Claire's POVThe sudden turn of events not only shocked me, but even Evans wore a look of astonishment on his face. But just a second later, Evans' expression turned cold, and his gaze toward me became even more intense and menacing. "You...""She already told you, get out of the castle," Hawk interrupted, suddenly brandishing a sharp dagger against Evans' neck from seemingly nowhere."Your Highness actually assigned you to Claire," Evans remarked, surprised at Hawk's intervention."I'm not an object," Hawk replied expressionlessly, but the grip on the dagger tightened instinctively. "I'm giving you five seconds. After that, I'll personally carry your body out of this castle.""Fine," Evans responded, fully aware of Hawk's reputation and determination.After Hawk released him, Evans picked up his fallen hat from the ground, then turned to bow in my direction. "Well then, our lesson ends here for today. See you next time, Claire." Evans spoke as if taunting me.But before I could retal
Claire's POVAs Hawk finished speaking, he rose to his feet alone and vanished before my eyes as if performing a magic trick. It was only then that I belatedly realized that this long day had finally come to an end. I slapped my head in frustration. "Claire, oh Claire, you're still not strong enough to handle these things."Although Hawk had once again resumed his usual invisible state, I felt much safer on the way back to the castle...."Claire, you're finally back. I was just about to send someone out to look for you!" Louis, who had returned to the castle ahead of me, rushed towards me with a look of surprise in his eyes."How was your day? I've informed Alfred that you..."Louis grabbed my hands, but inadvertently pressed on the area where I was injured, causing me to instinctively cry out in pain."What's wrong? Claire?" Louis pulled my hand, pulling up my sleeve in the process.The red marks left on my wrist from the blow of the wooden stick looked particularly alarming."Who d
Claire's POVAnd so, disregarding the presence of the servants in the castle, Louis carried me all the way to the bedroom. Upon entering the bedroom, Louis tossed me onto the soft king-sized bed.Soon, the rustling sound of clothing could be heard by the bedside."Hey, Louis, I think we need to talk, you—"Louis's voice came from the wardrobe, "Let me finish the most important thing first, Claire.""What's the most important thing?"Blushing, I sat up from the comfortable bed, ignoring the soreness in my body.At that moment, Louis emerged from the wardrobe with a first aid kit in hand, and our eyes met."Of course, it's to take care of your wounds, Claire."Louis raised the first aid kit in his hand, his lips curving into a meaningful smile. "What else did you think it was, hmm?""I, I..."Feeling embarrassed, I averted my gaze from Louis's and said, "How could I guess what you were thinking, my dear Prince Louis?!""My lovely little kitten is angry."Louis sat down beside me with a
Claire's POV"So, since you're so eager to learn, it's time for dance lessons, Claire?" Louis slightly leans down, extending his arm towards me in an inviting gesture.I gazed into Louis's deep blue eyes, squinting a little. "You really mean that, huh?""Of course. Serious face, miss." Louis suppresses his smile, deliberately putting on a stern expression. "I'm a strict teacher, you know.""Alright, Mr. Teacher." I shrug, gently placing my hand in Louis's palm. "But I gotta warn you, I have zero experience in dancing. So don't be surprised if I can't keep up with your moves.""Are you serious?" Louis sounds surprised, a hint of confusion in his voice. "I thought dancing was a mandatory class for every noble girl.""Well, for my sister Cathy, it definitely is. After all, she's Dad's favorite daughter. And my stepmother, Rachel, wouldn't allow her daughter to lag behind in activities where she can shine."I thought I'd grown numb to the years of inequality, but as I recount my past of b
Claire's POV"Wake up, little one." In the early morning, Louis's deep voice rouses me from my slumber."Morning, Louis." I rub my bleary eyes, my voice still groggy. "What time is it?""Eight-thirty.""Oh..."The drowsiness overwhelms me again, and I instinctively snuggle up to the man beside me."Can I sleep for another half an hour, please?"It's not that I'm lazy, but yesterday's schedule drained all my energy. First, I practiced self-defense with Hawk all afternoon, then Louis dragged me into two hours of ballroom dancing, and finally, well, let's just say he kept me busy in bed.Fortunately, Louis noticed my exhaustion and reluctantly let me go after one round."Unfortunately, Claire, today is not a day for sleeping in," Louis says, running his fingers through my tousled hair on the pillow before planting a kiss on my forehead. "Come with me somewhere; I have a surprise for you.""A surprise?! I open my eyes wide. "What kind of surprise?"Louis doesn't answer. He wears a mysteri
Maria's POV"What's that noise outside?" I furrow my brow, shooting an impatient glance at the attendant behind me through the mirror. "Do you have other customers in the store today?""Yes, Maria. With Prince Louis's ball approaching, we've had more customers than usual lately. If you don't want to be disturbed, I can arrange for you to move to a quieter suite. What do you think?"Maria, Maria, Maria.I scoff inwardly.Before Liam's death, wherever I went, the staff would clear the area for me. But now, not only has the VIP treatment disappeared, but even the way they address me has changed from "Your Highness" to "Maria."Damn it!Just as I'm about to reprimand the tactless attendant, a sweet voice brings me back to reason. "Mommy, your dress is so beautiful!"Chris rushes into my arms, his face beaming. In an instant, most of my annoyance and anger dissipate."Really, darling?" I kissed Chris's cheek, asking, "When did you wake up? And where's your nanny?""I just woke up."Chris w
Claire's POV"But you missed one thing, Your Highness."I pushed Louis gently with my hand against his chest, "I think this dress might need some resizing.""Hmm?"Louis squints, looking me up and down.When his gaze lingers on my chest, a mischievous smile plays at his lips."My bad. I forgot that my efforts during this period showed significant results.""Louis!"Blushing, I interrupt Louis's teasing.Louis, getting a white eye from me, raises his hands in surrender."Alright, my bad. Let the tailor adjust the size for you.""That's what I thought." I turned to Penny behind me. "Thank you.""You're welcome, miss." Penny's face always wears a sweet smile. "Please follow me."Penny helps me lift my dress and leads me directly from a passage in the VIP suite to the door of the fitting room."This is where we—"Suddenly, a figure bursts out of the door, interrupting Penny's words and nearly knocking me over.Penny grabs my arm and shields me behind her, nervously asking, "Are you okay,
Maria's POV“A perfect evening gown.”After saying this, I snapped my fingers, and my assistant Ashley immediately wheeled in an exquisite and dazzling evening gown.“This dress was originally intended for me to wear to Prince Louis's ball, but I've changed my mind now.”I smiled at Cathy.Her guarded expression melted away completely upon seeing the dazzling silver evening gown, replaced only by envy.“Are you, are you saying you want to give this dress to me?” Cathy blinked, her words stuttering, “But I don't even know your name.”This d.amn foolish girl!I cursed silently in my mind, but maintained a smile on my face, calmly introducing myself to her.“I'm Maria, Liam's wife.”“Oh! So you're the wife of the prince!” Cathy's eyes widened, “I'm really sorry, I, I didn't...”I waved my hand, suppressing my impatience and putting on a smile.“It's fine. I've always kept a low profile, so it's normal for people not to recognize me since I rarely interact with the media.”“Your father is