Chapter 1: Falsehood

The morning light from the outside shone through the window. The chirping sound of birds indicating it's already sunrise.

A man and a woman lay on the messy bed. The clothes are thrown away disorderly and scattered on the floor. Both are undressed and the scene looks very ambiguous.

The man furrowed his eyebrows and put his hand on his face. He let out a soft groan and sat up straight. His head felt too heavy because of a hangover last night.

The woman beside him felt his movements and woke up. She looked at the man's bare upper body. She raised her hands and touched his scars. Those scars are the result of sword training he had when he was a child. She smiled satisfactorily thinking she was able to sleep with this unpredictable man. Neilson Fuhrer, an illegitimate son of Marquis Fuhrer. He is a knight known for his excellent swordsmanship despite being a bastard. His good looks add to his popularity among ladies.

He might be an illegitimate son but he is acknowledged by the Marquis. Marquis Fuhrer has no sons birthed from his wife. Only two daughters and his wife weren't able to conceive due to her weak constitution. When he came to know about his existence he welcomely accepted him in his household.

There are gossips surrounding him that he might be the next heir. That's why she did all the possible tricks she can think of to attract this fickle man. Though his wild behavior is slightly unacceptable but it was being overlooked by the Marquis because he is the only son he has.

The man felt her touch and shoved her hands away. He stood up to get his robe. He rings the bell to call his servants to arrange a bath. He felt sticky all over his body due to their mix of body fluids last night.

"Why are you upset? Don't you feel satisfied last night?" the woman asked nonchalantly. The man gave a seductive smirk and turned his head to look at this woman in front of him. She is the only daughter of Baron Garad, Athea Garad.

She has red hair which is quite uncommon in the Empire of Aurasia. She possesses a voluptuous body that can arouse many men, including him. Pale skin and a mole near her left eye, made her seductive. It's hard to ignore her charms, unless you're not a man. Even though she willingly climbed on his bed he didn't feel any dissatisfactions.

He walked towards her and bowed his head lightly. He held her jaw and forced his mouth into hers. When he felt her mouth slightly open he inserted his tongue to tangled with hers. It was fierce and rough. When he felt that Athea was out of breath he stopped. He saw her blushed and dazed look. He smirked in satisfaction.

"Satisfied?" asked Neilson. Athea's face became red due to shame. A knock interrupted the two. She hurriedly covered herself with a blanket and watched him talking with a maid then he left the room afterwards.

The maids hurriedly came in to fix the mess inside the room. Their movements are fast and monotonous as if this is just a normal for them. Athea ignored them because she knew that Neilson is always sleeping with ladies whether they are nobles or not as long as it can satisfy his appetite.

But to stay to become his lover is hard, only few of them are able to stay, including her. With all those ladies out there she stayed rather long. She knows his needs, likes and dislikes during their intimate activities. She can get a hold with this unpredictable man.

"Get me some wine and prepare some snacks." Athea ordered the maids. The servants glanced at each other and only complained in their hearts.

This woman thought she was a madam of this household by sleeping with their master.

"As you wish, my Lady." they complied even though they have complaints in their hearts. Afterall, with all those women that master slept with she's the longest who stayed.

"Then, hurry up. Don't make me wait for too long." Athea haughtily said. She felt some satisfaction making commands. In the future she might become their madam. Practicing early doesn't hurt that much.

The maids prepare clean clothes for her to wear. Her wine and snacks were delivered earlier than expected. She smiled satisfactorily.

Just a little bit. This man will be mine sooner or later.

She enjoyed the refreshments they served in a good mood. While she was immersed in her thoughts there was a knock and the door suddenly opened. She quickly looked expecting to see Neilson but in her dismay it was the butler—Gerald.

Gerald looked at the surroundings and his eyes fell on the woman sitting on the bed. He didn't dare to enter and stayed outside. He bowed and greeted Athea.

"Greetings to Lady Garad. Sir Neilson ordered that after you dress and wash yourself you must leave immediately and never come back in the future." said Gerald. His expression unchanged.

A loud clang reverberated in the room. The grip on her wine glass loosened and it fell on the floor. Shock, fear and anger rose in her chest.

"What!?" she suddenly stood up but she stopped. She quickly took a glance with those maids she rudely commanded earlier. Shame crept out on her face. Her face became red then turned into white. Her heartbeat accelerated, she fears the most is to be abandoned by him.

They were fine this morning, she didn't do anything that might dissatisfy him.

What has gone wrong?

Gerald watched her reactions with a taut face as this scene is nothing new to him. He bowed again respectfully ignoring the commotion she made earlier.

"Lady Garad, the carriage is waiting outside and the maids prepared a dress for you. If you have any dissatisfaction with the preparations, these maids will assist you. Then I'll excuse myself." said Gerald. He left and closed the door.

Athea sat back weakly on the bed.

...

A man wearing armor and cape stood near at the pillar. He has a black hair and eyes. His skin is a little bit pale and his aura looks solemn. He has a tall nose and red thin lips. His eyes look sharp and frightening due to training. His senses become sharper. He looks like a lone hero who made the maids' heart flutter when they saw him.

Richmond watched this scene. He sighed and thought: This man is really…

He shook his head and walked towards him. His bronze colored hair reflected the sunlight. He possesses a charming smile that makes him look easy-going and friendly. He wears a green tunic and black waistcoat. He looks like a charming prince who came out from fairytales.

"Sir Fuhrer. It's been a while since the last time I saw you." said Richmond. He put his hand on his shoulder. "I've heard that your marriage proposal had been approved by His Majesty."

Neilson looked at him and did a step back leaving his hand in the air awkwardly. He bowed and greeted him. "Greetings to Earl Bentham."

Richmond's mouth twitched. He put down his hand. He suddenly remembered his purpose of finding Neilson in the palace after the court meeting. He slyly smiled and made his face look smug. "If I recall you have an affair with Baron Garad's daughter. If His Majesty get a hold of this, who knew…"

Richmond's voice trailed off when he heard footsteps near their direction. Neilson only frowned but he didn't make any comment. There are maids walking towards their direction. He only gave a vague smile before he left.

Neilson ignores him and he starts to walk to the direction of East Palace, where Princess Fiona lives. His walks are steady and the clamoring of his armor and sword can be heard throughout the hallway. He reached the palace and the maids greeted him. After the maids informed his arrival they opened the door and he went in.

The first thing he saw was a lady elegantly sitting on a chair with a tea set and snacks near on the table at the french window. Her blonde curly hair is neatly tied up in a beautiful braid adorned by expensive jewelries. Golden hair strands are loosely hanging on her pale neck. Her skin shines and reflected by the light outside. Such a scenery can make any man's heart turn soft.

Princess Fiona's eyes looked up at his direction and she gave a gentle shy smile. Neilson's heart throbbed for a second and he paid respect.

He thought to himself: Such a maidenly beauty no one can compared to…

"Sir Neilson, I've been waiting for your arrival and such I ordered the maids to prepare some refreshments for you." She stood up and walked closely at him. Neilson held her right hand and he kneeled in front of her. He softly kissed her hand resulting Princess Fiona blushed in embarrassment.

"My dear fiancée is very thoughtful." he showed a playful smile and after that he stood up. He assisted Princess Fiona to sit on the chair like a gentleman then he sat across.

"I prepared chamomile tea, this tea will help you to relieve your fatigue." said Princess Fiona. She looked at her maid and the maid nodded her head to prepare the tea.

"There will be a banquet at the end of the week for the declaration of our engagement. I won't be able to visit you within these days as I'll be busy preparing necessary arrangements." said Neilson. "If Your Royal Highness feels any concerns you can send a letter to the Fuhrer household."

Princess Fiona's hands paused then she looked at the man in front of her. Black hair and eyes. Pale skin and sharp eyes that look very attractive and seductive. Such a masculinity got the attention of noble ladies out there.

She smiled. "No worries sir Neilson. Of course I won't become unreasonable."

He sensed Princess Fiona's voice that sounded reluctant. He felt satisfied with this and he took out an indigo colored box with intricate golden patterns. He stood up and walked closely to her. He put down the box near her so that she could see the gift.

Princess Fiona was surprised and took the box. She opened it and a luxurious necklace appeared. It was thin with a combination of silver and gold. There are blue small topaz attached on the necklace making it more elegant. In the middle, there's a lapis lazuli surrounded by gold and silver patterns. It looks so elegant and luxurious. Princess Fiona was happy to see the necklace that was the same as her eye color which is color blue.

Neilson took out the blue necklace from the box and he glanced at the maid near at them to take off the necklace that the princess was wearing. The maid understood his intention and removed it with the princess' consent. He personally put the blue necklace on her neck. Princess Fiona's face turned into red. As he saw this he felt that the princess looked adorable.

The princess hurriedly asked for a mirror and a maid gave it to her. She saw her reflection on the mirror wearing the blue necklace he brought. "This blue necklace looks beautiful and this suits me very well." She praised and looked at Neilson.

"Blue color suits the princess' best. It compliments Her Royal Highness' azure eyes." said Neilson.

She looks embarrassed with his thoughtfulness. They chatted for a while before Neilson bid farewell leaving a kiss on her hand. She watched him walk away from her until she couldn't see his figure.

Her gentle and maidenly look gone in a second. As if she wasn't a woman who's in love with her fiancé earlier. She touched the blue necklace he personally put on her neck.

A maid took a step forward and paid respect. Princess Fiona continues drinking her tea without batting an eye. The maid felt nervous and she started to sweat furiously.

"G-greetings to Y-your Royal Highness. Lady Athea Garad was seen leaving the Fuhrer's household with a carriage this morning." the maid hastily said. No maid dared to look at Princess Fiona's expression. A silence permeated the room.

Clang!

A broken teacup was thrown on the floor. The loud sound of broken shards reverberated throughout the room. The tea residue scalded the maid near the princess but no one dared to take a step back.

The maids inside the room felt their back turned cold and their heart skipped a beat. Their heartbeat drums so loudly with this eerie silent atmosphere.

Princess Fiona's face looks mad very different from her gentle demeanor earlier. Her face is scrunched and red from anger.

"That wanton woman!" she let out a loud shriek. She fumingly stood up and threw all the things she saw near.

"That vulgar! How dare she seduce my fiancé?!"

The maids watched the princess with fright. The floors became messy and disorderly with broken plates, glasses and, etc.

"Ah! That promiscuous woman!"

The maids were speechless and motionless while their faces all turned pale. They all jolted in fear every second that the princess threw something on the floor.

The princess breathed slowly to calm herself down. She gave all the maids a very frightening look. "If you let out any news about this incident all of you… You already know the consequences."

"Y-yes." all of the maids who witnessed the scene hurriedly complied. The princess gave them a look then she left the room with a gloomy face.

...

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