A Barbaric Proposal Chapter 82

※Dare Not Call Me a Flower※

[Liene] "It fits like a dream."

Dinner had finally arrived.

The two of them, both exhausted from their respective duties, met in the quiet intimacy of the dining hall.

Liene wore a dress of soft, shimmering lilac. Her ladies-in-waiting had insisted on it, fussing over her appearance to commemorate their final evening before the wedding.

[Liene] "When I went for the final fitting, both the Madams were standing there with needles at the ready, looking like they were going to war. They were prepared to rip the seams apart if even a single thread was out of place. But in the end, there was nothing to fix."

They had looked both thrilled and strangely disappointed, as if they’d been robbed of a challenge.

Liene let out a soft, girlish giggle at the memory.

[Liene] "The more I see them together, the more I notice how alike they are. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were lifelong friends. Even if they still act a bit stiff around each other."

That was the part that made her smile.

[Liene] "I have a feeling they’ll be inseparable before long."

[Black] "That’s good to hear."

[Liene] "And when it came time to pick out the jewelry for the ceremony, can you believe they both reached for the same set? It’s just more proof that they’ll get along... oh, I almost forgot."

[Black] "Forgot what?"

Black spoke as he leaned forward, gently sliding a small, perfectly carved piece of roasted squab into Liene’s mouth.

[Black] "Talk while you eat. I won't have my Princess going hungry."

Liene reflexively swallowed the morsel before her expression shifted to one of genuine concern.

[Liene] "Wait. I really did have something serious to say."

[Black] "I’m listening."

[Liene] "The jewels in the jewel chamber. It’s far too much."

[Black] "In what sense?"

[Liene] "The cost. You spent a fortune. I can’t even begin to calculate the sum. It’s simply..."

[Black] "It’s nothing."

He cut her off with a calm finality.

He always wore that same unreadable mask whenever she brought up the finances. Liene used to mistake it for annoyance, but she realized now it was a shadow of regret.

It clearly pained him to think of the years she had spent alone, forced to sell her heritage piece by piece to survive.

[Liene] "How can you say it’s nothing? It’s a staggering amount of money."

[Black] "I thought we agreed you were done worrying about coin."

[Liene] "This isn’t a worry, it’s—"

[Black] "It’s a worry. You’re afraid my pockets are empty."

She couldn't find the words to deny it.

[Black] "Fermos is the one who manages the Tiwakan treasury, and he’s the stingiest man I know. He loathes wasting a single copper."

[Liene] "Then surely he must have protested the purchase."

[Black] "Actually, he did the opposite. He insisted that, as royal property, it was only right to recover them. He even claimed it was a sound investment."

[Liene] "An investment? How so?"

[Black] "He said the market rates across the continent are rising, and since we bought the entire collection in bulk, we actually secured a bargain."

In truth, such practicalities meant nothing to him.

Even if the price had been tenfold, even if Fermos had screamed in protest, Black would have put those jewels back in her hands.

[Black] "And besides, this conversation is becoming a bit embarrassing for me."

[Liene] "Embarrassing?"

[Black] "I bought them simply to see you smile. Having to list logical justifications for it makes me feel like a very unromantic man."

[Liene] "Don't say that. You know that isn't true."

[Black] "Then just be happy. That was the only purpose for the gold."

Liene searched his eyes for a long moment before letting out a soft sigh and resting her forehead against his shoulder.

[Liene] "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a killjoy. It’s just... for the last few years, counting coppers was the only thing I did. It’s a hard habit to break."

His hand found the small of her back, his touch slow and grounding.

[Black] "The habit will fade soon enough."

[Liene] "I can’t promise that. It’s been my life for so long."

[Black] "It’s harder to keep a habit that no longer serves a purpose. You have no more use for financial anxiety, Princess."

...Was that really true?

The doubt lingered, but she knew Black spoke with a conviction she could trust.

The debts that had bled Nauk dry were gone. The Kleinfelter wealth had been seized. Even the five great families had finally agreed to pay their fair share of taxes.

As long as a plague didn't sweep the land, their coffers would remain full. And every bit of that security was a gift from the man beside her.

[Black] "Now, another bite. You’ve barely touched your plate."

Once again, he brought the fork to her lips.

[Liene] "...Only if we share."

She swallowed the food and immediately offered a piece of her own to him.

[Liene] "I think Lord Tiwakan is the one neglecting his meal tonight."

[Black] "I happen to be very busy."

[Liene] "Busy? What could be more pressing than dinner?"

[Black] "Looking at you."

[Liene] "...And why is that?"

[Black] "Because I don't want to miss a single second."

Black caught her hand, drawing her wrist to his lips and pressing a lingering kiss there.

Oh, this is dangerous. We’re never going to finish this meal.

To make matters worse, Black didn't close his eyes. He kept them fixed on her, his gaze heavy with a raw, undeniable heat that made her pulse race.

[Liene] "We... we really should eat."

[Black] "I’m in trouble."

[Liene] "And what kind of trouble is that?"

[Black] "Lately, whenever I look at you, I can only think about one thing."

It was a simple statement, but it sent a flush of heat blooming across the back of her neck.

[Liene] "And what thought would that be?"

[Black] "Not a topic for the dinner table."

[Liene] "Then where should we discuss it?"

[Black] "In our bed."

[Liene] "..."

I knew it. He’s being completely scandalous.

[Liene] "We still have to finish our dinner."

Her voice was barely a breath.

Black leaned down, his voice dropping to a low vibration.

[Black] "We will."

[Liene] "Then why are you whispering?"

[Black] "Because you started it."

Did I?

The air between them felt thick, charged with an electricity that made her head swim.

Sitting side-by-side like this had become a new, precious habit.

[Liene] "I think it’s because we’re so close. It makes everything feel quiet."

[Black] "Indeed, it does."

He could have pulled back to give her space, but he stayed right there, his breath ghosting against her skin.

She found herself smiling.

[Liene] "In that case..."

[Black] "Yes?"

[Liene] "Before the second course arrives... just for a moment..."

[Black] "A moment?"

[Liene] "Shall we kiss?"

[Black] "..."

Ironically, that was the moment the tension broke.

Black recoiled slightly, leaning back in his chair before erupting into a laugh so loud and genuine it startled her.

Liene watched him, her lips parted in shock.

Why is he laughing?

It took every ounce of my courage to say that.

[Liene] "Stop laughing. It wasn't meant to be a joke. And besides, you’re usually the one who—"

[Black] "I agree."

The distance he had created vanished in a heartbeat.

[Black] "Close your eyes."

The excitement in his eyes was replaced by a searing intensity that felt like a command.

[Liene] "No, wait... I’ve changed my mind. You laughed at me."

Liene raised a hand, covering his mouth as he leaned in.

It wasn't that she didn't want the kiss; it was the opposite. Her heart was beating so wildly she needed a second to find her breath.

[Black] "Then let me change it back for you."

He pressed a soft, lingering kiss into the palm of her hand.

Liene squeezed her eyes shut, a shaky sigh escaping her. She could feel her toes curling inside her shoes.

[Liene] "Why did you have to laugh...?"

[Black] "I was just thinking."

He gently pried her hand away from his lips, keeping a firm grip on her wrist.

[Black] "The only reason I ever laugh like that is because of you."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered.

[Black] "I can’t even remember the last time I felt this much joy."

Her lips parted instinctively. Before she knew it, her arms were wound around his neck, her fingers tangling in the silk of his hair.

The touch was sweet, heating her blood in a way that made the rest of the world fade away.

The second course could have waited an hour, and they wouldn't have noticed.

Unfortunately, there was a ghost at the feast.

---

[Dieren] "Forgive my intrusion... actually, no. I suppose I should apologize for being so early."

Liene straightened her posture, desperately trying to regain her composure as she looked at Prince Dieren. He stood across the table, offering a half-hearted bow that didn't reach his eyes.

The most unwelcome guest at the worst possible time.

Why is he here? We didn't even invite him.

[Black] "I believe your meal was sent to your quarters."

Black’s voice was like a sheet of ice. Liene felt a literal shiver run down her spine.

The mercenary who had escorted Dieren into the hall was frantically trying to communicate through silent gestures.

Randall tried to get him drunk. But as you know, he’s a Prince. He saw the trap and dodged every glass.

Randall tried his best, but he ended up drinking himself into a stupor instead. Please don't kill me. 

That was the gist of the mercenary's silent apology.

[Dieren] "I thought it was time for a snack, not a full meal. As a guest, I couldn't possibly be so rude as to ignore the royal dining schedule."

Dieren had looked momentarily flustered when he walked in on them, but he had already recovered his oily, arrogant smirk.

[Dieren] "My apologies for the delay, Princess. Might I have the honor of joining you?"

No. Absolutely not.

What honor? You’re a nuisance.

[Liene] "I’m afraid this is just a private dinner between a couple. I worry it will be a disappointment to a Prince of your standing."

[Dieren] "Nonsense. How could any table graced by your presence be considered 'private'?"

There he goes again.

He thinks he’s being charming, even though I’ve made it clear I find him repulsive.

[Liene] "I hope you aren't suggesting that I am merely an ornament for your table."

[Dieren] "I wouldn't dare compare a flower like you to a mere ornament. Now, where shall I sit?"

It was clear he had no intention of leaving.

Liene reached under the table and gave Black’s hand a sharp squeeze before giving her reluctant answer.

[Liene] "The food is already growing cold, and I’d hate to offer a guest such a poor showing. But if you insist, you may join us."

[Dieren] "I appreciate the hospitality. I’ll take this seat, then."

Dieren pointed to the chair directly opposite Liene.

His servant scurried forward to pull it out for him.

Black watched the display with a look of pure, unadulterated loathing before signaling to the mercenary.

[Tiwakan] "Yes, My Lord."

[Black] "Bring more food. We cannot be seen as poor hosts. Fill the table until it groans."

[Tiwakan] "Right away, My Lord."

[Black] "And bring wine. The same kind Randall was drinking."

[Tiwakan] "Understood, My Lord."

Dieren let out a smug chuckle as he sat.

[Dieren] "You really needn't go to such trouble. Think of me as a brother, not a guest."

Black didn't respond. He picked up his glass, and as soon as the mercenary returned with the wine, he filled a cup to the brim and shoved it toward Dieren.

[Dieren] "...My thanks."

Dieren took the glass.

[Black] "Drink up."

Even between enemies, there was protocol. To refuse a cup offered by hand was a grave insult.

Dieren dutifully drained the cup.

While he was occupied, Black turned to Liene, his voice suddenly full of exaggerated sweetness.

[Black] "Shall we take our leave, my love?"

[Liene] "Pardon?"

[Black] "We’ve finished our meal."

[Liene] "Oh...?"

Since when?

Dieren pulled the glass from his lips, coughing.

[Dieren] "What? You just started!"

Liene, catching on, stood up with a breezy, dismissive smile.

[Liene] "He’s right. There’s no point in our staying here only to watch you eat. Please, enjoy your meal at your leisure, Prince. Don't worry about the time."

At that exact moment, the second course arrived.

Eight massive, steaming platters of the finest food in the castle were paraded into the room.

[Black] "Eat every scrap. It’s a token of my... sincerity."

[Dieren] "What is this? This is blatant mistreatment."

[Black] "Mistreatment? I’d call it royal treatment."

Black gripped Liene’s hand and led her out of the dining hall. He paused at the door to give one final command to the mercenary.

[Black] "Make sure our guest finishes every plate. Tell him that if he leaves so much as a crumb, I’ll take it as a personal insult to my sincerity."

[Tiwakan] "Understood, My Lord."

Thud!

The heavy dining hall doors slammed shut, leaving Dieren and his servant alone with a mountain of food.

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