Taming the emperor's son

Ivanna blinked twice, not sure what kind of emotion was overcoming her at the news she just received from her parents. It was so sudden and unexpected that she found it hard to believe.

"You're lying right dad? He will never... He... " Her voice trailed down as realization dawned on her.

Could it be that she had been the only one thinking they were in love?

Could it be that he was oblivious to the feeling she had for him?

Her parents just informed her that the man who she mostly spends her time with was about to get married to another woman.

"Its not him. Its the emperor's decision. I advice you not to do anything stupid from now on" Said her dad. "We cannot afford to offend the emperor"

She finally believed her parents with the tears threatening to spill down her face. She suddenly stood up glancing at her mom who had a neutral expression and her dad keeping a stern face.

"I cannot leave him!" She announced. Not waiting to see their reaction, she ran out of the house. Maybe it was time to make things clear. Tell him how she really felt.

Just thinking about him getting married to another woman hurt her heart in Ways she could not explain. For seven years, they had been together. Although, they were not officially a couple, she always felt like they were one.

"Ivanna stop" She heard her brother (Noel) say as he ran after her but she didn't stop and kept on running while murmering "I won't let you get married. I... I won't let you"

Noel quickly caught up with her, stretching his hands to turn her around.

"Ivanna!" He grabbed her shoulders "You're not thinking straight right now. What you're about to do will cause so much damage to your future. Don't you get it?!"

"I don't care about my future if its not with him" She yelled back struggling to get his hands off her.

"The emperor arranged for this marriage himself and you want to stop it? What do you think will happen when you enrage him? Our whole family would be wiped out with just a snap of his fingers. I believe you aren't that selfish"

"Think properly, it might just be one sided love from you. What if he loves his bride and he's not being forced? It would be so embarrassing for you and all of us" Noel clamped her hands together. He hated to see the pain in her eyes. He wasn't surprised she had fallen this deep for the prince not that he could do anything about it. Their status was too low compared to the emperor.

"In life we can't always get what we want. Though the emperor is a little bit fond of you. It would not make him hesitate to destroy anything threatening to spoil his plans"

Ivanna went silent. Thinking it through, she knew he was right. Her family comes first before any other worldly desires. She lowered her gaze as if she had just been abandoned "What should I do?"

Noel patted her head with a sigh "Good girl, all you need to do is relax and let fate take its course"

"Fate huh?" She sighed. It better work in her favour.

Ivanna didn't go to the palace for several days. Normally, she'd be there everyday but she just had to force herself not to think about going but i guess that couldn't last for too long.

A ring sounded and the caller Id on her phone read 'Fifi'.

Ivanna became excited and quickly answered it "Fifi" She called.

"Ivy! I've missed you so much. Why didn't you come? Brother bullied me so much and made me so busy I couldn't come to see you. Is everything alright? Will you come visit today? Remember it barley's birthday"

Ivanna tapped her forehead. She totally forgot about that. Barley was a puppy they both picked when he was abandoned by its owner. At that time the puppy was so thin and frail it would have died any moment. Fiona (Fifi) was the first to spot it and together they took it to a vet for proper treatment. Now barley was so plump and fluffy. One would kill just to touch it. They had decided to celebrate its birthday the day they found it which just happened to be today.

"I'll be there in five minutes" She said into the phone. Her house was quite close to the palace so she knew she could get there in five minutes if she hurried. Grabbing her bag she dashed away.

When she got there she was greeted by the servants who were already familiar with her. Security guards as well as highly trained soldiers stood rooted to the ground. Their eyes moved everywhere makibg sure there were not hidden threats around. If it were any other person, they'd be stopped at the gate already but they were already used to her coming everyday so they let her get in. She typed in her given passcode before stepping into the elevators

"Ivy" Fiona gave her a big hug the moment she arrived.

"Where's Barley?" Ivanna asked looking around. Just then barley came running to her all dresses up. She laughed at its costume then hugged the cute dog saying "Happy birthday"

The puppy yelped and licked her face running around happily.

Fiona dragged ivanna to her room and handed her a brand new suit which was still wrapped.

"Huh? What am I suppose to do with this?" Ivanna asked glancing at the fine material on her hands.

"Well, I need you to help me give this to my brother. He's been so moody this days that I'm so terrified of getting close to him"

"Are you sending me to my death fi?"

"C'mon don't give me that look. My brother always listens to you. If you don't do this for my sake mom will kill me. Brother is set to get married and today the bride would be coming over for dinner hmph I feel sorry for her"

"Why" Ivanna asked.

"Don't you know? My brother is so scary that she won't survive with him for too long. Only you managed to tame him. I just wonder why dad didn't pair you two up. At least that way, you get to become my sister inlaw"

"Mind your words fi. The walls have tears"

"Blah, I know. So... You in?"

"I'll try if I don't get scared to death"

"Okay then hurry!" Fiona pushed her out.

Uhmmm... How is she suppose to did this?

She stood in front of the door unable to decide between going in or just running away.

She braced herself for whatever hurt she would feel. Hardening her heart so she doesn't get emotional.

She raised her hands and knocked twice, when she still got no answer, she opened and went inside.

Oh no! What's this!

She entered to see a messy room, the bed cover was strewn on the floor and papers flew across the room.

Her heart started to race when she saw the handsome young man, looking out of the open window and lost in his own thoughts. His side profile as he stood there was so damn gorgeous. Simply put, the beauty of this man could destroy a nation! His brows, eyes, nose, down to his red lips. Every of his features were just so perfect.

She adores and love everything about this man sadly, he doesn't know that. Not that it would change anything if he does. He was already betrothed to another.

"If you keep on sitting there you will catch a cold" Ivanna said placing the suit gently on the bed then went over to close the windows.

She felt so cold.

How was he able to remain here like this?

---------------

His heart jolted the moment he heard that sweet, tiny voice he longed to hear bringing him out of his thoughts and then she came closer, her scent invading his nose and getting into his head.

It was quite hard to keep his composure.

He watched as she ran around cleaning up the mess he created.

"You didn't visit for two days" Ian said standing up to help her pick the papers.

"Oh! That I... I was quite busy" She lied picking a piece of paper which he happened to also pick. His hands brushed hers and she looked up at him, meeting his golden coloured eyes, she had to force herself to look away.

"I see"

"Mm. I heard you'll be getting married soon" She asked casually as if it was just a normal topic to her.

Ian froze.

So she knows!

Of course words travels fast, the news of him getting married definately is big news and should have spread all across the city by now.

"Mmmm, to a princess in the northern region"

"Oh, I see. Is she to your taste? Do you like her?"

Ian shrugged "I haven't met her Ivy, so I don't know"

They finished picking up the papers, Ivanna gave him the wrapped suit.

"You should wear this for your... Uhmmm date?"

"You want to take me out on a date?" Ian teased her, a slight smile on his lips.

Ivanna jumped "Date? No! I mean with your... Your bride okay? Not me"

"Are you saying I'm not good enough for you?" Ian turned to her with a sad face and almost laughed when he saw how flustered she was.

"What... No! You're good enough" She blurted out then realizing what she just said "I... I meant you... You... " Ivanna was so flustered and didn't know what to say, she tried to hide her blush.

Ian started to laugh seeing her pink face.

"What are you laughing at?!" She glared at him

"Nothing" He stopped laughing "You look so ugly when you glare like that though"

"You...! Stop teasing me" Ivanna got angry and threw a pillow at him which he easily caught then she threw another one that landed on his face.

"Hmph, go get dresssed" Ivanna said and sat down randomly picking what she thought was a magazine.

No, no, not that!

Ian swiftly snatched it from her.

He could not let her see it for it would only hurt her. He wasn't oblivious to the feelings they both shared for each other. He knew very well but it was too dangerous. His father (the emperor) would not hesitate to destroy her once he finds out.

"Give me that!" Ivanna frowned "You can't just take things from me"

She tried to take it back but he hid it behind his back and when she still reached out for it, he raised the hands he was using to hold it up. He was quite taller than she was so she could never reach it. Even when she stood on her tip toes and tried to get it, she ended up pushing him, he lost his balance and they both fell on the bed with Ivanna on top of him. She didn't realize their weird position and was still struggling to reach the pieces of paper.

The papers contained pictures of his bride his mother had sent to him earlier which he hadn't even taken a look at and had kept it carelessly. He would never let her see it now.

Her scent was so alluring that he wanted to pin her down and kiss her senseless.

Squirming and moving all around him, did she not know what she was doing to him?

Her hair fell on him while her hands unknowingly grazed his arms. With such a flowery soft touch from her, Ian felt himself hardening.

This woman! She's still so clueless!

Ian held her waist with one hand and whispered softly into her ears "Are you seducing me Ivy?"

She blinked innocently then when she saw how awkward their position was, she became embarrassed and wanted scramble off but Ian held her in place, his hands squeezed her waist a little. Anyone who saw then like this would think they were making out.

Ivanna started to feel her heart beating faster as he pushed her closer to him such that their noses were almost touching. Their breaths fanning against each other. One slight move and their lips would meet.

Just then the door flew open.

Ivanna's heart almost flew out of her mouth as she quickly leapt to her feets anxiously.

...

Fiona was wondering why Ivanna hadn't returned for so long. She was getting worried thinking her brother might have done something to her even though it was almost impossible that her brother would hurt her still... With her brother's temper this days nothing's impossible so she immediately stood up and went straight to her brother's room.

She opened the door only to meet a woman making out with her brother!

Fiona blinked her eyes then blinked again to be sure she wasn't hallucinating when she saw the face of the person.

Eh... Isn't that Ivanna!

She awkwardly stood there knowing she had interrupted something but damn! Ivanna and her brother?! She never imagined this!

"Next time you should knock before coming in" Ian said in a gruff voice looking at his sister coldly.

"Yes, yes I will" Fiona ignored the fear she felt from his frosty gaze then taking a second look at him she realized he wasn't even dressed yet!

"Brother! You aren't dressed? Oh no, mum will make my life so difficult. Do you realize the guests are already here?!" She turned to Ivanna worriedly "Mother and father are welcoming the guest right now and he's no where to be found. What should I do? I will be the only one getting scolded later on!"

Ian sat crossed legs like he doesn't give a care about anything.

Ivanna saw Fiona's anxious look and knew she would be in trouble if she fails to get her brother downstairs to welcome the guest"

"Ian... " Ivanna started.

"Fine...!" Ian shrugged. Before Ivanna could say anything else, he stood up, taking a glance at both girls he asked "You want to watch while I dress?"

"No... Uh, we are leaving now" Ivanna dragged Fiona out closing the door behind her and they waited outside for him. In just a few minutes, the door opened and Ian stood there looking like a god. Ivanna found herself dropping saliva.

He was so damn hot! So handsome! No wonder he was the number one desired husband of all the girls in the city. Ivanna didn't realize she was drooling until she heard Ian clear his throat and started to walk away.

Ivanna glanced at her side only to be met with Fiona's sparkling eyes that had an intense hunger for gossip in them.

"What?"

"I've never seen you drool Ivy, he's just too handsome huh?"

Ivanna was embarrassed and quickly denied it "Which of your eyes saw me drool huh?" She said but still used her hands to wipe her mouth.

"Both! Both eyes okay? You better tell me if there's something going on or else... "

"There's nothing going on fi, don't let your imaginations run wild"

"Yes, yes I won't" Fiona gave her a knowing smile as they went to join the small gathering at the dining. The king, queen and of course the princess from the northern region were all present.

After exchanging pleasantries with the guest, Ivanna naturally took her seat next to Fiona which happened to be across the prince while the princess from the north sat next to the prince. Ivanna stared at the stunning face for a while, the princess was oozing elegance and her eyes sparkled brightly with intelligence shining in them. Extremely dark hair that reached her waist, long, beautiful lashes and red lips, her skin were as white as snow especially with the red dress she was wearing.

So this is the bride. A princess huh? She indeed is outstanding. Ivanna sucked inside knowing there was no way she could compare to this woman.

"Your highness, I never knew you had such a pretty daughter. I only ever heard of Fiona here" The king from the north (King Rufus) said while glancing at Ivanna.

The emperor chuckled "Oh, Ivy here has been like a daughter to me ever since she was little"

King Rufus nodded understanding what he meant that she wasn't his daughter but for her to be allowed to dine here with them, then she must be someone important.

The truth is the emperor considered Ivanna important because only her could somehow get through to the prince whenever he went out of control. She could always manage to bring him back from whatever was overcoming him.

"Shall we then?" The emperor asked and everyone nodded and started to eat.

The princess Ivanna discovered was named Tanya would constantly lean in and whisper something in the prince's ear then giggle softly when the prince said something back making them look like a couple in love. This went on until Ivanna almost couldn't take it anymore.

"They are getting along so quickly, I originally thought it was going to be hard" The emperor said to king Rufus.

"Tanya is a sweetheart. Its no surprise she could easily get close to him like this"

"They were a perfect match to begin with" The emperor was all smiles, his eyes calculating all of the favours he would receive from this alliance.

"Indeed" The two rulers clinked glasses and drank.

Ian was irritated with the way the princess was constantly leaning on him and whispering in his ear. He found it disgusting especially when her breath was all over him, he was about to let her know her place but held back she he met his mother's pleading gaze. He knew getting his father angry would be useless because he would only take it out on his mother and sister and also blame them for his misbehaviour. Still trying his possible best to be polite, he took a glance at Ivanna and could tell she was barely holding it in. He almost couldn't stop himself from smiling.

Though, out of habit, he started to place some food on ivanna's plate. Everyone on the table all paused for a moment before they continued eating. It wasn't like this was the first time he was doing that. It was just not appropriate to do it in front of his fiancee.

Ivanna felt like throwing a tantrum but she knew it would be foolish to do so. She wanted to tell him she wouldn't eat what he placed on her plate but found herself stabbing the meat and bringing it to her mouth. It wasn't like they were a thing then, why was she this angry? Why was she feeling like her partner was cheating on her in her presence? Ivanna sighed, she knew she was stupid for even thinking she and the prince were possible.

"You should also put some food for our Tanya son" The emperor frowned but Ian ignored him as if he didn't hear whatever he said.

Ivana looked at the two queens who were strangely quiet and wondered why? They normally would have been flattering themselves on an occasion like this. She didn't think much of it and just continued eating silently until Fiona said something.

"So... Princess Tanya, what do you do?" Fiona asked.

Princess Tanya looked up from her plate before replying with a smile "Well, I do alot of things. Things you'll get to know sister inlaw"

"Tsk, already calling me sister inlaw when they're not married yet. I really do not like her now" Fiona whispered to Ivanna while keeping a smile on her face.

"I see" Fiona continued talking to Tanya "I heard you're very knowledgeable in many aspects. I'll have to learn alot of things from you then"

"Of course princess Fiona, I'll gladly teach you all I know. We can start from swordsmanship"

"Oh then, that's great!" Fiona grinned. It was exactly where she was heading to. She wanted to test the skills of this princess. Who could beat her when it comes to swordsmanship?

"Why don't you like her?" Ivanna asked seeing the wicked smile Fiona had on her face, she couldn't help but feel sorry for Tanya.

"I don't know, I just hate the airs she's putting on. Just because my father supports this marriage so much, she dares to even teach me something. I'll definately show her who the boss is during the fight later"

"But you asked to learn"

"Well, yes but she's suppose to be humble about the praise I was giving her then ask me to teach her instead. She's to claim I'm more intelligent than she is, she's suppose to be trying to win my favour ivy and not the other way round"

Ivanna shook her head and smiled at Fiona's twisted logic. She started to ponder over something. Looking at princess Tanya, why does she feel like she had met her somewhere before but could not remember?

"By the way, don't you think its better if our Tanya stays here for a while. It would help them get to know each other better" The emperor suggested.

Ian paused when he heard that. The spoon he was holding almost bended completely because of how tight he was gripping it "That's not necessary father"