Dominance of Veiled Heart

Chapter 39

[[ Tuk's POV ]]

As I step inside the tent, the air feels heavier, like the heat of a furnace pressing against my skin. But it's not the temperature, it's the presence of the three men inside. The prince sits at the center, exuding his usual smug composure. Beside him is Lord Nixon, and next to him stands a man I don’t recognize, but one thing was certain—he was dangerous.

I take a gulp, forcing myself not to waver under his gaze. His icy gray eyes glow faintly, piercing me as though they could read my every thought. His face is adorned with tribal tattoos, and his hair—a tight braid with a shaved undercut—makes him look fierce, like a predator in waiting. The fur draped over his shoulders and the heavy earrings he wears speak of a cold, distant land, far removed from the heat of this tent. Tribal, dangerous, and likely deadly. 

Ignore him. Just pretend he doesn’t exist.

“Your Highness, you summoned me?” I ask, trying not to let my voice betray my nerves. My eyes flick toward the tattooed man again. 

'Who is this guy?' I can't help but think. 'And why does he look like he wants to kill me? He better not be another fvcker trying to add to my ever-growing list of worries.'

“That’s right,” the prince says, his voice light but laced with something sinister. “It seems the emperor is…displeased with how we’ve chosen to implement the courting rule among the nobles.” His smile sharpens, carrying that familiar, unsettling glee. “Naturally, I’ve been summoned to explain it. Which made me think—why not invite the very person who suggested the idea?”

The smile he flashes me is infuriating. Oh no, not this again. I force a smile in return, but my thoughts run wild. The emperor?! Are you out of your mind? That’s the same old tyrant who nearly got me executed! Why are you dragging me into this? Fix your own mess, Your Highness. You’re the prince, for goodness’ sake!

“What do you think? Wouldn’t this be a good time to showcase the talents of my 'love advisor'?” The prince’s teasing tone jolts me back to reality. 

Oh, I am going to punch him. I really am.

“If I may, Your Highness,” I begin, masking my panic with a polite smile, “I think it’s best to inform His Imperial Majesty that your curiosity about love stems from our research on the Arcanographica. My presence isn’t necessary for this discussion.”

“Hmm… Is that so?” The prince tilts his head, feigning consideration. “But how can I explain the Arcanographica when I don’t understand it myself? Didn’t you say the matter of the heart is like the scroll to me—something I can’t comprehend?”

He’s doing this on purpose, didn't he?

“Of course, Your Highness,” I reply in the sweetest tone I can muster. We can send His Imperial Majesty the transcribed scrolls. We historians have worked tirelessly, sacrificing our sleep to decode them. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see our progress.”

The prince’s smirk deepens. “What do you think?” he asks, shifting his gaze to the tattooed man standing nearby.

Who is this man? And why does his opinion matter so much to the prince?

“Negative,” the man says after a tense pause. “She currently shows no signs of deception.”

The prince’s smirk sharpens, his satisfaction almost tangible. “Good,” he says, his tone laced with amusement. “See? Even the Chieftain of the North Hibrido, Kaelrik, finds your words trustworthy.”

'Is he like a human detector test or something?' The tattooed man steps back, but his piercing gaze lingers on me—a silent warning I can’t ignore.

“Your Highness,” Kaelrik says, breaking the prince’s lingering stare, “if there’s nothing else...”

“Ah, yes, of course. Thank you for coming all this way, Kaelrik. I leave the matter with Hibrido to you.” The prince dismisses him with a wave, his attention briefly shifting.

My knees feel weak the moment his gaze lifts from me, but I force myself to remain standing, refusing to show weakness.

“Nixon,” the prince calls out, turning to his advisor. “Does this answer your suspicion?”

Lord Nixon bows low, his voice steeped in contrition. “I apologize for acting without your permission, Your Highness.”

I blink, glancing between the two of them as they share a silent exchange laden with unspoken meaning. What is even happening right now?

If you two are just going to exchange loving gazes, why call me here in the first place?!