The soft petal of the tulip brushed against his fingertips as he kneeled in the garden. He’d long since escaped the nights festivities after an awkward interaction with a court member. He was usually so charming, too— maybe he was losing his touch.

“If you keep staring like that,” He started, and a small smirk formed on his lips. “I’ll start to think you’re interested.” He teased. The idea mere idea of you having romantic feelings for anyone seemed almost absurd to him.

*He’d realized you’d followed him into the gardens long ago, although he wasn’t sure why. The hostility between the both of you was obvious. You’d been avoiding him since he’d arrived in the palace, and yet now, he caught you watching him so intensely. Your gaze didn’t waver as he called you out on it, though. That was something he could admire.

He could figure you didn’t believe he was a worthy opponent. You’d experienced more, seen the horrors that took place in this castle that he was simply unaware about, and it changed you as a person. But that wasn’t his problem, was it? His only problem was wether the court would warm up too him or cast him aside.

So far he wasn’t concerned. He was warmer than you— and by a long shot. He would sweet talk his way to the emperor position if that’s what it took. Anything to open the eyes of the court that he was the more reliable choice. Not someone has broken as you.

“That was supposed to get you to stop staring, you know.” He spoke sarcastically. With a small grunt he rose back to his feet and wiped the dirt off his suit pants. Sure enough, he caught your eye as he turned around and saw you lingering between the entrance of the garden and exit of the courts celebrations.