Disclaimer: I do not own POT part of the plot was mine but the other part as mentioned belonged to crystal Aurora.

Chapter 2: I will coerce you.

"I give in."

My thoughtless comment caused several people around me turn to look at me as if secretly asking me what I meant by saying that. I wouldn't admit it, nor would I say it. I was thinking of Ryuuzaki Sakuno, the daughter of Marquis Ryuuzaki. Ever since that moment, I learned everything I could about her and I knew that once I did so, people would start gossiping, and if they do start gossiping, I would expect that she would know. If this is all going the way I predicted it would be, I should be receiving an invitation to a party that they would hold just to get me and her in the same room.

"Your lordship! You have received invitations from many households today…"

Before my butler could start, I asked

"Is there one from the Ryuuzaki household?"

The butler didn't blink and wasn't fazed, if my butler was behaving that way, I can assume the rumour has already gone far and wide. There was a twinkle in his eye as he responded

"Indeed there is one. It is for tonight."

"I shall take only that invitation."

My butler doesn't ask questions and that is the one reason why I liked him. He bowed and exited the library just as my cousins stood up in surprise. Count on them to react first.

"Good Gods! Ochibi! Have you gone mad? You just blatantly said you are going to only one invitation? That is almost like a proposal!"

Momoshiro response was far greater than I expected but I assume that since I did that, people would know I am now currently interested in one person. Secretly I like the idea, because I did not do these things just because I wanted people to know it. I did it because I wanted to. It is a simple rule I live by and it comes with a lot of benefits especially when you are crown prince.

"Nya, I am just surprised that out of all the excellent women presented to you… you would choose one who is so simple. It was like hearing that you decided that you would marry the dishwasher woman in this castle."

"Then you have a lot to learn."

I said that because I was offended that he would compare her to the dishwasher woman, because I doubt any woman in the country would have what she had. I admit she was simple at first look, but the more I thought about her, I notice that she was probably very exquisite and an excellent woman in ways the other ladies weren't.

I walked into the coach with frazzled nerves and I can't believe that I actually felt nervous about attending this particular party. It had been 2 weeks since I last laid eyes on her, but I shouldn't need to feel nervous. I was crown prince, a man with high prestige and I have a very good reputation for being perfect in many ways. I learned to invest and dabble in business even when I probably would inherit enough fortune to feed an entire country. I excel in sports and was a brilliant student. I was everything a woman could ever dream of having, so I should remain the same confident man I always have been before I met her.

Arriving at the party, I cleared my throat at the man guarding the door as he quickly opened it and the doorman announced my name loud and clear to all the guests who were in the room.

"His Highness, Crown prince Echizen Ryoma!"

I noticed that most of the people in the party were gossipers who would love nothing more than to be on site when a whole new rumour burst through tonight. I was used to the attention as I elegantly moved into the room and joined the crowd and they parted to allow me to walk through. I knew that all I needed to do was walk straight and I was sure that I would arrive to meet the host and hostess and finally the object of my interest. True enough, near the staircase was a frantic mother and a calm and collected father.

"We are very honoured to be graced with your highness's presence."

Marquis Ryuuzaki Aki and his wife bowed to me as I returned their bow with my own. I thanked them for inviting me politely since this was all formality that has to be done. I was used to accepting and thanking people but I am feeling very impatient with all these formality but something piqued my interest because usually about now, I should be able to see their daughter or be introduced to her. I notice that the wife seemed to be constantly looking up the stairs as if frantic for someone to appear when it occurred to me that she might not be willing to attend the party for this sole reason.

"I have to apologize, my daughter is never this tardy. She is a real lady with manners really…"

I knew the look in the woman's eyes, it was one which signalled distress and fear. She was worried that I was not interested enough to deal with this rude behaviour. The thing was, I was offended but not as much as I was interested in her. I knew from rumours and gossips that she wasn't intending to search for a husband and she was proving to be different from the norm. Whether it was because of a broken heart or because of her true nature was still a mystery that I intend to find out.

"If you do not mind, I would like permission to go talk to your daughter."

"But you would need a chaperon…"

Marquis Ryuuzaki Aki started, he seemed very uncomfortable and I can understand because this was also a breach of rules and proper etiquette. He didn't want people gossiping that she was compromised and now I would have to marry her. If anything, I was more than happy to oblige to allowing a chaperon to accompany me, but that was when his wife spoke up.

"Tosh Chaperoning! Our daughter already broke the tradition and the rules! Please your highness. She would most likely be near the balcony upstairs. I shall have our maid take you there."

The Marquis didn't look very pleased but his wife forcefully pulled him away and rang for the maid. Everyone watched as the maid guided me to the lady who refused to attend the party. I slowly made my way up the stairs as I followed the maid through a few corridors only to come to a halt near a balcony. From here, I could see her… funnily I couldn't even hear a word the maid said as I watched the moonlight pour down onto the balcony, that mixture of the moonlight on her ivory skin and beautiful auburn hair, it made her look surreal. Like a nymph and if I can stretch it far enough, it would be a goddess standing under the moonlight.

Ryuuzaki Sakuno didn't notice my presence, her body leaning on the chair as she had a book opened on her lap. She seemed to be attracted to the moon and her expression filled with longing which made my heart ache. She was beautiful but matched with her longing made her beauty look like a sad kind of beauty. Tragic like a woman mourning for her loved one's death while I am here struck by her beauty and as I come to terms with it… love. Love for someone I barely know. I was probably attracted to her beauty or the simplicity or even the fact that she wasn't like every other woman. Whatever the reason may be, I was in love with her.

I stepped into sight as she slowly turned her head and her eyes looked at mine. Those eyes which made the world fade out and pulled me to her, attracting my attention effortlessly. My face must have showed no expression as she sat up from the chair and seemed to turn away from my face, while she tried to look anywhere else but me. I knew that reaction, for it was the same when she was under the scrutiny of everyone else. She was shy and this was a very clear sign of a shy demeanour.

"I am sorry for not personally coming down to greet you."

She said in a very soft and fearful tone, I could hear the waver in her voice when she addressed me. I chose to sit on a chair in front of her, but keeping distance as if there was a chaperon.

"But… I hope that you could clear up a misunderstanding."

I sat there for a moment before asking calmly like I would be when I was talking to fellow businessmen.

"And what would that misunderstanding be?"

She seemed to hesitate as she shifted uncomfortably and since she refused to meet my eyes, I had to read her body language instead. I notice that upon her ivory skin, there were patches of pink but I could only see so much with her face refusing to look up.

"…That your highness… would consider me as a prospective. Isn't it silly?"

"Silly? Silly for me to consider you or for you to consider me?"

I was curious and I wanted to her answer but it seems that my response deemed a good reaction as she finally lifted up her head and her face looked at me wondering if I was joking or seriously ill. I don't take these small little insults too well, but internally I was struggling because of her simple statement. I know it wasn't ridiculous to consider her, but what if she thinks it is silly that she could ever consider me? This was idiocy in the making, for me to think so much into the question, and I think maybe wanting her attention has really gotten into my head and insecurities were very hard to beat down right now.

"It sounds like mockery. I am such a plain girl, I do not stand out, nor do I display superhuman perfection like you. What you seek is a wife who could be an ace in your deck, you and I both know I am not."

She thought what she was saying was the truth but what she displayed to me was true diversion tactic. Sometimes to avoid getting on the wrong side with people from other countries, we attempt to be polite to avoid friction and animosity. The way she diverted my question, and still managed to stay on topic surprises me. She only answered my question partly and immediately drew attention to her weakness and her unworthiness.

"There is only one way to clear up this… as you call it… 'misunderstanding'."

It was strange to have her look like the light finally touched her eyes, even though it was the first time it entered her eyes and the way it lit up with joy really made me feel a small form of triumph.

"It is to make the misunderstanding become a reality."

That instant the light went right back out of her eyes and I felt like I didn't really get on her good side for proposing this idea, but I couldn't back out from it. Not because I had already spoken those words but somewhere in my heart, I know I can't allow her to get out of this in any way. It was cruel but I wanted to lock her up and keep her to myself. Her being unmarried presents a lot of challenges… any man could ask for her. My claim of interest could only last for a certain amount of time before other men could take the chance. My interest might draw attention from other possible competitors and it is my concept is to eliminate every competitor before the competition even starts.

"Tha…that doesn't solve the problem!"

She looked shocked and very annoyed when she said that, and it seems that I have triggered something in her as she stood up and looked at me, annoyance clearly lit in her eyes. I had to admit, that part of her does not make me angry strangely enough it makes her attractive. Her cheeks looked flushed and her eyes widened with pure fire in her eyes which made them burn brighter than any man-made lights.

"It does for me."

"…You don't seem to understand. Is this the way you always clean up misunderstandings?"

I stood up and walked towards her, I could feel her resistance against me. It made me wonder, why is she avoiding me? She can't slip out of my grasps and that is something she has to learn, one way or another. Just that simple thought of her slipping out of my grasp infuriates me, and if the reason took a physical shape or form, I would have killed the reason with my own two hands. Without hesitation, I took her hand in mine and pulled it to my lips. The part of her hand where my lips touched was cold yet so soft and silky. I was struck by a thought that… I wanted more from her than I wanted from anyone. A simple gesture like this jumpstarted my nerves and I felt a wave of heat unlike something I have ever experienced before. I must secure her as mine… that was the thought running through my head at that very moment.

"No, only if the misunderstanding arises between us."

Ryuuzaki looked afraid, I could feel her attempt to remove her hand from my grasp but I held it tightly before I placed it close to my chest, where my heart was busily pounding my blood in a speed which put the fastest horse to shame. Her face went pink and I decided that I liked the colour on her cheeks immediately. Her eyes widened a fraction as she still attempted to remove her hand from mine.

"I would get on my knee and do it the proper way Ms. Ryuuzaki, but it seems your determined behaviour to run from my advances is causing a lot of problems. So I will ask you standing before you. Marry me Ryuuzaki Sakuno."

Her surprise came as no surprise to me because she behaved in the exact way I perceived her to behave. She tried to run but since running was out of the option, she decided to give me her verdict to me in full blast.

"I decline. You can't simply assume that every woman would fall over their knees just to marry you. I have different opinions! You can't change my decision."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her stubbornness. Even though, I did not expect to have to use my ace, there was no choice. She had refused to marry me and there was no other choice I had to make sure she agreed despite how much she didn't want to marry me. I was convinced she would eventually fall in love with me and it just took some time, longer than a normal woman, but that is what makes it all the more interesting.

"…you may think so. But as you can see… we are without a chaperon."

At that point, she gave up trying to take her hand out of mine as she looked around anxiously and then she looked back at me. Reading my expression, her face turned pale in shock. She knew my ace now… there was no way she wouldn't know judging from what I just said, but I will reiterate it so that she really understood.

"I could easily say that you forced yourself on the crown prince and that you are compromised."

Her voice wavered and her eyes no longer meeting mine as she said softly,

"Y…you…you wouldn't…"

I inched closer to the extent where I could smell her scent, and it was a very different smell from all the scents the women tried to get on their bodies. Not roses, lilacs or anything with a flower but the scent of fresh strawberries and chocolate. I had a love for sweet things and her smell reminded me of those things, I liked her scent most of all. I could feel strands of her hair tickling my cheek but her hair and the distance between our bodies was driving me over the edge. If I weren't a man with self-control, that threat will be nullified because I would have devoured her on the spot. Call it a moment of lust and haze but I do desire her very strongly.

"I would, and I would make sure everyone in the world would know about it."

"No…"

Her hands were shaking but they placed themselves on the lapels of my shirt, I couldn't contain the inner growl of pleasure. It was like an animal instinct of a male when their chosen female submits to them, and I knew the pleasure of being dominant. Her head leaned onto my shoulder in a sign of defeat, but I knew this was my ace and I knew she could not refuse after I pointed such consequences out to her.

"I… I will agree…I concede defeat but, I want you to know that, I despise you."

Lust felt like a bowl of water, once there is a hole in that bowl, it will drain the water out. Lust was drained out and I felt a chill down my spine when I heard her say those three words. Wouldn't any male feel fear when they hear the one they love proclaim that they feel the exact opposite? I had to play it cool, I was sure that she'd be singing a different tune once she got to know me better. Once she is mine, she will slowly warm up to me, and those words were merely what was said in a moment of heat. I slowly released her hand and it did not move as my arms closed around her petite waist, pulling her body closer to mine. As I draw in a deep breath, I answered keeping my voice in control.

"Good that we have finally come to an agreement."

To be continued…

Authors Note:

If anyone doesn't understand why they needed a chaperon and that is because in the Victorian times, young ladies and young men were not allowed to be alone together unless they were already married or linked in blood. Without that, people would usually assume that they did do something such as sleeping with each other without intentions to marry them. That is what it means of being compromised.

PS: sorry if I mess up a few details and their speech not so historic as I would like them to be. Not very well researched but I hope to make it as neoVictorian as I can = D, meaning modern view on Victorian romance stories.