Dominance of Veiled Heart

Chapter 17 (Part 3)

Tuk couldn't shake the feeling of dread as she followed Lord Nixon down the hallway.

Just kill me now, she thought, staring at the door ahead. It felt less like an entrance to the prince's office and more like a portal to her doom. The last time she was here, she had been unwittingly drawn into a world of history and manipulation, a game she had no choice but to play.

"Please be busy... Please be busy..." she silently prayed, but the prince's voice shattered her hopes.

"Come in."

Lord Nixon pushed the door open. Tuk's feet refused to move. What am I doing?

A reprimanding glare from Nixon jolted her back. "What are you waiting for? Come in, historian."

With a grunt, she pinched her leg and forced herself forward.

"G...Greetings to the little sun of the empire. Historian Tuk is here as requested, Your Highness." The words tumbled from her mouth, strained and shaky.

The prince barely spared Nixon a glance as he waved him away. Tuk fought the irrational urge to grab onto the departing lord—anything to keep a buffer between her and the prince—but no amount of humor or coping tactics could save her now.

Alone in the room with him, her fears tightened around her chest.

"Take a seat."

She hesitated before perching on the edge of the sofa, putting as much distance between them as possible. The prince arched a brow at her obvious reluctance but, thank the gods, he chose not to comment.

"As we agreed, you're going to be my love advisor." He leaned back, voice smooth, composed. "Tell me, how can I master the heart?"

Tch. I didn't agree to this! The words burned in her throat, but she swallowed them down.

"T...That's right. Thank you for this invaluable opportunity, Your Highness," she managed through gritted teeth.

"As you should." He sipped his tea, clearly amused by her discomfort.

Unprepared for the sudden request, her mind raced. I didn't expect him to call me so soon. I don't have anything prepared. What do I even say? Should I just be honest and hope he retracts this ridiculous idea?

"Are you going to sit there and keep me waiting?" His voice cut through her spiraling thoughts.

"I apologize, Your Highness. I was considering how to approach teaching you about love." Buying herself a few moments, she took a breath. "The truth is, I can't teach you how to love directly. Love isn't something one masters like a weapon or an art form. What I can offer is guidance—ways to understand it, to develop emotional awareness, and create the right environment for it to grow."

The prince smirked, as if indulging her. "Emotional awareness sounds lovely, but I'm more interested in results. Love is a tool, is it not? A weapon to wield. If I'm to master it, I need strategies, not vague concepts."

Tuk blinked, startled by his bluntness. Just days ago, he seemed clueless. Was that an act? Had she underestimated him?

"Your Highness, love isn't just a tool—it's complex, intertwined with vulnerability and trust. You can't simply wield it like a sword."

His golden-brown eyes narrowed slightly, irritation flickering beneath the charm. "Then enlighten me. If it's so complex, why do you think I chose you? Surely, you must have some insight into the mechanics of this 'love.'"

His words dripped with challenge, and Tuk felt the weight of expectation settle on her shoulders. Does he think I have all the answers? Do I look like a love expert?!

Okay, think logically. Stay calm. Act like a kind advisor guiding an innocent student.

"Perhaps it would be wise to start with what love means to you," she said carefully. "What do you hope to achieve by understanding it?"

He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, eyes gleaming with something almost predatory. "Power, of course. If I can control love, I can control the hearts of my subjects. I can forge alliances, manipulate those around me." He paused, letting his words settle. "Imagine a prince who can make anyone fall at his feet. They'd do anything for me. They'd betray their loyalty to anyone else."

Tuk felt her stomach churn at the cold calculation in his voice. "That's not how genuine connections work, Your Highness. People aren’t chess pieces to be moved at will. Love requires sincerity—something you may need to consider."

His laugh was sharp, echoing against the walls. "Sincerity? In my position? You really don't understand how this world operates, do you?" His expression darkened, frustration bleeding through his facade. "If you can't teach me how to navigate this, then what use are you?"

She clenched her fists beneath the table, his gaze suffocating. I'm not a love expert. I'm a historian! Wait—I'm neither of those.

"I can teach you how to connect with people, to foster relationships, but it requires honesty—both with yourself and others. You may find that difficult, considering your approach."

His eyes sparkled, a mix of amusement and irritation. "Then you'll need to get creative, Tuk. I don’t have time for heartfelt discussions. I need results." He leaned back again, satisfied. "And you have no choice but to help me."

Dread settled deep in her bones. "I... I will do my best, Your Highness."

How the hell am I supposed to convince the prince that love is better than power when I believe that career is way better than love?

He nodded, smirk still in place. "Good. Now, let’s start with something simple. Tell me about someone you love. What makes them worthy of your affection?"

Her heart pounded. This isn’t fair! She had to tread carefully—revealing too much could expose vulnerabilities. "Your Highness, I—"

"Spare me the formality, Tuk. I want your truth. You're a historian; you should understand the value of stories and what makes them compelling." His tone was almost coaxing, but the glint in his eyes told a different story. 

He was watching, waiting for her to slip.

He’s playing with me.

Something in his intensity unsettled her. Had he studied this topic more than he let on? Or was this just another test, another game where she was always a step behind?

The longer this conversation went on, the more she realized—

She wasn't in control anymore.

Just when she thought she could finally breathe, the prince pulled another reverse card on her. A cold shiver ran down her spine.

I thought I had time. Time to strategize, to figure out my next move.

But now I’m not so sure. I'm not the only one spinning threads of deception.

I thought this was going to be a simple lesson in love. I was ready to play matchmaker.

But… shit.

Whatever happens next, the game is about to change.

And I am no longer the one pulling the strings.