The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 484: Niran’s Guilt

One afternoon, Raul took her to a bustling market, weaving through the vibrant stalls filled with trinkets, exotic spices, and colorful fabrics. He bought her a delicate bracelet adorned with small charms. "A token of our time together," he said, his smile so genuine that it left her breathless.

Another day, they visited a quaint garden just outside the palace walls. Raul surprised her by rolling up his sleeves and picking wildflowers for her, his royal demeanor momentarily replaced by a carefree boyish charm. Niran couldn’t help but laugh when he accidentally toppled into a flower bed, his princely composure completely shattered.

At sunset, they strolled along the beach where they’d first shared their playful water fight. Raul seemed more relaxed around her with each passing day.

During a quiet moment, as they watched the waves kiss the shore, he turned to her, his expression soft but earnest.

"Niran," he began, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’ve been by my side for weeks now, and I feel closer to you than I ever have to anyone." He paused, his voice growing lighter yet filled with meaning. "I think it’s time you stop calling me ’Your Highness.’"

She blinked, caught off guard. "But... it’s proper," she replied hesitantly.

Raul chuckled and gently tilted her chin up so their eyes met. "Proper is for court. Between us, I want something more real. Call me Raul."

Her heart raced at his words, and she felt the walls she had so carefully constructed around her resolve begin to crack.

"Raul," she finally said, the name foreign yet intimate on her lips.

He smiled at her, a look of pure satisfaction lighting his features. "That’s better."

As they continued to walk along the shore, Niran felt torn between the growing warmth in her heart and the cold reality of her hidden intentions. Raul made it so easy to forget her purpose... but deep down, she knew the truth wouldn’t stay buried forever.

"The King and Queen will arrive in two days, and we’ll be attending the gatherings together," Raul informed her with a warm smile.

Niran felt her stomach twist, her forced smile faltering for a brief moment. Raul’s gaze sharpened, his eyes scanning her face. "What’s wrong? You’ve gone pale."

"I’m fine," she mumbled, but her words lacked conviction.

Raul frowned, stepping closer to her. His hand cupped her cheek before moving to her forehead. His touch was gentle yet probing, as though he could will away whatever troubled her. "Are you feeling sick?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

The tenderness in his actions, the care in his tone, only deepened the guilt gnawing at her insides. She wanted to confide in him, to tell him the truth. But the thought of revealing her real purpose, the dangerous game she played, sent her into a spiral of doubt.

What if Raul wasn’t the man she thought he was? What if he was an enemy to the throne, a hidden adversary to Princess Mineah, the future Queen of the kingdom? Any misstep could jeopardize everything she had vowed to protect.

Niran forced another smile, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "I’m just a bit tired," she said softly, hoping to put his concern at ease.

But Raul’s worry didn’t fade. He studied her face for a long moment before nodding. "If you’re tired, you should rest. I’ll have someone bring tea to your room."

She nodded quickly, eager to escape the intensity of his gaze. But as he leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her forehead, her chest tightened painfully. She wasn’t just keeping secrets... she was keeping herself from fully embracing the man who had given her his trust and heart.

As Raul turned away to summon a servant, Niran bit her lip hard enough to sting, trying to suppress the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Since she had accepted his proposal, Raul had treated her like a queen. Every moment spent together was filled with gestures of care and affection, lavish gifts, tender words, and his constant attention. He had made it his mission to ensure she wanted for nothing, pampering her in ways that felt almost overwhelming.

But with every act of kindness, Niran’s guilt grew. She felt unworthy of the pedestal Raul had placed her on. The truth she carried in her heart, her hidden motives and divided loyalties, made her feel like an imposter in the life he was so lovingly trying to build with her.

She couldn’t shake the unease that came with every sweet word, every thoughtful gesture.

’Why does he have to be so good to me?’ she thought bitterly, clenching her fists. The more Raul opened his heart, the harder it became to reconcile her feelings for him with her purpose in coming into his life.

When Raul returned with a servant following behind, carrying a tray of tea and light snacks, his expression softened as he approached her.

"Here, Niran," he said, taking the tray himself and setting it down in front of her. "You need to take care of yourself. I’ll handle the preparations for the gatherings. Your well-being is more important to me."

Niran’s chest tightened at his words. She forced a smile and murmured a quiet "Thank you," but inside, her thoughts spiraled.

How can I repay this kindness with lies? she wondered, her heart aching. Raul’s sincerity made her question everything, and for the first time, she didn’t know if she could go through with the role she had chosen to play.

Raul took her hand in his, his fingers warm against her skin as he lifted it to his lips, gently kissing her knuckles. His gaze locked with hers, intense and unwavering, as he murmured, "I want to sleep with you tonight, Niran."

Niran’s breath caught in her throat. She had known this moment would come eventually, but she wasn’t ready. She had felt his advances growing bolder in recent days, and while her heart tugged at the thought of being close to him, she reminded herself of the commitment she had made... not just to him, but to her mission.

Swallowing her nerves, she spoke softly, trying to steady her voice. "Can we do that once we complete the Coupling Rite, at least?" she suggested, her cheeks flushed with both the vulnerability of the request and the weight of her hidden intentions.

Raul let out a soft chuckle, his smile widening. "You’re killing me with this wait," he admitted his tone light but tinged with desire. "But then, I guess... I’ll have to see how far my patience can go."

The words stung her heart more than she expected. She saw the genuine affection in his eyes, and it was hard to reconcile that with the truth of her own feelings and her mission.

She cared for him, deeply, but there was a part of her that was still unsure. And she was determined to stay strong and stick to her plan. For Princess Mineah. For the future of the kingdom with Princess Mineah as their Queen.