𝐑𝐡𝐲𝐤𝐞𝐫 (editing)

royal guardian

C H A P T E R  5

H E M I L I A

"I don't think this is going to work between us," the Prince said to his lover, Princess Flora, who began to cry. Her stunning figure was draped in prestigious clothing befitting her aristocratic status—a golden gown that accentuated her curves, her flawless face framed by sparkling blonde hair, and her tear-filled blue eyes pleading for his attention.

Meanwhile, I found myself hidden behind the bushes, feeling like a reluctant spy observing a breakup unfold. The Prince's attempts at gentleness seemed futile, as if the concept were entirely foreign to him. "Be nice," I hissed into the earpiece, irritated by his callous demeanor. How did someone with such a cruel disposition manage to attract partners?

As the Prince's gaze flickered in my direction, I signaled for him to proceed with the breakup, albeit with less finesse than I had hoped for. "How could you, Your Highness?!" Princess Flora exclaimed hysterically, her distress tugging at my heartstrings.

"I'm sorry?" the Prince replied, his confusion evident. Clearly, he lacked even a basic understanding of romantic gestures.

"I hate you, Your Highness," she declared, tossing aside the flower I had suggested he give her—a cyclamen, of all things. It seemed he had missed the memo on appropriate breakup flowers. Cyclamen symbolized separation, making them a poor choice for couples still together. It was frustrating to witness his insensitivity firsthand.

As I discarded the earpiece in frustration, I couldn't help but mutter softly under my breath. "Bastard," I whispered, unaware that the Prince could hear me through the device.

"You shouldn't throw away something so expensive," a voice whispered in my ear, causing me to startle. I attempted to push the intruder away, but they silenced me with a hand over my mouth. When I finally regained my composure, I found myself face to face with the royal guardian.

I swallowed nervously, apologizing through muffled words as his dangerously handsome presence sent a shiver down my spine. Removing the cigarette from his lips, I tossed it aside, recalling the painful memories associated with smoking.

"Cigarettes are poison," I stated firmly, feeling a surge of frustration at his disregard for the rules.

"Who follows rules nowadays?" he shrugged, seemingly unfazed by the consequences.

"Well, I do," I retorted, though I immediately regretted my bluntness. The royal guardian's laughter caught me off guard, his smile oddly captivating despite the situation.

"Shit! No one's ever called me an idiot before," he chuckled, causing me to groan in embarrassment as I straightened my uniform.

As I turned away, I noticed Prince Rhyker observing us with an unreadable expression. Had he overheard our conversation? It seemed unlikely, unless he possessed some form of extraordinary ability.

"Your Highness, I've been searching for you," the royal guardian exclaimed, breaking the tension.

"I was in the midst of breaking up with someone, with Hemilia's assistance," the Prince explained, gesturing towards the distraught Princess Flora. Though I longed to comfort her, I hesitated, wary of revealing my identity as the lone female trainee physician. Girls often reacted with fear or suspicion towards me, save for my friend Faine.

"You're the young woman who presented on natural herbs, aren't you?" the royal guardian inquired, turning his attention towards me.

Caught off guard by his sudden interest, I could only nod in response, feeling acutely aware of the intense scrutiny from both him and the Prince.