The same night, at the Borderlands.

Surrounded by a magical rift, a tall man in a black cloak stood with a staff in his hand. His eyes glowed, and ancient incantations danced on his lips. The staff, adorned with a stone the color of the sea, traced symbols and runes on the ground, emitting light and power.

As he chanted the spells, the rift began to shine brighter and its flickering radiance filled the surrounding space. Through the veil of the barrier, on the other side, moving shadows could be seen, signs of another world that had just been reopened.

The man fell silent, and the rift dimmed, awaiting the arrival of the Keeper. This was the pivotal moment when the power of the last de Savoyar had to breathe life into the portal. Her blood would become a curse for all the mages on the continent, and in her hands lay the power capable of bringing ruin and destruction.

Stepping away from the rift, the man looked up at the sky, where the dawn was not far off. He knew the chosen one would come, and the portal would attract her with its magical force, one that would be difficult for her to resist. Her choice would determine the fate of the continent.

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In the morning mirror, an intriguing sight awaited me. It was unusual. Swollen lips and shining eyes, very strange, but after last night, my eyes seemed to have changed color and acquired turquoise specks around the pupils. My hair now had a golden hue. It looked peculiar.

My lips still carried the sensation of yesterday's kisses, and I could feel the echoes of his touch. I glanced at the chair where my dress lay. Almost glancing past it, I could see its pale-blue hue and the sparkling gems on the corset. This dress had become a symbol of our connection, but now it was just lifeless clothing lying on the chair.

The fears from yesterday dispersed the magic of memories. What would happen today? How would Sebastian behave? The tender and passionate moment from yesterday seemed almost magical, but would it remain just a memory or become a reality today?

I decisively headed towards the wardrobe. There was no point in delaying; I was very nervous, awaiting my encounter with Sebastian.

As I stepped out of my room, my heart pounded with impatience and hope to see Sebastian. I descended the wide staircase, expecting to find him in the dining hall, but there I only met Lady Price, who warmly smiled at me.

Confusion engulfed me. Where was Sebastian? The situation began to resemble the last time when he disappeared after the ritual. I felt a bitter disappointment seeping into my soul. Was Sebastian still playing with my emotions? Why does he vanish again, without a word or farewell?

Trying to hold back tears and maintain composure in front of Lady Price, I sat at the table. "Good morning, Nena," I attempted a smile, but inside, everything felt constricted with pain.

Lady Price seemed to notice the flicker of concern on my face and kindly spoke, "My dear Alex, do not lose heart." Her voice carried consolation. "Sebastian left for the palace at dawn; the king summoned him urgently. He asked me to tell you that he will come to Forestsy as soon as possible."

I nodded, grateful for Lady Price's support and understanding. I needed to pull myself together, stay composed, and wait for Sebastian's return to clarify everything.

With a firm resolution and a glimmer of hope in my heart, I drank a mint infusion, using the excuse of not having an appetite.

"Nena, how soon are we returning to Forestsy?" I asked as I rose from the table.

"If you're ready, I'll ask the servants to gather your new wardrobe, and then we can set off," Lady Price said understandingly.

Within an hour, we left the territory of the Forest Kingdom. Throughout the journey, Lady Price tried to distract me with conversations and plans for the week.

As we approached Lady Price's house, our unease grew when we noticed an unfamiliar carriage at the gates.

"Lady Price?" I looked at her, hoping she recognized the coat of arms on the carriage.

"Oh, my dear, it's the coat of arms of the king's first advisor, Count Lindwood. I'll find out what's going on. Please stay in the carriage," Lady Price seemed anxious, and when the carriage stopped, she got out first, closing the door as if not wanting someone else inside to be seen.

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From the second carriage, a tall man emerged – imposing, authoritative, and cold. His fair hair was neatly styled back, and his eyes radiated power and authority, piercing those around him with a penetrating gaze. His face looked serious, even hostile, as if he were preparing for an important battle.

The fear gripped me as I looked at Count Lindwood. His presence made me freeze, and I felt the urge to shrink into my seat. However, Lady Price seemed to be familiar with him and confidently approached, holding her head high.

"What brings you here, Count?" Lady Price inclined her head in greeting, gesturing for him to come closer to the house. But the man remained motionless, not responding to the greeting. For a few seconds, he silently stared at Lady Price before shifting his gaze to our carriage.

"I know that a girl traveled with you, Lady Price. I want to see her," the Count stated without taking his eyes off the carriage.

Lady Price tensed, but before she could reply, the Count approached our carriage, opened the door, and extended his hand, indicating that he knew of my presence and that I should step out.

"Count, how dare you?" Lady Price exclaimed indignantly, preparing to move towards us. However, the Count halted her with a gesture and said, "I am carrying out the orders of His Majesty Frederick de Foresta. Do you wish to challenge the king's command, Lady?"

His gaze on Lady Price was so threatening that it seemed he was ready to attack her for any slightest movement in my direction. Fear enveloped me, but seeing how the Count looked at Lady Price, I took a deep breath and swiftly stood up. Ignoring his outstretched hand, I jumped out of the carriage, positioning myself squarely between Lady Price and the Count.

"In what exactly does His Majesty Frederick's will consist, Count?" I disregarded social niceties, just as the Count had done with Lady Price. Standing tall, I raised my chin and looked him straight in the eye, emphasizing my higher status.

The Count sized me up for a few seconds, then eventually lowered his gaze and bowed, "Duchesse de Savoyar, I am pleased to see you in good health."

I raised an eyebrow at such a greeting, but I had no intention of displaying courtesy. "Count Lindwood, once again, I dare to clarify the purpose of your visit. And also, I remind you that you are on the territory of the Kingdom of Seas, of which I am a subject. Therefore, I recommend you choose your words very carefully when proclaiming the will of Your king." I intentionally emphasized the word "Your," as I was not bound to carry out the orders of the Forest Kingdom's king.

My words distorted the Count's face into a grimace of anger. Of course, how dare some girl address the first advisor in such a manner? From his expression, it was evident that he was ready to retaliate against my audacity.

However, after a few seconds, the Count regained his composure and said, "His Majesty Frederick de Foresta invites Duchess Alessandra de Savoyar to visit the de Forest Castle. Due to the announcement of your disappearance several months ago, the king was concerned. Upon receiving information about your whereabouts, he sent me to accompany you to the castle for a discussion of certain confidential matters in person."

His words made me ponder. With such wording, it would be challenging to decline the invitation, and the idea of an escort seemed logical. He feared that Christoph might intercept me.

Nevertheless, donning the mask of a proper lady, I smiled at the Count. "I accept His Majesty's invitation; it is an honor for me."

It appeared that the Count expected more resistance, as surprise flickered in his eyes. Lady Price had been holding her breath the entire time, silently shifting her gaze between me and the Count, seemingly afraid to make any movement. After my smile to the Count, she exhaled, realizing that the conflict had been diffused.

Approaching us, she spoke to the Count with a forced smile, "Please, come inside, Count Lindwood. I will treat you to some mint infusion. The Duchess needs time to freshen up and gather her belongings before her visit to His Majesty." As she said this, she placed her hand on the bend of the Count's elbow, showing that she wouldn't accept any refusal, and then looked at me, signaling that I should go up to my room.

Once in my room, I diligently began preparing for the impending visit to His Majesty. My mind was consumed by waves of thoughts about the surprises that awaited me. The king did not send the first advisor without reason. Besides, Sebastian had also left upon the king's summons, but considering the timing of when he received the letter and the fact that we were already awaited by Lady Price, the information must have been conveyed before he departed.

As I changed, I selected an outfit suitable for an official reception with the king. An elegant dress of deep blue color accentuated my nobility and dignity. I meticulously styled my hair, giving my appearance grace and grandeur.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw Duchess Alessandra de Savoyar, ready to stand before the king and defend her interests.

Time was pressing, and I left my room, heading to the drawing-room where Lady Price and Count Lindwood were already waiting.

"Thank you for everything, Lady Price. I hope we will meet again," I smiled at the hostess and extended my hand to the Count.

Lady Price bid us farewell with a graceful curtsy and escorted us to the carriage, where the Count gallantly opened the door and helped me inside before seating himself opposite me. We set off towards the border with the Kingdom of the Woods, following the path to the de Forest Castle.

For long hours, the Count and I traveled in silence, occasionally interrupted by his penetrating glances directed at me. The entire journey, stretching until evening, was filled with tense quietude, only broken by the rustling of the wheels and the jingling of the harness.

Looking out the window, I watched the landscape slowly pass by. The forest roads, bathed in the golden glow of the sunset, created a mystical atmosphere around us. In the distance, the de Forest Castle was already visible, its monumental towers rising above the surrounding nature, as if guarding the secrets concealed within its walls.

My thoughts were filled with anticipation and nervousness. What awaited me in this place? What questions would I discuss with His Majesty?