The Prince Seduces Me with His Body

“But what can we do? You’ve already accepted the promise with the third prince… There’s no way around it.” His tone was meaningful.

 

Understanding the implication, Diana widened her eyes when he chinned toward the door.

 

“The carriage is ready. Since he said it’s the largest teahouse on Parmangdi Street, you should go ahead.”

 

For a moment, Diana felt a bit of gratitude towards Viscount Sudsfield, forgetting her grievances.

 

The viscount probably felt burdened presenting me to Rebecca before I was even engaged to Kayden. He can’t afford for me to get scared and run away. It was a cunning scheme, but for her, it was also a chance to escape. So, she decided to be kind and addressed him more formally.

 

“What about Pat… Father?”

 

“I must go with Millard to meet the first princess. She will want to discuss this matter.”

 

Viscount Sudsfield then spoke with a sharp look. “Diana.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Even though I arranged this meeting, you must know this is the best opportunity you can seize. So please be careful and do well.”

 

It seemed he meant it as a kind word of advice. But to Diana, it felt absurd coming from someone who had pushed her into a seemingly hopeless struggle. Ridiculous…

 

Had she been a truly naïve illegitimate child, she might have accepted this plan out of habit. Viscount Sudsfield had probably assumed Diana would comply without objection.

 

…Well, if I hadn’t regressed, the viscount wouldn’t have tried to marry me off to Kayden in the first place.

 

Thinking this left a bitter feeling in her heart. She suppressed her urge to trip the viscount and nodded, leaving the mansion. The carriage quickly departed. Peering out the window, she saw the streets bustling with people despite the early hours.

 

Parmangdi Street was lined with upscale teahouses and dessert shops catering mainly to nobles. Arriving at the largest shop, Diana was courteously escorted to a greenhouse-like private room.

 

“If you need anything, please pull the string next to you.”

 

After ordering some light refreshments, Diana looked around curiously. I’ve never been here before, even before my regression.

 

Even if the place catered to nobles, Rebecca never wanted to set foot in a ‘marketplace like this’. Instead, she had the desserts brought to her palace, flaunting her imperial status. And Diana had only enjoyed such treats in Rebecca’s parlor, never visiting this place herself.

 

Sunlight poured in through the small glass domes set at intervals on the terrace, giving the place a greenhouse-like feel. As Diana marveled at the setting, she overheard whispers through the door crack.

 

“Is that her?”

 

“I think that’s right. Her eyes, didn’t it resemble Millard Sudsfield? Though she’s prettier.”

 

“Seeing her, I kind of understand why the third prince fell for her at first sight.”

 

“Does this mean it’s the imperial family’s taste?”

 

“Oh my, you!”

 

Diana silently applauded Madam Deshu. Thank you, Madam. Your skills lend credibility to this charade. I’ll ask the viscount to give you a raise.

 

As she steeled herself, the commotion outside grew louder. Just as she tilted her head in curiosity, Kayden entered the room. Seeing him arrive much earlier than expected, she widened her eyes.

 

“Your Highness? You’re early.”

 

Kayden seemed equally surprised and asked, “Why are you here so early? I didn’t want to keep you waiting like yesterday.”

 

“There was quite a battle since dawn… But you’re still coming later than me.”

 

“Ah, you’ve beaten me twice now. Feel free to brag about it.”

 

Kayden joked as he sat across from Diana, winking playfully. Despite the casual tone, his exceptional looks made it charming. Diana chuckled lightly and pulled the string to order more refreshments.

 

Once the staff set the table for two and left, Diana spoke quietly, ensuring the door was closed. “Before I came out, the first princess sent an invitation. She wants to have lunch with the Sudsfield family today.”

 

Kayden’s face briefly hardened. He clicked his tongue and replied in a low voice. “I almost lost you. Was my act yesterday that unconvincing?”

 

“I… don’t think so,” Diana sensed the curious stares beyond the glass dome and continued.

 

The fact that both the first princess and the third prince chose members of the same family was intriguing enough. But what people loved even more were rumors about relationships.

 

An illegitimate child turned to Cinderella, winning the heart of the imperial family with a single chance encounter! Such stories could easily spread even among commoners who knew little about the political situation. Currently, in the capital, Kayden and Diana are seen as a ‘pair made by chance and destiny.’ It was a chance for Diana and destiny for Kayden.

 

“Anyway, the reason I wanted to meet today was to show my fervent courtship, fitting for someone who fell in love at first sight.” Kayden smiled as he sipped his tea. “And also, to discuss our marriage in detail, including the private matters between a husband and wife.”

 

Diana, caught off guard, coughed in surprise. She looked at him with a bewildered expression. “Your Highness…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Did we really have to discuss such private matters in such an open place?”

 

“Precisely because it’s open, no one would suspect we’re adjusting the terms of our marriage contract.”

 

“That makes sense, but… Is that really all?”

 

“You got me. I also wanted to see your reaction, Diana.” Kayden smiled mischievously like a boy.

 

Diana sighed and shook her head, laughing. “Alright, I lost. You’re up 2-1. So, what does Your Highness want to do?”

 

“In this regard, I’m completely following your wishes.”

 

“My wishes?”

 

“Yes. How far do you want me to go? Even if we must appear like a loving couple, I won’t touch you if you don’t want me to. There are other ways.”

 

Diana, finding the question difficult, opened and closed her mouth. Marriage implied a certain degree of physical contact. She knew that much and had somewhat prepared herself. But being asked directly was uncomfortable.

 

Finally, she answered honestly. “I don’t really know. I’ve never experienced this before.”

 

“Neither have I. Then… it’s better to find out now.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

As Diana asked in confusion, Kayden slowly reached out and held her hand. He interlaced their fingers and asked seriously,

 

“How about this? If you dislike it, tell me.”

 

“…It’s okay.”

 

Diana tried to keep her fingers from twitching and answered. Initially surprised, she decided to see it as an experiment, especially since Kayden seemed sincere.

 

“Holding hands is okay.”

 

Kayden mumbled and moved closer to her side, blocking the view of onlookers. He lightly touched her earlobe and the nape of her neck. “And this?”

 

Diana almost let out a moan but held her breath. It wasn’t an intimate area, but it felt strangely ticklish. Am I really that ticklish?

 

She nodded to show it was okay, though it felt odd. It wasn’t unpleasant.

 

Diana had never disliked Kayden, even when under Rebecca. He was someone she wanted to avoid, not someone she hated.

 

Kayden’s eyes softened further. He leaned in with a playful grin on his face. “Can I kiss you, then?”

 

Diana blinked at his face, now inches away. His well-sculpted features made it seem unreal.

 

When she didn’t respond, Kayden, feeling awkward, straightened and spoke in a disappointed tone. “If you don’t want to, just say so. I didn’t plan to do it here…”

 

“It’s not that I dislike it.”

 

“…What?” Kayden widened his eyes, thinking he misheard.

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