Chapter 2

After getting out of jail, I moped around the Princess' Manor for a few days.

I finally got it into my head that I wasn't the female protagonist of this world. I didn't have the luck that came with all protagonists. I couldn't just crook my finger and expect men to be as obsessed with me as they'd been in my original world.

But then, I remembered I was still a princess. I could take what I want. I didn't even need to crook a finger.

So, I set my sights on Felix Lodge, the newly minted third-ranked scholar in the imperial exams. I heard that during the palace exam, Father was leaning toward making him the top-ranked scholar because he was more talented than the others.

However, Felix was just too handsome. Per tradition, the most handsome scholar had to be ranked third, so Father appointed him as such instead.

I asked around about Felix's background. He came from poverty. His widowed mother had raised him alone, and they'd suffered their whole lives. He had no power, no influence, and no betrothed.

It was a triple bingo. I had to have someone like that in my household.

And so, five days later, I hosted a banquet to admire the flowers in my manor. I dragged Christopher and a few of my other younger brothers along. With that, nobody dared refuse my invitation.

But when I saw Rowan, I was still taken aback. He wore indigo robes, and his hair was neatly bound. He truly was handsome beyond imagination.

The only issue was that I hadn't invited him.

Perhaps he'd just tagged along with my sixth brother, Cameron Sable, since they were on good terms.

When Rowan swept his clear gaze over me, I nodded politely, counting that as a greeting. Then, I turned to entertain the other guests.

I couldn't afford to mess with him, but I could avoid him, couldn't I?

…

When a handmaiden announced that Felix had arrived, my eyes lit up. I went to the main hall to receive him. The moment I saw him, my eyes became brighter still.

He wore coarse linen that had faded from one too many washes, yet he was calm and composed. A gentle, unhurried smile curled his lips, making one feel warm and at ease at the sight of it.

If Rowan was like the cold moon that hung in the sky, then Felix was like a soft cloud. He had the sort of face that suited my plans to take him by force.

I laughed softly. "No wonder Father appointed you as the third-ranked scholar. You truly live up to the tradition it represents."

Felix bowed. "You flatter me, Your Highness."

I led him to the garden, chatting and laughing all the way.

Christopher and my younger brothers let their eyes slide from Felix to Rowan. Then, they looked at me, totally puzzled.

Cameron sidled up to me and whispered, "Claire, weren't you into Lord Gifford? I brought him here for you, but you've switched targets now? I thought he'd be my brother-in-law!"

Gee, thanks. No wonder Rowan looked increasingly upset.

Uh-oh. Why was he coming this way?

Beside me, Felix lifted his gaze slightly. "I'll stop disturbing you, Your Highness."

He bowed, ready to step aside. I reflexively said, "You're not disturbing me."

Rowan paused mid-step. Then, he laughed softly. "I suppose I'm the one intruding, then."

My lips twitched. Did he have to be so cutting?

Still, I pasted on a smile. "Of course not."

Sensing the mood turn, Christopher hurried to smooth things over. "It's about time. Let's begin the banquet."

I quickly agreed, "Yes, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting."

Hopefully, the food would keep Rowan's mouth occupied.

…

Rowan sat three seats down to my right. Felix was a bit farther at the eighth seat down on the right.

I meant to sneak a few glances at Felix, but as my gaze drifted over, it kept lingering on Rowan's striking face. He seemed to have had a few goblets of wine. The alcohol accentuated his features, even tinging the corners of his eyes with a decadent, alluring flush.

My heart started itching again. Annoyed, I downed my drink in one go.

I had to get a grip. Did I want to spend another eight hours behind bars?

I steadied myself and looked up to see Felix stand and leave his seat. The best way to forget one man was to go after another, so I followed him out under the excuse of needing some air.

…

Felix was by the pond in the garden. He'd been drinking, though one couldn't tell from his face. Only his eyes shimmered gently, lending him a hint of tenderness. They made him even more radiant than the flowers blossoming around him.