I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Empress Cornelia possessed such power—the kind that prevented one from even considering that such a beautiful creature could harbor thorns or venom.
“Would you acknowledge him as human if the prince acted like one?”
“Human?”
Cornelia’s smile was pert, laced with undeniable mockery.
“If he does as you say. If Cesar walks on two feet, uses tools, and speaks. You think you can tame that beast?”
I nodded. “I’ll try.”
Her luscious red lips parted slightly, a spark igniting in her blue eyes. “Interesting.”
She gestured, and a handmaiden brought forth a large jewelry box containing a necklace. The intertwined strands of pearls and diamonds were dazzling enough, but the sapphire pendant at its center was breathtakingly large.
“This is the necklace I inherited when I entered this imperial family.”
It was the ‘Blue Flame Reverie’ Mercedes had mentioned, the necklace passed down through generations of imperial women. The gem looked as if it held a captive blue flame. Its value was evident at a glance.
“If you truly succeed, I will bequeath this to you.”
I was incredulous and searched the Empress’s face. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“If you receive this, then yes, you will achieve what you desire. You want the First Prince treated as a human?”
“Yes.”
My gaze remained fixed on the enormous sapphire. The pure blue gem shimmered with a brilliant light. Within its flawless depths, a blue flame danced. It was a temptation like the flames of a beguiling demon, threatening to consume everything.
Cornelia added in a near whisper, “If you make him human, the Blue Flame Reverie is yours. Wear it to an official function, and the gossipmongers will quickly assume you have my favor. It will be more than enough to gain the ‘recognition’ you desire.”
“Recognition…”
“A deadline would be good. Let’s say, by the upcoming summer banquet. Wouldn’t that be enough time to tame that beast?”
The Empress set her terms. Three months. I, along with Cesar, would attend the banquet hosted by the Empress at the end of the social season—as a ‘human’ recognized by the Empress. She offered an alluring smile.
“However, I despise liars. If you deceive me…” Her blue eyes were so cold that I could only hold my breath, waiting for her to continue. “I will have to punish you, as your elder.”
***
I don’t know how I managed to make it through the rest of the tea party. The return journey was thankfully easier than the arrival. Leaning on Delphina, I slowly made my way back to the Emerald Palace.
“Huh. I heard you tamed that madman. I thought you’d be some kind of powerful warrior woman.”
I turned towards the male voice. A tall, handsome man stood there. “You’re more ordinary than I expected.” He was a redhead, striding towards me with an imposing air that froze me in place.
“Irenea of the Flores Duchy.”
At the sound of my name, I frowned slightly and glared at him. His fiery red hair and icy blue eyes reminded me of someone. The resemblance to Cornelia was so striking, it sent shivers down my spine.
“It is the Second Prince, Your Highness.”
My attendant, silent until now, whispered his identity as he appeared. This was to be interpreted as a cue to show respect to Matthias de la Rosa, son of the current Empress Cornelia.
Unsure of what to do, I awkwardly bowed my head. Before my marriage, I would have knelt before him. But now, I was the Crown Princess. A slight bow was perfectly acceptable.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.” I offered a polite greeting. I hadn’t met the Second Prince, even at the wedding, but he was Empress Cornelia’s son. It wouldn’t do to make a bad impression.
He stood before me, his gaze raking over me in a way that felt both sticky and uncomfortable. “I hear you just met with Mother. Don’t be too nervous, Irenea.”
He took a step closer. The scent of musk and wood, the scent of a grown man, wafted towards me. It was awkward and unpleasant, and I instinctively frowned.
“You haven’t been granted permission to use my name.”
My patience, already worn thin after my encounter with the Empress, had finally snapped. My tone sharpened.
Matthias chuckled, seemingly unfazed by my attitude. “My apologies. Should I call you sister-in-law, then?” He grinned, blithely blocking my path.
