Chapter 2 The Crown prince

°°°

HIS eyes were a striking shade of amaranth, their rich color a stark contrast against his pale skin. They glowed with a fierce intensity, like smoldering embers in the depths of a volcano. His features were angular and sharp, like shards of obsidian, and his full lips were pressed into a thin line, hinting at a biting intelligence. His dark hair was swept back from his forehead, revealing his regal brow and the aristocratic set of his jaw. He moved with a deliberate grace, his presence commanding the attention of all those around him.

His cultivation base was strong, his energy was unmatchable, his skills were undefeatable, his coldness could freeze, his eyes could kill. His presence alone was enough to scare people away. He placed those around him under pressure that they felt they would die if they upset him, like breathing too loud. He was none other than CARRINE, THE CROWN PRINCE of Xaxing, the one who would be the next to rule Valey.

The King watched his son, he wasn't sure there could be anyone up to a match for his son, Carrine. Ten of the most powerful mage in the six arms of Valey were just defeated in nothing more than two minutes without Carrine shifting from where he was. He had only worked with four fingers and THUD! The men were lying flat on their backs in the training field.

"Father, I don't think my brother needs this training anymore. He is already good enough as the Crown Prince." Camine who had been watching the fight along with His Majesty said.

"You're right son. I just want him to discover himself each day. I want him to be a really strong king. A King that would be unbeatable." His Majesty smiled as he said this.

"I agree with you." Camine said.

Carrine walked towards them. His eyes were cold and still emitted cold amaranth flame.

"Your Majesty." He said and bowed.

"Son, you really did a good job, I'm proud of you." His Majesty said.

"I'd leave now, l have work to attend to." He said.

"Ok son." His Majesty gave him a gentle pat.

Carrine walked away with the wind blowing up his robe behind him.

°°°

{Crocus city}

The beautiful young lady folded the dresses she had sewn for some villagers into a box.

"Rella, I want you to take this box and give the clothes to those whose names are written here. I've promised to give the clothes to them, but l still have medicines to make. Just help me distribute the clothes and send my greetings." The lady said to her maid.

"Yes my Lady." Rella, her personal maid replied. "I'd make sure to come back quick and help you with the medicines," Rella carried the box and left.

The young lady took out a small mortar and pestle and poured all the seeds she needed to make the medicines into the mortar. She had already started pounding when her cousin Felina entered.

"Quinneta what are you up to now?" She asked and sat next to Quinneta.

"I'm making medicine to cure the Snaw family illness." Quinneta replied still pounding.

Her beauty was wished for, she was an innocent lady and loved to help the poor. She was good at making medicines and sewing, so she used her talents for helping the poor. Her cultivation base was weak. She herself was a frail young lady. Something no one knew had happened to her when she was young and she had lost her powers and her dragon blood. Since then, she lost her memories partially and became really frail.

Quinneta finished pounding and then used her little powers to increase the effectiveness of the medicine. Then she poured it in a bottle and swirled for a while.

"This should do, I'll just make more bottles of this." Quinneta poured more seeds into the mortar.

"You're putting your powers into a really good use." Felina said.

"This is all I'm capable of now Felina, one day, I believe I'd be capable of many things." Quinneta said.

"You're already learning more anyway." Felina said.

Sir Maquel, Quinneta's father watched through the door, he smiled. His daughter was growing each day, and everyone in Crocus loves her. She had become really weak after losing her dragon blood and now, he needed to get her married, to someone who would be able to protect her and care for her. Someone who truly deserves her and would know her worth.

{Xaxing}

His Majesty and his son Carrine sat at the garden in His Majesty's chambers. Goblets of wine were on the table in the middle of Father and Son. While His Majesty had his wine half gone, Carrine had his untouched.

"Son, as the next heir to the throne, it's time you got married." His Majesty said. "You cancelled your marriage with Annica and I thought you'd found someone you will marry, but I've waited long enough and you need to get married," His Majesty added and carried the goblet.

The look on Carrine's face didn't change. His eyes had no flame but were icy cold. It was like what the king said didn't matter.

"We found you a bride." The king said.

°°°

{Crocus city}

"You're getting married Quinneta." Sir Maquel announced at the table.

"Father," Quinneta said.

She was surprised. The last thing on her mind was marriage. She still had a lot to do before marriage. Her cultivation base still had to improve, before she could think of marriage.

"Quinneta, I'm getting you married to someone who would be able to protect you..." Sir Maquel paused and took a sip of his tea.

"Who is it?" Felina asked.

"The CROWN PRINCE." Sir Maquel replied.

Quinneta and Felina choked at the same time.

Of all people, Quinneta was getting married to the Crown Prince, Felina thought. When did her Uncle arranged for this? Had the King given his consent?

But why the Crown Prince of all men? Felina knew Quinneta was a really fragile person, but she was sure there were still other men who wasn't as scary as the Crown Prince.

Quinneta couldn't say anything, her parents were getting her married to the Crown Prince then it was best for her. But, the Crown Prince?? She had heard a lot about him.

"The engagement is in two weeks, so be prepared." Her father said.

That soon??

Quinneta carried her cup of tea to her mouth and drank it all. She dabbed her lips and stood up. "Father, I have to leave now." She said.

"Come back soon." Her father said.

"Be safe." Her mother said.

•••

Quinneta walked around the market with Rella. The news about her getting married to the Crown Prince had spread.

"My Lady, you are really getting married to the Crown Prince?" Aunt Tess who sold cabbages to her asked.

It looked like they had heard the news even before her. Quinneta nodded as she chose some cabbages.

She walked around with Rella and bought some things.

"Everyone seemed to not like the news about me getting married to the Crown Prince." Quinneta said.

"I'm the most unhappy. You'd go away and I'd be left alone." Rella said.

"You still have Felina." Quinneta said.

"I'll miss you." Rella said.

"I'll miss you more." Quinneta said.

"Still the Crown Prince is..." Rella was interrupted.

"I know the Crown Prince, I've heard everything you've heard about him."

"My Lady, aren't you scared?" Rella asked.

"There's no need to be." Quinneta patted Rella and smiled.

They shopped for a while and finally returned home. Quinneta did some reading on improving her cultivation base. She also did some practice and then retired to making medicines.