MasukBringing the crown of another kingdom was nothing short of a declaration of war.
Cedric’s statement instantly stripped away whatever remaining warmth lingered in the banquet hall.
As an independent kingdom renowned for its military dictatorship, Odiley would never willingly bow beneath the boots of the Hera Empire.
The shadow moved swiftly through the dark bushes at the edge of the garden, causing Selen and Roselyn to bolt upright from their chairs on the porch.Selen moved with sharp efficiency. Refleated from years of surviving on the streets, he instinctively leapt down and gave chase without a second thought."Selen, wait!" Roselyn cried out in panic.Roselyn tried to follow even though her steps were much slower. Her hands instinctively protected her abdomen—still flat, yet now feeling so fragile.Selen’s calls for the guard brought several Northern soldiers on night patrol rushing over from various corners of the garden."Over there! He’s running toward the back wall!" Selen shouted, pointing into the darkness.
Selen offered a faint smile—the first since they had met in the narrow alley of Brenholt. Bit by bit, the stiffness that usually guarded his demeanor began to melt away whenever he faced a woman who never demanded he be someone he was not."Roselyn, why are you so kind to me? We barely just met.""Because I know what it feels like to grow up without the affection we deserve."The brief answer left Selen silent, realizing that the woman before him perhaps understood the wounds he carried better than anyone else.Meanwhile, riding on a separate horse alongside the carriage, Kaelus maintained a vigilant watch, occasionally glancing toward the carriage window to ensure Roselyn was all right."Aside from making me the head of the family, does my mother have any other reason for seeking me out?" Selen asked, wringing his fingers nervously."I don't know, Selen. We will find out soon enough.""Though... the Grand Duke already explained part of it."Roselyn turned her head, slightly surprised
Though the guard's shout about Emperor Cedric’s warship was still ringing in everyone's ears, Kaelus merely raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to remain calm."We won't wait around for that ship to dock." The Grand Duke made his decision in a matter of seconds."Grand Duke, wouldn't it be better to face them right now?" Eden asked."No, Eden. There is far too much to lose if we force a fight here."The shadow knight nodded, not doubting his master's judgment for a single second. "We await your command."Kaelus turned his gaze toward the inner room, thinking of Roselyn, who was still fragile, and Selen, whose true identity remained wrapped in mystery.Any unnecessary gam
The terror written across Selen’s face plunged the entire room into a sudden silence. Even Eden, usually so composed on the battlefield, held his breath at the sight."You recognize this medallion?" Kaelus’s question was sharp, leaving no room for lies.Selen took a step back until his shoulder hit the doorframe. "I... I don't—""Don't play games with me. I am thoroughly exhausted by all of this."Seeing the mounting tension, Rieta could not stand idly by. She stepped forward, grasping Selen's arm to keep him from fleeing as he had at the harbor the night before."Just answer him. If you are honest, everything will be much easier," the young woman urged."Let go
The red stain on Roselyn’s dress was so stark it sent an instant wave of panic through the room. The scream caught right in Rieta’s throat.Moving instinctively, Kaelus caught his wife’s collapsing body before she hit the cold wooden floor.The Grand Duke’s face drained of color, turning paler and far more terrified than Selen’s had been when he narrowly escaped death moments ago.He carried Roselyn to the nearest bedroom with hurried yet extraordinarily gentle steps. Laying her down on the bed, he brushed the damp strands of hair from her forehead, his hands trembling violently."Rose, what’s wrong, my love? Hold on. I’m right here.""Kael... my stomach...."
Eden’s eyes widened as Kaelus stepped toward the window, parting the thin curtains to peer at the street below the villa."How many people are coming?""About ten men, Grand Duke. They are bearing the imperial crest, not disguised at all."Roselyn rose from the bed even though her body still felt unsteady, brushing off Rieta’s hand as the maid tried to restrain her.The long-haired woman immediately reached for her husband’s arm, leaning on him slightly to keep herself upright."Do they really have no intention of disguising themselves?" Roselyn asked anxiously, looking out the window alongside him."Perhaps they simply don't want to bother with any interference.""Or they already know Selen is in this city and just want to capture him.""It seems so, Rose. By openly displaying that they are imperial soldiers, not a single commoner would dare stand in their way. In fact, people might even race to provide information for a reward.""We are slightly behind.""Only a few steps, my wife."
Roselyn ran out without looking back. The night chill pierced her skin, shielded only by a thin gown, but it was nothing compared to the frantic hammering of her heart. It throbbed between anxiety and a strange sense of satisfaction for having just trampled on the Duke’s ego.The four-hour journey
"Prove your love, Lady. Try serving me tonight."The voice was soft, yet it carried no melody—only the toll of a death knell.Roselyn remained motionless on the cold marble, letting her knees go numb. Her dignity as the sole daughter of Count Sirius had long been cast aside. All that remained was a
A stifling silence enveloped the balcony, broken only by the sound of Roselyn’s ragged, fractured breaths. Before her, Kaelus stood motionless, like an ice sculpture untouched by time.Roselyn lowered her head, trying to steady her racing heart. "Forgive me for forcing you to witness such a shamefu
Three days of confinement were enough for the bruises on Roselyn’s body to fade from a deep purple to a dull yellow. Thanks to the Elysium from her uncle, the wound on her forehead had dwindled to a thin red line.Vogard personally ensured that the mark was buried under layers of powder before drag







