My world has just come to a screeching halt. The man I had shared a dance with and who I thought I had connected with, is in fact the Prince of Ironhold—the one person I should treat as an enemy. How could I have been so foolish? The way his piercing amber eyes gazed into mine, the warmth of his hand on my waist... It makes me sick to think I found him attractive, even charming! The whispers around us grow louder as the tension builds. Prince Hartley wears an expression of confusion, looking as if he's about to speak.

Before panic can fully set in, a firm hand wraps around mine, drawing me into one more dance. I blink in surprise to see another man. He has tousled blonde hair that falls over his bright blue eyes, which hold a mischievous glint. His toned physique is evident beneath his finely tailored clothes; he's tanned and attractive, but in a more refined manner compared to the primal appeal of Prince Alexander. Judging by his clothes, I infer that he's from Zephyrion—a coastal kingdom known for its breathtaking landscapes and thriving trade.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he says, his voice smooth as honey. "I'm Casimir, first Prince of Zephyrion."

"I'm Princess Seraphina," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. My mind still races with thoughts of Alexander, but Prince Casimir's presence provides some form of distraction.

"I know who you are—your fame precedes you," he says with a teasing smile.

With every elegant spin and dip, Casimir guides me effortlessly across the dance floor. He's trying to show off but I can't deny there's a natural grace to his movements that almost makes me forget my troubles. Almost. As we glide away from Prince Hartley and the whispers surrounding him, I find my voice. "Thank you for getting me out of there," I say, my words barely more than a whisper.

"Did Alexander say something to upset you?" Casimir asks, leaning in closer. His eyes search mine, genuine concern etched across his handsome features. I hesitate before offering a noncommittal response. "It's complicated."

Casimir's lips curl into a playful smirk as he leads me further from the center of attention. "Well, his loss is my gain." He's audacious, I'll give him that.

He leans in, and I can't help but notice the inviting scent of his cologne. He squeezes my hand and looks into my eyes, his voice a low whisper. "Your gown tonight," he sighs, "it brings out your beauty. I can't take my eyes off you."

Maybe another time I would have taken the bait, but right now my heart isn't in it. "Thank you," I reply, keeping my tone neutral, eyes averted.

Not discouraged, he leans in even more, his voice dropping even softer, "Is it the dance you find so disinteresting, or is it your partner?"

I meet his gaze, caught off guard by the directness. "Neither," I manage to say. "It's just been a... long evening."

I'm still shaken by my encounter with Alexander and can't bring myself to engage. Acknowledging my discomfort, Casimir stops the dance and suggests, "Care for some fresh air?"

Gratefully, I nod, and he guides me through the grand double doors that open onto a patio that leads to the palace gardens. The night air is cool, providing a soothing contrast to the heat of the ballroom. In front of us, the gardens stretch out in a stunning display of meticulously arranged flower beds, their colors muted beneath the soft glow of the moonlight. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees, adding a calming melody to the night.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Casimir asks, his eyes reflecting the moonlit scene before us. I nod silently, taking in the serenity of the gardens after the chaos of the ballroom. For a brief moment, I allow myself to be lost in the tranquility of the night. But as much as I want to forget my troubles, my mind keeps wandering back to Alexander. How could I have been so foolish as to dance with my mortal enemy?

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Taking advantage of the momentary silence between us, Casimir reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small bag of candy. "Care for some?" he asks, offering it to me.

"Thank you, but no," I reply, my focus still preoccupied with the recent encounter. He shrugs and pops one into his mouth, the sweetness of the treat bringing a grin to his face.

"I just love them," he admits, cheeks dimpling in a charming smile. "One of life's simple pleasures."

My gaze drifts back to the ballroom, where Prince Alexander stands, looking in our direction with a baffled expression. Quickly, I avert my eyes, heart pounding from the sudden closeness of our gazes. Casimir follows my line of sight and chuckles knowingly.

"He's probably looking for a wife," he muses, running his fingers through his golden locks. "But honestly, don't you find me more handsome?"

I can't help but smile at his audacity, but before I can respond, my attention is suddenly drawn to a figure exiting the ballroom. It's him—the man who killed me in my past life! He looks almost exactly as I remember: scruffy beard, arrogant posture, and an unmistakable air of cruelty about him.

My heartbeat quickens, my assassin instincts kicking in. Who is he? Where is he going? I have to follow him before he leaves!

"Who's that?" I ask Casimir, trying to keep my voice steady while discreetly pointing toward the man.

"Who, that man?" Casimir glances in the direction I'm pointing. "Duke Garrett Sinclair, if I'm not mistaken. He's from Asteria. Shouldn't you know him?"

But I've already left his side, my mission as Raven taking over every fiber of my being. Casimir watches me go, a hint of surprise in his eyes, but I can't afford to think about that now. I can always apologize later.

I take a deep breath and slip into the shadows, allowing my assassin training to guide me as I trail Duke Sinclair through the gardens. He looks suspicious, constantly glancing over his shoulder as if expecting someone to be following him. I smirk to myself; as that's exactly what's happening.

The duke heads towards a secluded part of the gardens, away from prying eyes. My heart races as he finally arrives at his destination. Near one of the fountains, a beautiful woman is waiting for him. She's elegant and poised, her foxy appearance given life by her dark eyes and auburn hair that cascades down her back.

Duke Sinclair and the noblewoman exchange hushed words, their conversation just out of earshot. I need to get closer. I notice the tension between them, evident in their stiff body language and the harsh whispers that barely reach my ears. They seem to be arguing about something important.

Cursing my stupid gown that makes it difficult to move without being noticed, I dare to inch closer, hiding behind a tall hedge. Finally, I can make out their words.

"Lady Clarissa, the jewel of Ironhold," Duke Sinclair snorts, sarcasm etched on his tone. "I was told there was nothing you couldn't achieve, and yet you disappoint me once again."

"I'm taking a huge risk by even meeting you here, so I don't have time for your mockery," the woman – Lady Clarissa – retorts, her voice laced with contained anger. "You know what would happen if someone from my kingdom sees me with you. And yet, here I am, so make it quick."

Shock courses through me as I digest the information. So this woman, Lady Clarissa, is from Ironhold? What could she possibly be doing here, conspiring with an Asterian noble? My heart pounds like a war drum in my chest, and I force myself to remain composed and focused on their conversation.

"Did you show them the evidence? The proof that it was an Asterian noble who ordered the assassination of the Prince?" Duke Sinclair hisses, his face contorted with impatience.

Lady Clarissa rolls her eyes, clearly irritated. "I told you in my letter already. I did, repeatedly. But he didn’t seem concerned since the mission failed." She scoffs, adding, "Can you believe it? What do you expect me to do now?"

"Find something else! Do whatever is necessary. He's not pleased!" Sinclair snarls, clenching his fists at his sides.

He? Who is he? I wonder. There was no doubt they were talking about my mission... my last mission. So finally, I've got a lead! But how come a noble from Ironhold and a noble from Asteria are conspiring together? The kingdoms are still enemies, even if after the War of the Crimson Sun they resumed diplomatic relations. It was no secret that King Magnus of Ironhold is still looking for revenge on Asteria. What the hell is going on?

One thing is clear: a dangerous game is afoot, and I'm right in the center of it.