.

Josoline stepped around him, walking back to the stallion, petting the animals. She found his attention perplexing. He was good-looking and charming, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that his compliments were insincere.

"You're too much, you know," she muttered softly, still with her back turned to him.

He chuckled. "Did you think you went unnoticed by me?" he asked, walking over to her. "I noticed you, dancing with my brother and my cousin."

She twirled to face him, speechless. He noticed her, but it didn't seem that way. Confusion crept into her expression as she tried to make sense of his words.

"Yes, I did," she admitted, her brows furrowed in confusion. "But, Miss Prescott, I am just one man, and my mother decides who I dance with first," he explained, his tone gentle.

"Why are you explaining? You don't owe me that," she replied, feeling a mixture of frustration and intrigue.

He smiled, causing her breath to hitch. "I know, but I'm not as bad as the kingdom thinks. I will share a dance with you, Lady Prescott, in time."

The first time he saw her was in the garden, having tea. The other time, she was dancing with his brother. Among the debutantes, she stood out to him not just for her looks, but for her personality. For a moment, he found himself genuinely intrigued by her.

"Come with me," he said, extending his hand. "Do not worry, I'll be a perfect gentleman." All he wanted was to make the moment last.

Sorry this chapter is so short, just let me know what you think because I replayed Josoline and the Prince's meeting in my head time again. So just give me your view..

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