Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 299

Chapter 299: Princess in need VI

Aiden’s Insight revealed more—Lirael’s deep, unspoken resentment toward her family. They had been pushing her to marry a close family heir, an alliance that would only strengthen the Augustus family’s control over her. But Lirael had no desire to be shackled by such a fate. She sought freedom, the ability to rule on her own terms. It was this inner conflict, this desire for autonomy, that made her vulnerable to Aiden’s offer. She wanted power, but not at the cost of her freedom.

Aiden’s eyes gleamed with understanding. Lirael didn’t need him to seize the throne. She could do that herself. What she needed was a way out, a solution that wouldn’t tie her to the Augustus family or force her into a marriage of convenience. And that was where Aiden could step in—offering her the means to claim her destiny without being bound by the expectations of her family.

‘She doesn’t trust me yet,’ he thought, ‘but she’ll soon realize I’m her best option. She’ll see me as the escape she’s been longing for.’

The thought was tantalizing. Aiden enjoyed this game, the delicate balance of manipulation and charm, the challenge of earning her trust without revealing his true motives. He relished the fact that Lirael was not some weak, naïve princess but a powerful force in her own right. It made winning her over all the more satisfying.

‘She could have attacked me already,’ Aiden acknowledged inwardly, respecting her restraint. ‘But she didn’t, which means I still have a chance.’

With his plan set in motion, Aiden watched as Lirael disappeared into the mist, her mind likely swirling with thoughts of his offer. He was confident that, with time, she would come to see things his way. He would be her key to freedom, her partner in conquering the kingdom, and together, they would stand above all others.

And as for the Augustus family, Aiden had plans for them too. They would either bow to him or be crushed

The next morning,

Aiden sat calmly in his temporary residence, a luxurious yet modest estate he has booked for his stay here. The soft glow of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm light across the room. He had anticipated this meeting all night, knowing Princess Lirael would come to him once the weight of his offer settled in her mind.

He had made sure everything was in order—the place was spotless, elegant, but not overly grand, keeping the atmosphere just right for a diplomatic encounter. Aiden wanted to appear respectful, as someone worthy of the princess’s attention, but not too eager.

A knock on the door broke the silence, and Aiden smiled to himself. ‘Right on time,’ he thought.

“Enter,” he said aloud, his voice calm yet commanding.

The door opened, and in stepped Lirael, her presence as commanding as the night before. She was dressed in her royal attire, but there was a subtle difference today—something about her bearing was more resolute, more determined. Her veil was still in place, but Aiden could sense her sharp gaze behind it, measuring him, analyzing every move he made.

“Aiden,” she said, her voice smooth yet cold, “you made quite the offer last night. I’ve come to see if your words hold weight or if you’re merely toying with me.” She moved closer, her robes swishing softly across the floor as she approached him.

Aiden stood up to greet her, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Princess Lirael, I would never waste your time. I meant every word I said.” He gestured for her to sit, offering her the finest seat in the room, though she chose to stand instead, her eyes never leaving him.

“You say you have fallen for me,” Lirael said, her tone skeptical, “but I sense there’s more to your intentions.”

Aiden chuckled softly. “You are not wrong. There is more to it. But my admiration for you is genuine. I see strength in you, a strength this kingdom needs. Together, we can elevate it beyond what it is now.”

Lirael crossed her arms, her posture guarded. “And what do you gain from this, Aiden? Surely, you don’t believe I’ll hand over power to you so easily.”

Aiden leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. “I gain nothing without your cooperation, Princess. My goal is simple—to help you claim what is rightfully yours. This kingdom is in decay, ruled by a king who has abandoned his people. You and I both know that under your leadership, it could thrive. But you need an ally, someone who shares your vision and who can stand with you against the forces that seek to control you.”

Lirael remained silent, her eyes narrowing as she weighed his words. The tension in the room was palpable, but Aiden remained calm, knowing this was a crucial moment.

“You offer me power,” she said after a long pause, “but at what cost?”

Aiden smiled again, this time more warmly. “The cost is simple—our alliance. I will stand beside you, not as a puppet or a mere pawn, but as your equal. Together, we can rule this kingdom, and through our union, we will secure its future. I will not take the throne from you, Lirael. I will share it.”

The princess’s posture relaxed slightly, though her guard was far from down. “You speak of equality,” she said softly, “yet men like you often seek only domination.”

Aiden stood now, walking over to her slowly but deliberately. “Perhaps,” he said, his voice lowering, “but I see no point in dominating someone as powerful as you. You are not a woman to be controlled. You are someone to be respected, admired… and followed.”

Lirael’s gaze softened, just a fraction. Aiden could tell that his words were starting to reach her. She uncrossed her arms, though her expression remained guarded.

“I’ll consider your proposal,” she said after a pause, her voice firm. “But know this, Aiden—I will not be played. If I sense any betrayal, I will kill you myself.”

Aiden’s grin widened slightly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Princess.”

With that, Lirael turned on her heel, her robes trailing behind her as she moved toward the door. But before leaving, she glanced back at him, her eyes briefly softening beneath her veil.

“Tomorrow,” she said, “we will see if you truly mean what you say.”