The Taste of Seduction

Meredith tried to calm down her nervousness as she stared in the mirror. Maria had braided her hair on the sides of her head, leaving the rest to fall down on her shoulders.

Maria had selected a simple white dress for her but she refused because she felt she was betraying Atlas wearing white to go on a date with another man.

A white dress was like their special dress code.

Meredith had selected a simple lovely floor length blue gown paired with blue heels.

She didn't want to overdress since she didn't know where he was taking her. The only jewelry she was wearing was her gold earrings and bracelets.

"My lady, the prince is here." Maria announced excitedly as she walked towards Meredith who was still standing in front of the mirror.

Maria stood behind her and smiled softly meeting Meredith's gaze in the mirror.

"You look good princess. I can't wait to see your true form. Even the spell can't hide your charm and beautiful smile."

Meredith blushed at her words. She turned to look at Maria. Even though she met the young girl a few hours ago she felt closer to her. Maria was now her only friend here.

"Thank you Maria."

Maria's ears reddened and she bowed her head avoiding Meredith's eyes.

"I'm sure the prince will be smitten with you tonight! You're lucky princess. A lot of girls are obsessed with Prince Marcus and he is all yours. You should be careful though"

Maria looked up and glanced around before she moved closer to Meredith and whispered in her ears.

"Lady Arya is the scary one. She had killed a girl who sent prince Marcus a love letter a few years ago. That woman is obsessed with the prince and will kill anyone who will make advances to the prince."

Meredith furrowed her brows. "Who is she?"

Maria shook her head , "I will tell you more when you come back. We can't keep the prince waiting. Come."

Meredith followed Maria with a worried frown marred on her face. She was too powerless to protect herself from an obsessive lover.

"Hey" Marcus's voice snapped her from her stupor.

Meredith looked up and saw the prince staring at her.

"Are you okay?" He asked. Meredith didn't miss the genuine concern etched in his voice. She knew they were betrothed but why was the prince so concerned about her?

Did he have an ulterior motive or he was just worried about her as his betrothed?

Meredith stared at him in dead silence searching his eyes. Hoping she will get some answers even though that was unlikely.

Maria cleared her throat and pinched her gently to wake her up from her deep thinking.

"Y-yes I'm fine." Meredith replied.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Y- yes." Meredith replied and forced out a smile.

"Let's go. I'm hungry!"

"Mmmhh" Marcus said in a flat tone and offered her his hand.

Meredith swallowed and contemplated for a second before taking his hand.

Maria beamed at her and winked at her .

"Have fun princess!"

********

They walked quietly and finally arrived at a garden. Meredith was surprised because they didn't meet anyone on their way here and the garden looked like a private property.

As they walked further into the garden she saw a low table set with fine china, crystal goblets and candles - a lot of candles.

The table was very low to the ground with cushions

around it. The moonlight gave a soft glow making the ambience romantic.

Meredith turned to look at him and found him grinning at her.

"Come, let's eat. I thought you were hungry?"

He murmured and drifted towards it. Meredith followed him and when they reached the plush cushion. She found Marcus frowning looking at her outfit.

Meredith looked down at her dress and arched her brows. Was her dress not good?

Meredith watched him in confusion as he crouched beside her. He reached for heels and

said,

"You wouldn't be comfortable sitting on the floor in these shoes. I'm removing them."

He looked up and his little smirk fell again on his lips.

Meredith stared at him with wide eyes, when his fingers found the strap of her heels. He removed the strap and pulled it down slowly, and then extracted the heels off of her foot.

Meredith heard a gasp and turned to see a man and woman bringing their food. The shock and surprise was evident on their faces with their mouths opened.

When Meredith met their gaze they quickly lowered their head and turned around.

Marcus reaching for the second one snapped her attention to him. His eyes glanced up to hers, holding her gaze, as he removed it.

Meredith's heart couldn't help but beat in her chest as the light from the moon seem to reflect off of his

red irises. He looked so enthralling as the wind blew his hair. It should be a crime for a man to look this good.

Meredith swallowed and looked away. He got up after he was done and his lips pulled into a grin.

"Done. Let's eat."

He helped her sit on the plush cushions and went to sit down. The servants quickly rushed to the table and began serving.

Meredith looked at the feast on the table and licked her lips. The food looked so delicious and smelled amazing.

Marcus chuckled at her reaction.

"Let's eat." He said after he finished washing his hands.

As they ate, Meredith studied him carefully. She had so many questions but didn't know where to start. She took a large gulp of the wine and moaned at the taste. It was so good. It warmed her belly and calmed down her nerves.

"You're going to get drunk if you don't slow down." Marcus commented.

"Is it Alcohol?" Meredith frowned as her head began to spin.

"Yes." Replied Marcus.

"Hmm it's good. Very good." Meredith said, taking another long drink.

"Tell me honestly, what do you want from me? Do you want power or you just want a unified kingdom?"

Meredith asked bluntly. She had no idea where her confidence came from, maybe it was wine and the fact that she was nearly drunk.

Marcus stiffened when he heard her question and looked up at her. He stared at her quietly for a second before he smirked.

"What do you think I want?"

Meredith rolled her eyes and replied sarcastically, "Of course I know that's why I'm asking you."

He tilted his head and purred, "You.. I want you."