𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

03 - Too many events

"Oh, Your Highness." Speaking with a tone lacking enthusiasm, you curtsy to show respect to your fiancé. Louis looks at you and presses his lips together, you had never been so formal with him before—you used to call him by his name and cling to him, forgetting all the etiquette. Glancing at you from the corner of his eye, Louis nods before turning back to you. [Y/n] does not approach, seemingly displeased to encounter him.

She has changed so much since we last met.

Frowning, he ought to feel relieved that [Y/n] no longer pesters him like before. Yet somehow, Louis feels far from happy. Breaking the tense silence, he speaks in a steady voice, veiling a slight reprimand.

"Lady [Y/n], it has been a while since we last met, I grew concerned when you stopped sending letters to me for such a long time." He steps closer, his tone mixed with a faint reproach. You smile, the irritation within you making you want to push him out of your sight—did your letters matter that much to him? you scoff internally.

"I apologize, Your Highness, my health has not been well lately." Louis watches you, and a flicker of annoyance seems to spark in his usually cold eyes. That smile—you had never smiled at him like that before, a formal, courteous smile like the other nobles out there. He detests it, even though Louis never liked you anyway. Sighing, Louis mutters, doubtful.

"Is that so..." He doesn't understand what caused you to change so quickly. Just a month ago, it was as if you disappeared from his life without a trace. Pressing his lips, Louis continues.

"I read your letter, you mentioned a surprise for me at this shop, so I came here to receive the gift you had arranged. But they told me that you already picked it up? Why didn't you inform me?" Somewhat irritated, the Crown Prince questions his fiancée, asking repeatedly.

You say nothing, just silently watching him. Right, a surprise. It was something you put your heart into for Louis, the brooch was your design, partially made by your own hand. But now, it no longer mattered, clearly, the prince had no need for it.

"Forgive me, I thought Your Highness was too busy to come by, so I picked it up myself but forgot to inform you. I'll send it to you later, Your Highness." You smile, deciding to buy some other brooch and present it to the prince. Taking Mea's hand, you and Mea bow to the prince and request to leave. You have endured enough of him already; sharing the same air with Louis repulses you.

Louis watches as you pay at the counter and quickly exit the shop as if avoiding a plague. It displeases him. What would people say if rumors spread that the Crown Prince was coldly treated by his fiancée? It would shatter the perfect image he has crafted in society. Sighing, Louis orders his attendant to follow you; he'll find out the reason for your change later. He needs time to think.

-

The air outside eases some of your frustration, Louis is truly unbearable. Horrible. Beside you, Mea glances at you with curiosity and a hint of worry.

"My Lady, the prince might not be pleased if you leave like that—"

"Mea, do not mention the prince in my presence." You pause, gaze pensive, and smile, wanting to change the subject.

"I feel a little hungry, shall we eat?" Mea remains silent, quietly walking beside you, hiding her curiosity. You sigh and stop, placing your hand on her cheek. You ruffle her hair and tug at her cheek, making the maid surprise and stunned by your action.

"I no longer care about the prince, I don't like him, so stop trying to pair me with him." Mea's cheeks redden as you release her, and she stammers a soft "Yes, My Lady." You smile at that, Mea resembling a little rabbit. It reminds you of someone.