8 Soulmates

She nodded, taking notes of what the duchess said. Duchess Vienna continued rambling on, and the more she got to know her, the more Asteria could see how she was identical to her.

They both have the same funky attitude, sassy, dedicated to getting what they want, and want their freedom always.

It's almost like they're the same souls.

She cleared her throat, "Forgive me for the asking, but how did you agree to be with the duke if you don't like the idea of marriage?"

At that question, the duchess blushed, "Well, sort off. My journey with the duke was long and hard. We've faced a lot of difficulties."

She nodded, finding their relationship cute. She could see how happy Duchess Vienna was with Duke Raziel and how her face glowed.

You could judge a relationship's status by merely looking at the woman's face. In Duchess Vienna's case, she seems contented and happy with her husband.

And Princess Asteria couldn't help but feel jealous a bit. Knowing she's not even really meant for this world…

She smiled at the duchess, "I could see that you two are a good match. I hope I get to find a man like the duke and have a great relationship like you two have."

Duchess Vienna chuckled happily and winked, "Then I'll make sure to visit now and then and be happy to be your guide."

Just then, the door opened, and Duke Raziel came. He looked at his wife and sighed, "Did you scare the princess off?" He bowed at the princess, "Forgive me; she's always like that."

"No, the duchess was very entertaining to talk to," Asteria said, then continued, "I was going to question you on when will you two have a baby?" She asked without thinking but stopped.

Oh. She's in this novel. This is a sensitive matter for a husband and wife. She shouldn't have asked that!

She expected they would burst out angry, but instead, silence came as she could see the two of them blushing. They must not have talked about this yet…

The Duke clicked his throat, making eye contact with his wife as he answered, "Soon. We're...already planning on it."

Duchess Vienna widened her eyes at him as if giving him a signal, but it only made the duke smirk for more.

Asteria smirked, looking at them, imagining what would happen to these two love birds when they got home. They will indeed have some playtime…she giggled, raising her eyebrows playfully.

Duchess Vienna stood up, "My husband must have drunk a lot of wine. We'll retire for the night."

"Huh? I don't think so-"

She gave him a long glare, "No, you are drunk; it's time to sleep."

Duke Raziel immediately dropped his protests and nodded, letting his wife win.

You could see who has the upper hand in their relationship, yet the Duke loves it.

"See you next time. It was fun talking to you, your highness." The duchess said while winking, "And good luck on your wedding! I hope you'll consider Prince Griffith as it will make our kingdoms' closer' than ever." She giggled and then grabbed her husband's arms and closed the door, leaving her alone now.

Asteria stared into space. What now?

She's tempted to not even return to that anxiety-filled space they call banquet hall…

Alright, that's it. I'll be going to my room now.

As soon as she got outside, she saw Prince Griffith himself, the prince that Duchess Vienna was talking about.

He looked at her for a moment with a stoic expression, then gently bowed at her, "Princess."He greeted.

She bit her lip, wanting to talk to him for a bit. Since she was shy a bit earlier, she mustered the courage to maintain a completely neutral expression, "Prince Griffith, I believe."

He nodded, "Yes, your highness." She raised her eyebrows, eyeing him up and down as she wanted to intimidate him. More like a test of how he'll respond…

"Hmm…you came here for my hand, right?"

"Yes, I believe I am." He responded.

She looked carefully at his expression, seeing his eyes shine with determination. She nodded, somehow taking it as he passed her mini-test.

"Alright. Then do your best to convince my father."

"I will do my best to keep up to your expectations, your highness. And to, of course, win your heart." He flashed a smile showcasing his handsomeness, making Princess Asteria rooted to the ground.

Goodness. I guess this is an advantage in transmigrating in this novel—more chance to look at handsome guys almost everywhere.

"Smiling suits you. You should smile more," She said, then bit her lip, realizing the words came out of her mouth without thinking.

But instead of blushing, she noticed a tinge of his cheeks flushing red, and she smirked, knowing that had an effect on him.

Prince Griffith cleared his throat, "Thank you, your highness."

He said in a clear voice, but she couldn't miss the part about how his voice shook a bit.

Feeling a bit giddy at his reaction, she turned around and left him, ""hen, please excuse me, I'll have to return to the hall."

His voice stopped her, "Wait!"

"What??"

"Your father sent me here to escort you back to the hall." She felt a bit disappointed at that, expecting him to say something…

But then she tried to play it off and crack a joke, "" ddon'tremember my father having that much power to send a crown prince from a powerful kingdom to me as an escort.""

He just smiled silently and walked beside her quietly.

The walk back to the banquet hall is anticlimactic as they both part ways. She could sense him stealing glances at her every now and then but would just stay silent.

Not long enough, she was back in her seat in front, where her father urged her to accept all the gifts.

The first one in question was Prince Griffith himself, who gave a box of pieces of jewelry to her.

Since she's taken advantage of being spoiled by the king all throughout, this mere jewelry didn't impress her.

The next in line was Prince Galician from the Warkinless Kingdom. Vale of the Warriors.

Since the novel is still ongoing, she's not sure why is she in contact with him to this day? What's more, he's the dark horse prince who was supposed to be courting the female lead…

The same prince that should be courting the female lead right now.

Yet here he is with a bright smile on his face.

"Here's my gift for you princess."

The second lead Prince Galician handed them a box, and she instantly opened it to see a golden bow and an arrow.

Princess Asteria's eyes instantly brightened at sight.

No one gifted her that thing! She couldn't help herself from grabbing the gift and couldn't wait to try it out!

"How was your stay here, Prince Galician?" Asked her father, the king, stealing Prince GGalician'sattention.

Prince Galician bowed. "I am loving it so far, your highness. Such beautiful country with beautiful sights and…""And his eyes swept to hers, "Such beauties you have here."

Her father, King Xander, chuckled loudly. "Ha ha! I am happy you are enjoying it. I hold great pride in my country and in my daughter's beauty. You can stay more if you want.""

Princess Asteria scoffed, not impressed by this. But judging by the way her father and Prince Galician talk, he might have already taken his pick for her future husband…

A clearing of throat broke away her thoughts, and she saw Prince GGalician'shand was already stretched in front of him with a question, "May I dance with you, Princess?""

She raised her eyebrows at him, "No?"

The king paused, and she could see her maid from the side giving her a look. Prince Galician just played it off and smiled.

"Again, can I-""

""Do you not understand the word no?"

A voice from behind her stopped. Princess Asteria saw her brother, Apollo putting his hand on her shoulder protectively, "If the princess answers you no, then let her say no.""

"Brother!" She exclaimed happily.

William, the chancellor, cleared his throat to announce her brother's arrival. "Presenting, Crown Prince Apollo Dutroux.""

Prince Galician cleared his throat to recover from the embarrassment and nodded.

"Alright, if that is what the princess wishes,""He said before withdrawing and leaving them alone.

Crown Prince Apollo, the male lead, smiled at her, "How are you, sister? Are they making you uncomfortable?"

Princess Asteria shrugged, "A little bit. I want to leave here, brother.""

He nodded. "You can. I'll go and distract father."

Princess Asteria grinned as she waited for her father to get distracted by her brother and left the hall to her room to retire for the night.