Chapter 121: The Hunt
"It will do well for you to tune out the sound of chirping birds, Prince Ricard," Soleia said, her expression not once changing. "More often than not, they fail to sing songs of value."
Ricard merely laughed, his shoulders rising and falling as he did. There was a sparkle in his eye as he gazed upon Soleia, eerily reminding her of a cat eyeing the rat before it made the killing strike. He was toying with his food, and unfortunately for Soleia, she had just become his newest target.
"Do you mean to say that it’s false?" Ricard asked. He made a show of tapping his chin, as though deep in thought. "Sir... Ralph, was it? He was awfully defensive when I brought the topic up earlier."
"Because it’s untrue," she said, unable to resist turning back to glare hotly at him. This only widened his grin.
"Then why the reaction, Princess?" Ricard asked, his tone teasing.
It frustrated Soleia― he had addressed her the same way Ralph tended to, and their voices were more similar than Soleia would like. She hated that he was using the same nickname, especially since it seemed like Prince Ricard was mocking her rather than addressing her by her title.
"With all due respect, as a prince, you ought to know the importance of a lady’s reputation," Soleia said, resisting the urge to snap. "I would appreciate it if you refrained from spouting false rumors, especially when my wedding is around the corner."
"Right, the wedding," Ricard said, nodding. "I also heard that the wedding was supposed to be between Duke Elsher and his mistress. How has it been that the bride has been changed to you, Princess Soleia?"
"Because Lady Elowyn is a mere concubine."