Brilliant Smile

It had been a week since she had last seen Prince Hunter.

However, the memories of the glare he had given her just before he had left remained fresh in her memories. Lost in the rhythmic crashing of the waves, Cassandra couldn't help but think about the hunting game that he wanted her to attend.

By now, everyone in the Capital had heard about her selection as the Prince's partner. Many women had tried to invite her to a tea party in the past few days trying to get her to talk about the Prince and her opinions about this marriage.

Even her cousin Almera magically brewed some coffee for her just to get her talking.

But what could she say?

The fact that this marriage was happening had already caused a lot of troubles for her own grandfather, as the other families had pressured the old man to decline this engagement. They wanted to protect the pride of the four great families.

How could they allow one of their own to marry someone from the royal family?

Cassandra eyed her grandfather who had been solemn since they had left the mansion. She could see the problems taking their toll on her grandfather. The white strands on his head had doubled just a week after he had heard about Carmichael assaulting the Prince.

Her grandfather had insisted on sending Carmichael back to the gates but Cassandra had firmly opposed the decision. She did not want it to happen at any cost.. Why would she want to send her brother to that place, where demons could easily hunt him?

According to the books, demons could smell Lycans. They were more reactive to Lycans and had the tendency to always attack them first. Because of this, she had suggested making Carmichael the head of the training camps.

How could the old man deny his granddaughter's request? The old man decided to punish his grandson by not allowing him out of the training camps for two months.

"I want to marry the Prince." Cassandra's declaration didn't surprise her grandfather anymore. This wasn't the first time that she had told him this. She bravely met his eyes and gave him a gentle smile.

"I understand," he nodded, his gaze complicated. "The King wants you to live near the prince. He has offered a residence near the palace."

"A residence?"

"Yes. Whatever he is planning… it isn't anything good."

Cassandra lowered her head. She wasn't a royal and she had grown up without the elegance of a noble. But she could understand how complicated the royal palace was.

To be honest, she would rather spend the rest of her life at the gates than in the palace. But what choice did she have?

Her family—her grandfather and brother— were in danger. To keep them safe, she needed to get close to her enemies. "You declined, right?"

"Yes." The old man nodded, his gaze focused on the sea located next to the road that would lead them to the place where the hunting was going to happen. "We have a few residences near the palace. There is no need for such a gift when you haven't even met the king yet."

True. Cassandra had only seen the King once and he had been standing two hundred meters away from her. Cassandra was never the type to attend banquets and was always away from the capital. Therefore, she hadn't personally met the man yet.

Today would be the first time that she would meet him. She lowered her gaze towards her clothes. She was wearing a dark green field shirt tucked into her dark brown pants. She had paired it with comfortable black knee boots and a hunting jacket that matched the color of her pants.

When her grandfather had seen her European hunting outfit, the first thing that he did was cock his eyebrow before saying that most women didn't actually wear something like that to hunting games.

They usually used capes with expensive materials to show off. Of course, he was still glad that she had chosen a comfortable outfit.

She couldn't help but wonder if those capes were actually meant to impress the royal family? Was it some kind of tradition? Because… wearing capes when hunting was somewhat uncomfortable, no?

"Grandfather…" she called him out. "I want to live near the training camps," she said.

The old man frowned. "Why?"

"I haven't seen Carmichael for years. I want to spend some time with him." In fact, she suggested making Carmichael the head of the training camps because she wanted to stay in that place. With Carmichael there, people wouldn't really find it weird when she spent most of her time in that place, right?

The old man only gave her a knowing look before he slowly nodded. "Alright."

"Thank you, grandfather."

Their conversation was interrupted when the car came to a stop. Steve immediately opened the car door for them. Just as expected, their arrival attracted the attention of those nearby. Her grandfather straightened his back and let her hold his arm as the two walked towards the tent where the other four great families were located.

But before they could walk inside, the Prince suddenly appeared in front of them. A gentle smile was on his face as his eyes landed on Cassandra. "Lady Cassandra…" The Prince walked towards her, then he reached out and took her hand, lifting it towards his lips.

"You look dashing as always."

Cassandra wanted to pull her hand away before his cold lips could touch her skin. But It was too late.

Once again, the sparks made their presence.

This time she saw a man drugging her horse. Then she saw herself riding the same horse before it started to turn mad, running around like a crazed maniac until she and the horse fell off a cliff.

Then the visions ended.

Cassandra cursed inwardly. It seemed like this fucking prince was going to try and kill her again!

Good! Very good!

Before the prince could let go of her hand, she reached out towards his face. Her warm fingers touched his cheek as she smiled and said, "Your highness… Your brilliant smile is just what I needed today." She then narrowed the distance between them. She tiptoed and leaned closer towards his ears. Then she added, "Did you miss me?"