Chapter 4

Serena curtseyed to everyone after the dance ended, and she quietly returned to her seat, but she never looked at anyone from beginning to end.

The strange atmosphere at the celebration continued, and everyone knew that Lady Consort Serena had completely lost her dignity in the Palace because of this. The guests finally got up to leave after enduring the celebration in discomfort.

Cedric looked down at the silent Serena, and the strange frustration inside him only grew stronger. He rose to his feet, intending to go over and say something to her, but at that moment, something happened.

Several dark figures rushed into the hall, their swords flashing beneath the lights.

"Assassins! Protect His Highness!" the guards shouted as clashing weapons echoed throughout the hall. Chaos erupted everywhere. Women screamed, and guests fled in every direction.

Cedric immediately pulled Gwendolyn behind him and drew his sword.

"Forget about me! Protect the Crown Princess!"

His swordsmanship was excellent, and he quickly fought off two assassins. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced toward Serena and saw her being shoved helplessly through the panicked crowd.

Alarmed, Cedric was about to order his guards to protect Serena when an arrow shot toward him in the brief moment he was distracted. It was aimed directly at his heart from behind, but he failed to notice it while fighting the assassins.

At that exact moment, someone slammed into Serena. She tripped and stumbled forward, then unfortunately fell in Cedric's direction.

Thump!

Cedric felt something crash into him, and warm liquid immediately began spreading across the front of his robe. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked down.

Serena's pale face was right in front of him.

An arrow protruded from her chest, the feathered end still trembling slightly.

Did she shield him from the arrow?

Panic and an intense emotion he had never experienced before gripped his heart. Cedric caught Serena before she could slide to the floor, and his tone changed instantly.

"Serena! Are you crazy? Why would you do that? W-Why would you take that arrow for me?"

Serena opened her mouth, trying to explain, but blood immediately poured out and soaked his hand. She wanted to tell him she had never intended to shield him from the arrow and that someone had pushed her...

Unfortunately, she was too exhausted, and her eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Just before darkness swallowed her consciousness, she vaguely heard Cedric shouting frantically, "Where's the physician?! Get the Royal Physician here immediately! Save her! I want her saved! If anything happens to her, I'll have every one of you executed!"

Soon afterward, Serena heard the physician's trembling voice.

"Your Highness, the arrow was coated with a deadly poison. Whether she survives now is up to the heavens..."

"The heavens?" Cedric roared. "I don't care about the heavens! Save her! She can't die!"

Serena could not die...

She did not want to die.

It had not been easy waiting all these years for this day. Freedom was finally within her grasp.

How could she die now?

A deep fear and sadness overwhelmed her, along with 5 years of anguish and despair. All those emotions became burning tears that streamed down her cheeks.

While drifting in and out of consciousness, she felt a pair of ice-cold hands gently caressing her face. Those hands trembled as they carefully wiped away her tears.

"Don't be afraid... I'm here. I promise I'll keep you alive."

Was that... Cedric?

How could it be possible for him to treat her so gently?

Certain she had imagined it, Serena gradually sank deeper into unconsciousness.

When Serena woke again, she found herself back in her chambers. She struggled to open her eyes, and it took some time for her vision to adjust before she could see the area around her bed.

Cedric was actually sitting beside her.

His forehead rested against one hand, and his eyes were closed as though he had fallen asleep. He was still wearing his usual black clothes, though they were noticeably wrinkled. His hair was slightly messy, dark circles shadowed his eyes, and a faint layer of stubble covered his jaw.

He had always been meticulous about his appearance, making sure he looked dignified as the Crown Prince. Now, however, he looked completely disheveled.

A slight movement from Serena immediately woke him. He opened his eyes and looked up.

The moment their gazes met, relief and joy flooded his expression.

"You're awake! How do you feel? Does anything hurt? Someone get the physician in here right now!"

Question after question left his mouth, and Serena was momentarily stunned to see his bloodshot eyes filled with concern.

"Your Highness..." Her voice came out weak and hoarse. "W-Were you here the whole time?"

Cedric froze when he heard her question, and a trace of embarrassment appeared on his face. He avoided her gaze, yet he did not deny it.

Instead, he answered quietly, "You took that arrow for me. If it weren't for you, I'd be the one lying in bed right now, not knowing whether I'd live or die."

He paused and gave her a complicated look.

"For years, I've always been the one protecting others. I protected my parents, protected Gwendolyn, and protected this kingdom and its people. This is the first time someone has risked their life to protect me.

"Aren't you afraid of dying? Or do you... do you love me so much that you aren't even afraid to die for me?"

Serena was taken aback.

Cedric had misunderstood.

He had completely misunderstood the situation.