Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 74

Chapter 74: Brothers

I feel overwhelmed.

Sleep refused to come. Richard’s body was exhausted, but his heart and mind were restless. Eventually, he gave up on trying to rest and got out of bed, pacing the room.

I feel like my world started revolving around her. He stopped by the window, gazing out at the academy grounds bathed in moonlight. She even appears in my dreams.

Somewhere across campus, Ahcehera was probably sleeping soundly, unbothered by the chaos she’d stirred in him.

Richard sighed heavily, leaning against the window frame. “You drive me crazy, Princess,” he muttered.

The night stretched on, and Richard remained awake, torn between his feelings and his fears. But am I worthy?

One thing was clear, Ahcehera had become an enigma he couldn’t ignore, and no matter how much he tried to push her out of his mind, she had already taken root in his heart.

–

The next morning, Richard was summoned to the Agartha base. The message had come through official channels, bearing Richmond’s insignia, and left no room for argument.

His brother rarely called for him directly, and the formal tone of the letter only added to the weight of the request.

A soldier under Richmond’s command arrived promptly to escort him from the academy. Richard followed without complaint, his thoughts racing.

Richmond was not one to waste time or words, so whatever this was about had to be serious.

The journey to the base was quiet, the soldier offering little more than polite nods and the occasional glance to ensure Richard was following.

Richard appreciated the silence. It gave him time to brace himself for whatever awaited him.

When they reached Richmond’s office, Richard was standing in front of the massive door, feeling the pressure of his brother’s might. He inhaled deeply before entering.

Richmond was seated behind his desk, his cold, calculated demeanor as impenetrable as ever. His piercing gaze met Richard’s the moment the door closed.

“You wanted to see me, Brother?” Richard began, his tone carefully neutral.

Richmond leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Sit,” he commanded, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk.

Richard complied, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. What is this all about? He’s giving me a weird feeling.

For a moment, Richmond said nothing, his eyes scrutinizing his younger brother as if searching for answers in his expression. Finally, he spoke.

“I heard about the engagement,” Richmond said, his voice even, yet laced with something Richard couldn’t quite place.

Richard tensed. Of course, Richmond would have heard about it.

News of the royal engagement had spread like wildfire, and as a major general, Richmond likely had access to every piece of gossip circulating within their ranks.

“I assume you have something to say about it?” Richard replied, keeping his voice calm despite the storm brewing inside him.

Richmond’s eyes narrowed. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Richard.”

Richard’s jaw tightened. “If you’re implying that I’m unfit to be her fiancé, say it outright, Brother.”

“This isn’t about your fitness,” Richmond countered, his voice sharp. “It’s about your intentions.”

Richard’s fists clenched. “My intentions are none of your concern.”

“They are when they involve her.” Richmond’s tone was ice-cold now, his gaze unwavering.

“Do you understand what you’re walking into? Ahcehera Bloodstone isn’t just any woman. She’s the princess, and more importantly, she’s tied to powers you can’t even begin to comprehend.”

Richard’s eyes flared with defiance. “I understand more than you think. And I don’t need your approval to marry her, Brother.”

Richmond leaned forward, his expression darkening. “This isn’t about approval, Richard. It’s about survival. Yours, hers, and this kingdom’s.”

The air was thick with the enormity of his brother’s remarks. The tension between them flared like a live wire for a minute, and neither of them spoke.

I need to work harder. Finally, Richard broke the silence. “Is that why you called me here? To lecture me about my engagement?”

Richmond’s eyes softened ever so slightly, a flicker of something akin to concern breaking through his icy facade.

“No,” he admitted. “I called you here to warn you. Be careful, Richard. There are forces at play that neither of us fully understands. And if you’re not prepared for what’s coming, you’ll put more than just yourself in danger.”

Richard met his brother’s gaze, his resolve hardening. “I’ll take my chances.”

Richmond sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You always were stubborn,” he muttered. “Just… don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Not when it comes to her.”

With that, Richmond dismissed him, leaving Richard to ponder his brother’s cryptic warning as he made his way back to the academy.

As the heavy doors to Richmond’s office closed behind him, Richard’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. The air outside the room felt lighter, but his mind was far from at ease.

“I knew it,” he murmured under his breath, his voice laced with quiet defiance. “There are forces at play, forces that keep trying to separate me from her.”

He walked briskly down the hall, his boots echoing against the polished floor as if punctuating the thoughts racing through his mind.

Richmond’s words hadn’t fazed him as much as his brother might have hoped. Instead, they confirmed something Richard had suspected for a while now, this wasn’t just about him or Ahcehera.

There were larger forces at work, hidden hands pulling invisible strings to drive a wedge between them. But why? And for whose benefit?

The smirk on his face deepened as he stepped outside into the brisk air of the base. Richmond’s warning only fueled the fire in his heart.

He didn’t care about ancient powers, mysterious threats, or even the kingdom’s political games. I just need to stand beside her.

If there was one thing Richard knew for certain, it was that his bond with Ahcehera was unshakable, and he would fight tooth and nail to keep it that way.

He paused for a moment, staring up at the sky as the wind tousled his dark hair.

“If they think they can keep us apart, they’re sorely mistaken,” he whispered, his tone dark and resolute. “I’ve faced worse than this. And if they want a fight, I’ll give them one.”

With that, he made his way back to the academy, the faint remnants of his smile fading into a mask of determination.

Whatever game was being played, Richard was ready to flip the board.