Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 128: A prince ransom(2)

Alpheo leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Unfortunately, Sir Marwoit," he said in a casual tone, "that arrangement may not be possible. The princess is already betrothed."

The knight's brow shot up in surprise, his shock clear. "Betrothed?" he repeated, his voice cracking a bit "My apologies, I had no knowledge of such an arrangement. Still," he continued, regaining his composure, "I believe Prince Sorza would make a far more fitting match for her—better than any ordinary lord serving your grace , I'd say." His tone held a subtle challenge, clearly attempting to steer the conversation in his favor.

Alpheo, unfazed, chuckled softly. "Ah, but you're talking to the man right now." He gestured casually toward himself, his voice carrying a smooth confidence that immediately baffled the men

The knight blinked, his expression shifting to one of utter confusion. He glanced between Jasmine and Alpheo, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to reconcile the words he had just heard. "How..." Marwoit finally sputtered, his voice thick with disbelief. "How could a royal... mingle with such common rabble?"

Sir Marwoit, still clearly rattled by the revelation, leaned forward, trying to regain his composure. "Your Highness," he said, turning his focus entirely on Jasmine, "I urge you to reconsider. A union with Prince Sorza would elevate both our princedoms. You would have a royal by your side, not some—"

But before he could finish, Lord Shahab finally had enough. He slammed his hand down on the table, the sharp sound echoing through the room. "Enough!" Shahab's voice boomed, cutting through the tension like a blade. His eyes, sharp and unforgiving, fixed on Sir Marwoit. "Do not dishonor the betrothed of my liege with such reckless words. This matter is settled!"

The room fell into a stunned silence. Sir Marwoit, swallowed his retort, finally shutting his mouth. He glanced at Jasmine, who looked relieved that the confrontation had been diffused, and then at Alpheo, whose expression remained impassive but with a flicker of triumph behind his eyes.