Chapter 18 #2
Despite this, Aza has a feeling he knows more than he lets on and is keeping certain details to himself.
But why? These spices surely can’t come from these lands.
Some of them tasted similar to spices her kingdom received through trade, Aza just can’t put her finger on them specifically.
So, who does he trade with? He has to, right?
Why would he keep it so secretive? Does he just want her to think he doesn’t trade or need anyone else, so that he looks more appealing to her in a marriage alliance?
Aza’s not sure if she will ever truly know the answer.
Regardless, she decides not to jump into the specific questions just yet, but rather to have the King openly gloat about himself and his empire to see if anything of value slips out or offers any hints, which he does without hesitation when she asks to learn more about him and his amazing empire.
Most of what he told her remained surface-level and just makes him look more like the narcissist he is. Nothing that sounds incriminating. Although she didn’t actually think he would give up anything game-changing, it was at least still worth a try.
Aza is surprised, however, when he asks her to tell him about herself.
But she is less surprised when he adds that he wants to know what her kingdom has to offer.
Solidifying that he could give a damn about her or anyone else, he just wants to know how he can benefit.
And sure, these marriage alliances are mostly made for trades and benefits, but at least the other suitors had the decency to pretend that that was not their sole concern.
Some of them did genuinely seem interested in Aza, even if just for her looks and what lay under her dress.
Aza suspected the King may also have some kind of fancy for her, but more in a control way, or simply just using her for what her body has to offer.
Aza hopes she’ll never have to actually find out.
Aza is careful not to give out too much information.
She talks about how she loves flowers, how she has her very own mini collection she tends to, and how she loves to spend time in the private castle gardens.
She talks about how she loves going to the kitchens to watch the staff make food and treats, which earns her a slight, disapproving look.
She then talks about how her kingdom is known for special spices found only there.
Hoping it will pique his interest and get him to spill more, Aza mentions how her kingdom occasionally trades gold and other metals.
As she thought, the bored expression on his face disappears as he sits forward in his seat, listening intently.
Aza, however, doesn’t give more than that, simply just saying that they keep most of it to themselves.
Aza’s kingdom is not filled with gold; quite honestly, they don’t do much digging or mining since they don’t want to disturb the land too much and don’t necessarily have that much need for a metal like gold.
“But with a kingdom riddled with gold, I’m sure you can’t possibly care for too much more.” Aza subtly baits.
“Certain metals hold value beyond decoration, Princess,” the King replied, sounding irritated.
“What else do you use metals for?” Aza quizzes.
“Nothing the Princess needs to concern herself with.” The King quips quickly and sharply.
Aza is taken aback. She had hit a nerve, but she has no idea about what. Trying to ease the tension, she goes to change the subject, but he cuts her off.
“I think we can end our discussion about such things. These are things Kings should discuss anyway.” He says in a condescending tone.
“Of course, my King. I was merely going to ask if I could have the pleasure of joining you again for a feast for dinner. I will be leaving very soon. Of course, I know a great king such as yourself is probably very busy.”
Aza swore she saw possessive heat enter his eyes when she uses the ‘my King’ endearment, which makes her want to lose her breakfast. It makes her very uncomfortable.
But Aza does understand the persuasive power of seduction, even if she seldom uses it.
Maybe occasionally with Jahar, but that’s different; she isn’t trying to gather information from him, she just simply wants him in the purest, most loving way possible.
“I think I can make that happen. I do require that you dress your best, though. A queen should always look their best when next to their king.” King Abasi almost growls.
Aza feels her stomach flip. He, for sure, is latching on to her seduction bait, something she is now quite regretting. But, she continues nonetheless.
“I have been merely dressing as the princess I am, but I suppose I could give dressing as a queen a try.” Aza acts as if she’s contemplating.
She can see the King’s chest rising sharper than normal and his fist balled up discreetly in the tablecloth fabric. He seems to take in some deep breaths.
“Why don’t we go for a walk?”
“Sounds lovely.”
The two of them walk to another one of his wealthy cities, but Aza gets the impression he doesn’t visit any of his cities often.
Jahar is with them now, but stays back. There isn’t much conversation occurring between them.
Aza takes this opportunity not only to break the silence but also to bring up a topic she has been waiting patiently to discuss.
“Would you take me to some of your other villages?” She asked.
“Are these not up to your standards?” He baits.
“These cities are lovely. There are a couple of others I have heard about that I thought maybe we could visit.” Aza says as naively as she can manage.
“And what would those be?”
“I’ve heard the names Jordale and Vencrest…” Aza was on the verge of listing more before she was abruptly cut off.
King Abasi seems to be holding in an angry outburst as he says, “Those are quite far from here, and I do not have time for that at the moment. I don’t know who has been talking to you without my permission, but you mustn't listen to everything you hear.”
“Of course, my King. I merely just overheard conversations. I apologize.” Aza says sweetly.
The King begins to speak as a guard runs up beside him and passes a message along in his ear.
He clears his throat, “If you will excuse me, there is something I must attend to. I will see you tonight. Someone will be sent up to your room to fetch you later. I trust you can find your way back to your room now.” He implores.
“Yes, Sire.” Aza gathered her skirts and bowed.
He nods and leaves.