Two-Faced Princess - Chapter 292
“Have you been taking your medicine? You haven’t forgotten about me because of any memory issues, have you?”
He made a rare joke. On any other day, she might have found it endearing, but today she felt differently. The words passed on by Evangeline, or rather the woman she met in Lysan, haunted her.
“It’s merely a mild memory suppressant. I stopped taking it, sensing your disapproval.”
Her response was dry, to which Paris chuckled, albeit somewhat awkwardly.
“I have a gift for you.”
He was holding something. As Amoretta lifted her gaze, he slightly tilted his head and offered a warm smile. It was as captivating as the first time they met.
“It’s a necklace I thought might suit you.”
Opening his hand, an opulent platinum chain was revealed. Embedded at its center was a finely crafted gem.
“Finding a diamond this transparent would be challenging, even in the Eden market.”
He gently put the necklace around her, almost caressing her as he did. She managed a feeble smile in response.
“Where did you get this?”
“The Duke of Fortrus sent it as a congratulatory gift upon hearing of my coronation. He also sent several other valuable items.”
A weight settled in Amoretta’s heart. The coincidence of Paris mentioning the same name Evangeline had was hard to ignore.
She thought back to her sole encounter with the Duke of Fortrus. His face wasn’t vivid in her memory. What she did recall was a fleeting yet intensely desirous gaze.
Being accustomed to the advances of men, she had initially brushed off that encounter. However, the unsettling hunger in his gaze occasionally resurfaced in her memories, chilling her to the bone.
“Why the long face?”
Paris asked, scrutinizing her. His graceful nose, prominent jawline, and those tender eyes met hers. She desperately wanted to believe those eyes held genuine love, irrespective of his true nature. The hope in their love was what had kept her going.
“It looks lovely on you.”
However, after hearing Evangeline’s words and now wearing an item gifted by the Duke of Fortrus, maintaining that hope became increasingly difficult. She felt an urgent need to reconcile her feelings and the swirling doubts.
“When someone receives everything they desire, their true face is often revealed.”
She was reminded of Evangeline’s words. Evangeline had urged Amoretta to test Paris and determine the truth for herself.
It seemed like sound advice.
“Your Highness.”
As Amoretta was about to speak, Paris seemed to recall something suddenly and spoke up.
“How is that medicine you mentioned last time coming along?”
“Pardon?”
He smiled and gently took Amoretta’s hand. While it felt soft, there was an undeniable pressure.
“The medicine that grants permanent royal eyes. You said a few days ago that it might be possible. So, by now…”
Impatience flashed across his gentle smile.
“Promise to give him what he asks for, then observe his actions.”
Evangeline’s words echoed again in Amoretta’s mind, prompting her to sigh internally.
“If it’s not ready yet, I can wait a bit longer.”
“I’ve made it.”
Ultimately, Amoretta decided to heed Evangeline’s advice.
Of course, she wasn’t lying. Amoretta had already succeeded in creating the medicine Paris desired a long time ago. Although crafting a potion that permanently bestows the rare golden eyes was a complex enchantment, her persistent research had allowed her to identify all the essential components.
“Is that true?”
Paris bestowed upon her the brightest smile she’d ever seen from him. It was the kind of smile that momentarily made her forget the mistreatment he’d inflicted upon his servants and maids.
“I’ve made it, but… for it to achieve its full efficacy, we might need to wait a few more days.”
Amoretta quickly added. With the doubts that had started lurking in her heart, it felt crucial to buy more time.
“That’s good to hear.”
Paris pulled her into a tight embrace. The warmth from him instilled a glimmer of hope in Amoretta.
“My love, truly, there is no one else but you for me.”
His voice whispered sweetly in her ear, making it hard for Amoretta to discern whether his words were honey or poison.
“Do you have the medicine with you?”
Paris’s soft voice tickled her ear. Loosening one arm from around her, he took her hand and inquired.
“… It’s in my room, on the table. The bottle on the far right.”
She lied. The time wasn’t right. However, she planned to hand over the genuine potion only after fully ascertaining Paris’s intentions. Joy lit up his face.
“Thank you, Amoretta.”
Gently, he pressed his lips to her forehead. As she looked up, his eyes, filled with love, met hers.
Hope swelled within Amoretta. Perhaps Paris was merely feeling insecure. Upon receiving the desired potion, he might no longer need to mistreat anyone. As he gazed deeply into Amoretta’s eyes, it was clear that he was genuinely in love with her.
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