Chapter 7: Isla Arundel

The morning felt surreal to Selene. It was rare for Damian to be in the castle during breakfast, let alone sitting across from her at the dining table. Usually, if he were home at all, he remained sequestered in his study or his private chambers. Selene had long since stopped trying to bridge the distance; she realized that anything she did was merely an irritation to him. The scars on her heart now held her back, keeping her from reaching out.

"…Grandmother and Mother will be arriving later," Damian said, placing his spoon down.

Selene looked at him briefly. "Did you inform them that I am still in recovery?"

"That is exactly why they wish to see you," Damian replied calmly.

Selene took a breath and nodded. "Very well."

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Damian spoke again.

"I will be sleeping in your room tonight."

Selene froze. Her heart rebelled against the idea. She was terrified that if she let him close, her resolve would weaken and her plans to escape would vanish.

"You don't have to do that. There is no need to follow what Grandmother and Mother want. Sleep in your own room," she said coldly.

"This is my wish," Damian answered firmly.

Selene met his eyes, a mocking, thin smile playing on her lips. "In that case, why don't we just sleep in your room instead?"

Damian's gaze sharpened. "Is that what you want?"

"It just so happens that I don't feel quite special enough to sleep in my own room," Selene remarked, the memory of Vivian being allowed into his private space flashing through her mind.

Damian nodded. "Fine. We will sleep in my room tonight."

Selene was nearly at a loss for words. For years, even standing in front of his door could trigger his temper. He had always guarded that room as a personal sanctuary. It seemed everything was suspiciously easy now.

"Alright. I am going out for a while. I will return before dinner. We shall eat together," Damian said, before taking his leave.

Selene watched his back until he disappeared. His plate was clean—as always, Damian had finished his meal, a small sign that he respected her culinary efforts.

-

By afternoon, Selene was in her room.

The doctor who had been summoned bowed respectfully. "I am only here to ensure your condition is stable, ma'am."

"I am fine. I have taken the medicine and followed your advice," Selene said firmly.

"After a miscarriage—"

"There is no need. Just report that I have recovered," Selene interrupted icily. Her body recoiled at the thought of such an examination. The doctor bowed his head and withdrew.

As soon as the door closed, Ivan entered, carrying a brown envelope.

"These are all your documents, including your new identification and travel tickets. Since you will be traveling by train, everything is prepared," Ivan said, placing the envelope on the desk.

Selene opened it. Inside was a new identity under her mother's maiden name, Isla Arundel. The Arundels were a minor baronial family that had gone extinct before she was born. Her father, Count Moreau, had seized their assets without a second thought, never considering that Selene was the rightful heir to that legacy.

Her eyes stopped on a card engraved with a familiar crest.

"What is this?" she asked.

"If you ever need a guard or urgent assistance, go to this address. This guild has branches across the continent," Ivan explained calmly.

Selene was stunned. "How did you get your hands on this?"

"An old acquaintance. This card will ensure you are prioritized," Ivan replied.

Selene suppressed a bitter smile. "This is too much..."

"No. I only want you to be safe. Especially being alone in a foreign land," Ivan said.

He then handed her a passbook. "All your funds have been transferred here. I sold half of your shares, so you will not want for anything. Dividends will be deposited monthly."

Selene swallowed hard. "It's far too much..."

"It belongs to you," Ivan answered sincerely.

Selene gripped the passbook tightly. "If only you didn't work for Damian..."

"I truly wish I could go with you," Ivan admitted.

"But the family contract binds your loyalty to the Duke," Selene said softly.

"As long as you are happy, my lady. Until we meet again," Ivan replied, bowing low.

Selene nodded.

"By the way... do you still intend to go to that land?" Ivan asked cautiously.

"It is my mother's inheritance. I don't know why she owned it," Selene replied.

"Was she originally from there?"

Selene shook her head. The documents had been handed in by her mother's maid just before she was driven out. The maid died a month later. There was no one left to ask.

Ivan nodded. "Perhaps she purchased it long ago."

"Perhaps. I will see for myself. If it isn't suitable, I will find somewhere else," Selene said with resolve.

"Understood, my lady. I shall take my leave. There are still other matters to settle."