The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 474: Here To Serve

Niran tidied herself and immediately prepared for Prince Raul’s dinner as Butler Moller instructed. She shouldn’t make a mistake but Niran couldn’t help but shake her head recalling what was written in Butler Moller’s journal.

"He sure is picky and temperamental," she muttered as she started arranging the food on his table. According to Butler Moller, Prince Raul always ate alone but with one servant in the room. And she must make sure not to make a sound until he finished eating and left the room.

It was a small, dimly lit room, and according to the journal, it was the same room where Prince Raul often stayed whenever he was punished by his mother. Niran found the ambiance eerie. The room had a somber air, with only a small window letting in a sliver of light and air.

"Why does he still eat in this room?" she murmured. His residence was grand, with many areas that offered a more pleasant dining experience. Yet, he chose this confined space, which looked more like a place of solitude and reflection than a dining room.

She released a heavy sigh, feeling a pang of pity for him. From her own research, she knew Prince Raul’s mother, Thea, was very strict. Thea was a human who died at the age of ninety-five, and Raul was seventy years old at the time. He was a curb, half-human and half-vampire, but he was fortunate to inherit more of the king’s exordium blood and traits, so he also stopped aging in his thirties.

He looked young in his portrait and handsome too. He and King Nikolai had some similarities, including their winter gold hair. Niran couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and sadness as she imagined the prince’s life, marked by such strict discipline and solitude.

Just as she finished setting the table, the door creaked open. Niran quickly stood to the side, keeping her head down as Prince Raul entered. His presence was commanding, and the room seemed to grow colder. He glanced at the table, then at her, his eyes sharp and assessing.

"Good evening, Your Highness," Niran whispered, her voice barely audible. She kept her gaze lowered, remembering Butler Moller’s instructions.

Prince Raul took his sea and began his meal. Niran stood still, yet her heart was pounding. She could feel his gaze on her from time to time, but she dared not look up.

Minutes felt like hours as Prince Raul ate in silence. Finally, he pushed his plate away and stood up. She could feel him glance at her one last time before leaving the room without a word. She released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and began tidying up.

As she cleaned, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Prince Raul than what was written in Butler Moller’s journal. For now, she would observe him more closely. Among the offspring of King Arturo, Prince Raul was the one who could pose the most significant threat to King Nikolai, the man her Princess Mineah would marry. So, it would be best to stay close and spy on him.

******

Over the next few days, Niran watched Prince Raul closely. She noticed small details like how he meticulously arranged his belongings, his preference for solitude, and the fleeting moments of vulnerability that crossed his face when he thought no one was looking.

He was a man of contradictions, fiercely guarded yet occasionally revealing glimpses of pain and isolation.

One evening, while Niran was serving tea, Prince Raul unexpectedly addressed her. "You’ve been diligent," he said, his voice softer than usual. "What is your name?"

"Niran, Your Highness," she replied, keeping her gaze lowered.

"Niran," he repeated, as if testing the sound of it. "You seem different from the others."

Caught off guard, she didn’t know how to respond. "I am here to serve, Your Highness," she said cautiously.

Raul chuckled and murmured, "You’re observing me closely without fear... That’s a first. All the servants before were always trembling, even in my silence."

This time, Niran raised her head and met Raul’s intense gaze. He was so close that she hadn’t realized she was holding her breath.

He held her chin and gently tilted her face as if assessing it closely. "Aren’t you too beautiful to be a mere servant?" he remarked with a smirk.

He then leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "How about warming my bed?"

Niran gulped, her face reddening. She opened her mouth but quickly closed it again, unsure of what to say.

Raul’s smirk deepened as he observed her reaction. "Cat got your tongue?" he teased, his breath warm against her ear.

Niran took a step back, trying to regain her composure. "Your Highness, I am here to serve in any capacity you require, but I believe my duties do not include such...personal services."

Raul chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Bold and proper. I like that," he said, stepping back and releasing her chin. "Very well, Niran. You may continue with your tasks."

Niran quickly resumed her duties, her mind racing. Raul’s unexpected advances had shaken her, but she couldn’t afford to let her guard down. She needed to remain vigilant and focused. If she was to gather information and ensure the safety of Princess Mineah who would soon become Valcrez’s queen, she had to navigate this delicate situation with care.

As she finished serving the tea and tidying up the room, Raul watched her intently. "Tell me, Niran," he said suddenly, breaking the silence, "what do you think of this palace and its inhabitants?"

Niran paused, considering her words carefully. "The palace is grand, and the people within it are...complex," she replied diplomatically. "Each person has their own story, their own struggles."

Raul nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "And what about me? What do you think of me?" His tone was probing, as if he were testing her.

She met his gaze again, her eyes steady. "I believe there is more to you than meets the eye, Your Highness. You are a man shaped by your past and your responsibilities."

Raul’s expression softened slightly, a hint of something unspoken flickering in his eyes. "You are perceptive, Niran. Perhaps you will be of more use to me than just serving tea."

Niran bowed her head. "I am here to serve, Your Highness, in whatever way you require."

As she left the room, her heart was pounding so hard. Prince Raul was more observant and astute than she thought. She would need to be cautious yet bold, to gain his trust and uncover any hidden motives. What she was doing and planning was dangerous, but she was determined to play it well for the sake of those she served and cared for.