charlestudor:
âharles raised an eyebrow, pleasantly surprised that the maharani was returning his flirtations, even if it was couched in subtlety. If she truly was unmarried, she had the most to lose by playing along with his little game. And that just made this exchange all the more exciting. This afternoon was turning out to be far more tantalizing than heâd initially expected. The danger of such a liaison thrilled him far more than maps and discussions of warfare ever could. This was his religion, his creed.
â Yes, â he agreed, with a smirk, teeth skimming his bottom lip, his implications crystal clear. â Dangerous in the right hands. â
He nodded along as she gave him her opinion of Italy. â Intriguing indeed, â he replied, eyes never leaving the woman in front of him, â though the people Iâve met have been even more so than the city itself. â ·
He briefly and inexplicably wondered where his betrothed was, and what she was doing. If she was being bored half to death by his mother dearest or if sheâd gone in search of her own brother. And what she would think of him now. He quickly dismissed this thought. When had it ever mattered to him what Isabella thought of him? Why should it now?
â The Temple of the Vestas it is, then. â Charles replied, the maharaniâs suggestion pulling him from his own thoughts. â Would you like to go now, or perhaps arrange a visit at a later time? â He had other impending obligations, and he was sure she did too. But he wouldnât mind not meeting his obligations, as he frequently did. This was more-so a test, to better understand Esraâs disposition and temperament. The woman she was.
An amused smile stretching her lips was the only reply to his implications. Dangerous, indeed. But, some light flirtation never really hurt anyone, has it? It was a fun way to pass the time and, while she was certainly the romantic type whose heart can be easily swayed ( at least when flirtations were in question. if her feelings for someone were deep and true, then nothing could sway her ), she was not foolish enough to delude herself about the men - or women - who flirted with her ; and prince Charles was just one in the long line of those charming men. Still, unused to keep her tongue in check, she relented and retorted ; âLethal in the wrong hands.â
Nodding at his words, Esra agreed. Yes, the people were absolutely intriguing. Many peoples mingled together, a sea of attires in different styles and colours indicating the countries they came from. The sharing of cultures, the way everyone seemed to put their differences aside and come together for a stroll, or watching the carnival, was breathtaking. It seemed like a utopia coming alive, and it seemed so effortless and easy - it made her wonder why no one thought of doing it sooner. So many wars and conflicts couldâve been avoided this way - but, perhaps she was just idealistic. Itâs been a long while since she last felt this way about the world.·âAgreed! Everyone seems to be in a good mood today. Itâs nice to see that people can get along without any outbursts or violence.â
Pursing her lips, Esra gave it a quick consideration. Was she doing anything for the rest of the day? Well, not really. She will end up keeping her brotherâs company, and she does that every day. Besides, if they arrange a meeting for a latter time... now that strings along some other implications and she was not as free to ponder them as she wouldâve liked ; and she was certain the prince had a similar predicament. âI donât mind going now, if youâre willing, or available, to accompany me?â












