Chapter 265 - Prince Andrew P1

Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - Main Castle, 1st Prince Quarters, Southern Wing - 

"Andrew, I've come back," a sweet famine voice filled the room. It belonged to his fiancee, Gabrielle. She scanned the room and bowed, "I apologize, did I disturb your meeting?"

"You did not."

The others looked like they wanted to say something. But Andrew was not having it. He genuinely had a headache; he didn't want to deal with them anymore. He walked over to Gabrielle and pulled her into his arms. "Andrew? You must be very tired."

"I shall be fine soon."

To the others, the two of them would look like a loving couple, but the two of them knew better. In seconds the people who he was having a stressful meeting with quickly left the room.

"You can let go now; they are gone."

"What if I don't let go?"

At that comment, Andrew watched as Gabrielle's face color turned red. 'How amusing,' Andrew thought. Usually, his wife candidate is so cold-hearted. But occasionally she would blush and get embarrassed. Andrew let's go of her, and a relieved sigh passed her lips. Is she relieved because she hated it? Or because of her embarrassment?

"I made you some refreshments. Let's eat."

Andrew nodded, "Very well."

In a matter of seconds, Gabrielle has everything set up. He's always liked how efficient she is. Unlike most women in the upper class, Gabrielle does not abuse her title. She's a genuine lady.

"Did you bring her back?"

"Yes," Gabrielle trailed off, and she explained the situation.

His gaze darkened, and he called out. "Senra." A man with long grey hair stepped out from behind the bookshelf. "Ensure my sister stays put."

"Andrew…"

"That reckless girl, I've told her to rest. It's winter; her body will be in a poorer state."

"Andrew, I think you should tell your Mother to lift Lyn's ban."

"...It is unlike you to say this, did you not agree with me before?"

"That I did. However, I believe Lyn will be just fine with those two with her side."

"I'll consider it," Andrew mumbled.

"Is my Lord considering it because of me?"

"Yes."

A tender smile appeared on Gabrielle's face, and Andrew paused. This was a first, no maybe recently something has changed between him and Gabrielle. Andrew stood up and made his way over. He sat down on the seat beside her.

Gabrielle blinked surprised, "Is something wrong, my lord?"

"I'm tired."

Soft laughter passed her lips, "Then may I offer you my lap?"

"That will suffice."

Andrew shifted his position until he was sat down on the girl's lap. "Gabrielle," Andrew mumbled.

"Yes my Lord?"

"Are you available tomorrow?"

"I am my Lord, is there an event?" Gabrielle asked.

"No," Andrew shook his head. "I wish to spend some time with you."

The girl seemed surprised - and he could see it. "Is that an issue?"

Gabrielle shook her head, "I'm pleased. Are you sick? Your acting very kind today."

"Perhaps I am," Andrew sighed. "These days, the workload has been driving me crazy. While Queen Mother has it worse, it feels as though more and more issues have popped up."

"You need to rest more."

"Aren't you stressed too? A lot of people have been coming to see you for an audience. I'm aware you have to entertain guests right after breakfast."

"Those people came from a faraway land just to advertise their products, and strike a deal with me. While it is not the best job, I do not have the heart to push them away," Gabrielle gently ran her hand through his hair. "Most of those people are only getting close to me, because of you anyway. While my family has power, I'm nothing in comparison to your family."

'None of that has ever mattered to him.' The reason why he accepted the engagement, despite knowing those rejected peoples plans is fairly simple. It's not as though he feels nothing for this woman. "Gabrielle, we've never shared a kiss before correct?"

At that comment, her cheeks burned red, "My Lord, are you drunk?"

'Why is she turning so red today?' Andrew pondered in his head. His heart was in chaos. Andrew realized right away that he didn't dislike seeing Gabrielle like this. As a son of the royal family, Andrew has always prided himself for being different than other males his age. Unlike them, he would not temptation. Unlike them, he would not do anything immoral.

"A kiss is an act shared by couples, are we not one?"

"You really are drunk, my Lord. I shall call for your doctor," Gabrielle forced him to sit up, and she immediately stood up. Andrew, however, was not going to let her leave.

"You cannot leave."

"My Lord," her entire face was burned red at this point.

"Gabrielle, sit back here."

She meekly made her way over, and he reached over for her hair. Entertaining her hair with his hands and gently kissing it. She's completely frozen. Why does she seem so surprised? While this may be a marriage of convenience. It does not mean they can avoid couple like acts of affection forever. If Gabrielle is to become his wife one day, eventually they would have to cross the line so she could produce an heir.

Silence descended between them. It was a first. Both of them are awkward people and are very clumsy speakers - unless they are dealing with official affairs that is.

"Gabrielle."

"M--My Lord, uhh...um…"

"I've never seen you like this before. I'm surprised."

"Anybody would blush my Lord," Gabrielle trailed off, "Are you really going to do this?"

"Do you not wish for me to do so?"

"I, well I do," Gabrielle admitted. "But, I don't want you to feel obliged to do this. I'm aware that you have feelings for another.."

Another? Andrew recalled those rumors and frowned. He didn't know how people found out about him and Pupillam. Unless they followed Gabrielle when she was investigating? That must be it. It was easy to guess who spread those rumors.

"I do not have feelings for her anymore."

"So, you liked her?" Gabrielle inquired.

Andrew nodded, "I apologize. I should have told you about it sooner," he took a deep breath and relayed the events from a few years back. "Back then, the people surrounding me all thought I would take the throne. Naturally, they'd think so. I'm the firstborn. But, I never wanted the throne. There was that person, after all. It didn't have to be me. I was being pressured a lot, so I occasionally snuck off to town."

Gabrielle blinked, "That's quite surprising."

Andrew chuckled, "Unlike me?"

"Yes, even back then, my Lord, you were always focused and dedicated to work."

Even though she is saying it in a normal tone, why does it feel like she is complaining? "That bothers you?"

"No, I quite like that side of you."

She quite likes it.. Is that a good thing or not?

"That's when you met her?"

"Yes," Andrew closed his eyes. It was still apparent to him. The young girl who enthusiastically said she wanted to train with him. "Back then, I was drawn to her innocence and hardworking demeanor. However, when I returned to the castle, I realized how fragile those feelings were. When I saw how hard you worked for me, it made me feel guilty."

One of the main reasons why he decided to distance himself from Pupillam was Gabrielle. Whenever he returned to the castle, he would hear from others what Gabrielle has been up to. The girl worked very hard as his fiance; she did whatever she could do from holding social gatherings and meetings to help him build his connections.

Andrew thought this answer would satisfy Gabrielle, but instead, her face broke out into a cold sweat.

"I apologize to my Lord!! I didn't think I'd be such a hindrance to you."