로그인Serene’s POVThe floorboards creaked under my feet as I pushed open the door to my father’s old study. A heavy blanket of dust hung in the air, and the room smelled strongly of old books and ink. It was a smell that felt both completely strange and intimately familiar.The bookshelves were several heads taller than me, and I had to tilt my head all the way up just to get a good look at them. I was amazed by how all the shelves were packed to the brim with books and scrolls. I dragged a ladder across the floor, setting its iron wheels against one of the shelves.“There has to be something here that can point me to my family’s execution,” I muttered to myself and rolled up my sleeves with determination.I took a deep breath and climbed the ladder, examining each of the books, but they all had long and boring titles. ‘History of the Southern Provinces.’‘The holy tome of military stratagem for kingdoms.’‘How to train your body and mind to resist poisonous substances.’Almost every si
Lucas POV He offered a placating smile and then bowed. “It might be wise to hear what she has to say and send her on her way if it doesn’t interest you.”I stared at James, furious that he was right. Starting another battle was the last thing I needed right now, even when every instinct I possessed screamed at me to throw the entire Brandon family into the dungeon."Fine," I growled, adjusting the collar of my shirt. "Inform Lady Eloisa that I will meet her in the glass gazebo in five minutes.”"R-Right away, Your Majesty!" the attendant squeaked before scrambling out the door.******The gardens smelled of wild roses and hydrangeas; it was a powerful combination but somehow soothed me. I was sitting inside the glass gazebo, my arms crossed tightly over my chest while I tapped my boot impatiently against the floor.Eloisa was sitting across from me, her eyes searching my face as if it held the answer to what she was looking for. Five minutes had passed in silence, and I was beginni
Lucas POVThe endless stack of papers on my desk seemed to double in size with every breath I took.I leaned back in my armchair, rubbing my thumb and forefinger against the bridge of my nose, trying to dull the throbbing ache behind my eyes. The rays of sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating floating dust motes and the annoying rustle of paper coming from across the room."At eight in the evening, Your Majesty, the orchestra will commence the opening waltz in the ballroom," Lord James droned on while holding a long scroll of parchment. He adjusted his spectacles and continued reading. "Following the opening dance, the head steward recommends a three-course meal presented to the noble houses, after which the young ladies of the high court will be presented to you for the birthday dance-""Cancel the orchestra," I interrupted, not looking up from the map I was reading. "And cut the presentations in half."James paused, lowering his scroll with a theatrical sigh. "Your Ma
Serene’s POV My breath caught in my throat. "Lucas...?""He was out of his mind with worry the moment you passed through the palace gates," Killian explained, pulling out a drawstring purse that clinked with the unmistakable sound of coins. "He knew you wouldn't accept it, so he ordered me to follow you from a distance, ensure you arrived in Oakhaven safely, and give you this."He held out the purse to me.I stared at the bag and shook my head. "I can't take that, Killian. His Majesty already granted me my wages and a travel stipend. I don't need any more.""Serene, listen to me," Killian said, his voice turning stern as he forcibly pressed the purse into my hands. "This isn't 'charity,’ and in case you don’t know, starting a new life costs money. Plus, he nearly lost his mind worrying if you have enough to eat or a bed to sleep in."Killian gave my fingers a firm squeeze, closing my hand over the purse. "Accept it. If I go back to the capital and tell him you refused, he will march
Serene’s POVI stepped down onto the road, pulling my hood lower over my face, and took a deep breath.The moment my slippers touched the ground of Oakhaven, a strange sense of familiarity vibrated through my chest.I walked down the main village, my heart hammering against my ribs. Everyone was either busy attending to their stalls or walking briskly without sparing a glance in my direction.My eyes scanned everyone, landing on a silver-haired woman stepping out of a bakery with a basket in hand. She had a smile on her face and looked more approachable than others.I smoothed down my skirts and stepped toward her. "Excuse me, ma'am?"The woman turned in my direction, and I pushed the hood away from my face. “I wanted to ask if-”“By the heavens,” the woman gasped, one of her hands flying to cover her mouth. "Serene… is that you?"My jaw dropped slightly. "You... you know my name?""Know your name?” She took two steps forward, reaching out with trembling fingers to touch my shoulder,
Eloisa’s POV I turned and walked away from the archery grounds, heading towards the house. I could still feel everyone staring at me from behind, but I kept my head held high, refusing to let my composure crumble in front of them.When I finally pushed open the door to my room, I locked it firmly behind me.The silence of the room wrapped around me and I walked over to the vanity mirror near the balcony, staring at my reflection. I raised a trembling hand, gripping the edge of the vanity until my knuckles turned white and forcing down the bitter tears threatening to sting my eyes.“I am Eloisa Brandon,” I told myself, staring fiercely at my reflection. “And I will not cry over anyone… I will not.”Suddenly, three sharp knocks rattled the door."Lady Eloisa!" a voice gasped out from the hallway. It was my personal maid, Moira, and she sounded like she had been running. "Lady Eloisa, please open up! I have news from the royal palace!"I straightened my spine, instantly pushing the weak







