Snow White's POV
I felt a mix of excitement and dread as I watched him disappear into the crowd. He had made his challenge very clear, and I knew I managed to get a chance to prove myself. Although as his words were settling, there was a knot at the pit of my stomach. I was unsure if I could do anything, but I was more concerned about the Duke knowing about my own intentions in approaching him. I placed a hand over my heart, trying to calm its rapid rhythm.
"Maybe I need to hide my emotions more. Calm down my heart," I whispered to myself but it seemed like it was taking forever to calm my heart. I looked around to see if I could find some water to drink at least, but I only was met with the piercing gaze of Emperor Ryland. His presence was like a silent storm, the air around him charged with potential danger.
Pulling myself together, I approached the emperor, my posture poised yet slightly trembling from my nerves. As I grew closer, his scent filled my senses, it was a mix of iron and leather, a stark reminder of the battles he has faced. I curtsized low, hoping my voice wouldn't betray my own nerves, before greeting him with as much grace as I could muster.
"Your imperial highness, Emperor Ryland, I am truly honored by your presence at my birthday ball. It is not every day that one has the pleasure of meeting a man of such valor and prestige."
"It is also Princess Celina's birthday ball as well, correct?" he asked, his voice void of any emotions. I swallowed. Was he offended because of my choice of words? There were rumors that he had spared, but also banished his own siblings out of the empire. I became unsure of how to approach him now. If he cares for his siblings, he would be upset that I disregarded that this ball was a shared birthday ball.
"That is correct, your highness. Princess Celina and I are twins, so we share the same birthday and the celebration."
Emperor Ryland's eyes searched the room briefly before returning to me, as if he was looking for Celina first. His expression remained stoic, but I could see a glimmer of curiosity in his gaze.
"Ah, twins," he said, his tone flat, yet not unkind. He took a step closer, the sound of his boots resonating through the music. His eyes never left mine, and for a moment, I felt like I was the only person in the room. "But tonight, it seems that all eyes are on you, Princess Snow White."
I chuckled nervously, "Surely, you're mistaken your highness. Your rose to power has been nothing short of inspiring. A mercenary becoming an emperor, it's like something out of legends." I shot him a small, genuine smile. "Any attention I have, is just because I am standing next to you at the moment. If you were not here, the eyes would not be on me."
Emperor Ryland's gaze remained unwavering, his piercing eyes seeming to peer into my very soul. "Flattery is very sweet, but it does not fill the belly of a starving nation, nor does it win battles, Princess Snow White." HIs voice was as sharp as the sword that hung at his side. "You seek something from me, I can feel it." He glanced around the ballroom.
"A dance, would you like to dance, princess?" he asked, extending his right hand as he bowed.
It made my heart skip a beat, and my breath hitched as I looked at his hand. If I was to win his favor, I needed to play the game. I took his hand, feeling the warmth and calluses from the years of training and battles. As we moved to the dance floor, the music swelled around us, and the room's chatter receded into the background. His touch was firm and confident, more than I had expected as he guided me through the waltz. I was acutely aware of every inch of space between us, and the way his eyes searched mine.
"You dance very well, your highness," I whispered.
"Very well for one that was not raised in a palace such as yourself?" he responded coldly.
"I apologize if I offend you, your highness. I merely wished to express my appreciation for your skill and presence here tonight. I have heard many tales of your valor and strategic mind on the battlefield, and am impressed that you also have the ability to adapt to many different situations, much like the one we are in now." I met his gaze, showing that I will not be fazed by his words.
"I am not one for games, Snow White," he said through gritted teeth, his voice low enough not to be heard over the music by bystanders. "If you wish to speak to me, do so with honesty, not with the honeyed words that dribble from the mouths of pompous idiots that can't even dress themselves." HIs eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through the facade of charm I had put on.
"What is it that you truly wish to discuss?" he asked coldly.
I swallowed. Hard. I just messed up. And I had no idea how to properly fix it. I looked directly into his eyes, "An alliance, your highness. I wish to have your support." He chuckled.
"What makes you think I would want an alliance with a girl who's barely stepped out of the shadows of her stepmother's court?" His question hung in the air, heavy with a challenge and a hint of mockery. I never expected Emperor Ryland to be more difficult than Duke Endymion.
"Because, if I do not get the throne, your highness, my stepmother will go after your empire. She has powers that are beyond our understanding." That had seemed to pique his interests.
"Beyond my understanding, or yours?" His grip tightened slightly on my waist. He smirked, suggesting that he knew a lot more than he was letting on.
"Tell me, Snow White," he began, his voice low and almost threatening, "What makes you think I fear the schemes of a mere queen?" His eyes searched mine, peering into my soul."The world is a game of strategy, and I play to win. If your stepmother poses a threat to my empire, I will deal with her accordingly. But what can you offer me for my support? What makes you think I should trust a girl that has been shielded from the harsh realities of power?" His hand guided me through a twirl, his movements sharp and precise, barely giving me enough time to think.
"Your highness," I began, delaying my response a little so I could get the moment to collect my thoughts, "I may have been shielded from the battlefields that you have participated in, but I am not oblivious to the political games that are played within these walls." I paused, my heart hammering in my chest. "And, I want an alliance with someone who cares for their people and their land. Someone who fights for what's right, someone that wasn't blinded by the same greed that plagued both our nobility. And for your trust, I can offer you something those in your empire can't, information. Secrets of my kingdom's court and those around, can be invaluable to you. I want peace between our lands, and a prosperous future. Is that not worth considering?" I met his gaze and held it, hoping that at least he could not feel my trembling hands.
"Information?" Emperor Ryland smirked before continuing, "Tell me something of value, something that would make this dance worth the time I've spent with you." He leaned in closer as he finished another twirl, whispering in my ear, "impress me, and perhaps I will consider your proposal."
I took a deep breath, "The queen," I whispered, making sure my voice is barely audible above the music, "has been using dark magic. It is a secret that she guards fiercely, but I have seen the shadows moving around her, the whispers of the supernatural that no one else seems to hear." His grip tightened slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I believe that they allow her to manipulate and control those around her."
"A grave accusation. One that requires proof before I can consider it anything more than the ramblings of a naive girl. But let's say, for the sake of the argument, that your words are true. What makes you think I would care about the fate of your kingdom, when I have an empire to protect?"
"Proof," I muttered. "So you are saying that despite your years of battle experience, one that also encounters those that use high level magic users among those with high physical capacities cannot sense the magic current that flows around her?"
His eyes narrowed. HIs gaze was unreadable, and I was left wondering if I really made the right move telling him this information. The music and the laughter of the ballroom seemed to fade into the background as I started to sweat. After what seemed like hours, he spoke.
"I am saying that I do not act on hearsay or the whispers of shadows. But I do find your conviction intriguing. If you truly believe in the danger of this queen, then I expect you to provide concrete evidence. Until then, I remain…neutral in the affairs of your kingdom. After all, the fate of your kingdom is your responsibility to secure. Not mine. But I will be watching you. Closely." He leaned in again, "And if I do decide to act, it will be for the good of my empire, not because of a mere princess." It was like it was meant to be no more to this conversation or maybe the emperor timed it, but the song had ended and we had bowed, before leaving to our own devices. Only I left more confused and stressed than before.