The crowd's cheers were deafening as Ashley rode through the gates of the capital. After months of war, she was finally home. Her armor glinted in the fading sunlight, and behind her, her soldiers marched proudly, victorious. Nobles, commoners, and even the royal family had gathered to welcome them back.
Ashley dismounted her horse, her gaze scanning the crowd. That's when she noticed him—the crown prince. He stood among the nobles, but his attention wasn't on her or the triumphant army. No, his eyes were fixed on someone else—Princess Miranda. Dressed in a flowing gown, Miranda looked radiant, her every move serene and graceful. The prince's usual cold expression softened as he watched her.
Ashley's lips twitched into a smirk. So, that's how it is, she thought. If the crown prince had his eyes on Miranda, this could be her way out of the engagement. She'd just need to push him enough to make him want to end it.
The next evening, at the banquet held in honor of the soldiers, Ashley put her plan into motion. She approached the prince with an exaggerated smile and a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.
"Your Highness!" she called brightly, looping her arm through his before he could react. The prince stiffened, clearly startled.
"Ashley," he greeted cautiously, his tone calm but his expression wary.
"Oh, don't be so formal," she teased, giving his arm a playful squeeze. "You can call me your dearest."
The prince blinked, taken aback. "Dearest? Since when…?"
"Since I returned, of course!" she replied with mock enthusiasm. "I realized how lucky I am to have you waiting for me. Isn't it wonderful?"
The prince's lips tightened, his discomfort obvious. His gaze flickered past her to Miranda, who was chatting with a group of nobles. Ashley didn't miss the way his face softened when he looked at her. She resisted the urge to laugh. Too easy.
Over the next few days, Ashley ramped up her performance. She clung to the prince's side at every opportunity, showering him with exaggerated affection. At one point, she even presented him with a bouquet of flowers she'd picked from the palace gardens.
"These reminded me of you," she declared, her eyes sparkling with feigned adoration.
The prince stared at the flowers, then at her. "Flowers remind you… of me?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed, pressing a hand to her heart. "They're bright, noble, and perfect. Just like you."
The prince's expression was a mix of confusion and suppressed irritation. Once again, his eyes wandered to Miranda, who was standing nearby, her serene smile never faltering. Ashley's smirk grew. She knew she was getting under his skin.
Finally, after days of her relentless displays, the prince pulled her aside in the royal gardens. His tone was sharp but laced with reluctant amusement.
"Ashley," he began, "must you be so… insistent?"
She widened her eyes innocently. "Why, Your Highness, I'm just showing my love. Isn't that what you wanted?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Perhaps… but maybe tone it down?"
She gasped, pretending to be hurt. "Tone it down? But I thought you'd appreciate a devoted fiancée by your side, always thinking of you."
The prince gave her a long look, his lips twitching as if he were fighting a smile. "And 'thinking of me' involves following me everywhere and… presenting me with flowers?"
"Exactly!" she said brightly. "Isn't it wonderful? I'm giving you the attention you deserve."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something under his breath. "You're impossible."
Ashley leaned in with a sly grin. "But admit it, Your Highness. Life's more entertaining this way, isn't it?"
The prince looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or scold her. "Ashley, what are you really up to?"
She placed a hand on his arm, her expression suddenly serious but her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, nothing, Your Highness. I'm just doing my duty as your loving fiancée. Unless… there's something—or someone—else on your mind?"
His eyes flickered toward Miranda, who was standing beneath the cherry blossoms. The longing in his gaze was unmistakable. Ashley saw it too, and her smile widened. Perfect.
"Well," she said sweetly, "I'll be right here, supporting you… for as long as you need me."
The prince narrowed his eyes, clearly suspicious. "Ashley, whatever you're planning, don't push your luck."
She gave a mock bow. "Of course, Your Highness. I'd never dream of it."
As he walked away, Ashley allowed herself a quiet, triumphant smile. Her plan was working. Soon, the crown prince would end the engagement himself. And when that day came, Ashley would finally be free.