In the boarding school for noble girls, Alex found herself in a completely new and unfamiliar environment. She encountered a life that seemed boring and dull to her. The days were filled with formal etiquette lessons, dancing, music, and instruction in domestic duties.

The girls around her, mostly from wealthy families, appeared shallow and unenlightened to Alex. Their conversations revolved mainly around marriage and men. They dreamt only of advantageous marriages and prestigious alliances, showing no interest in developing their intellectual or physical abilities.

Alex often felt alienated from her peers. She had no interest in childish games or fashion trends. She longed for the adventures in the forest, battles, and training sessions with her father. But in the boarding school, such opportunities were nonexistent. Her time was occupied with mixed subjects and feminine pursuits.

However, Alex refused to give in to sadness and loneliness. In her free time, she engaged in self-education, deepening her knowledge of magic and secretly practicing her sword skills. She aspired not only to become a bride but also to develop into a strong and independent woman.

Though the days at the boarding school were tedious and monotonous, Alex did not lose her determination and willpower. She knew that this five-year education was merely a trial she had to endure to gain the opportunity to influence her own destiny and the fate of the kingdom.

After six months at the boarding school, Alex had grown accustomed to the dull and monotonous life. The days merged into sameness, and the girls around her seemed unintelligent and overly focused on men and marriage. She often felt like an outsider among them, unable to connect or share their interests.

However, everything changed when Alex suddenly received a letter.

The thick envelope, bearing the royal emblem, evoked mixed feelings of anxiety and hope within her. Through fear and excitement, she opened the letter and read its contents.

The contents of the letter made her heart stop. It stated that her parents had disappeared without a trace during their "short voyage to nearby islands." Alex couldn't believe that anything bad could have happened to her parents. They were all she had left, and their loss was unbearable. Everything she knew had shattered into pieces. She was forced to accept the new reality—her uncle, the Sea King, had become her guardian until her parents were found, if they were found at all.

The meeting with her uncle did not bring her any comfort. There was a hidden secret in his gaze, and his words sounded unconvincing. Alex began to suspect that her parents' disappearance was not accidental and contemplated starting her own investigation.

Time at the boarding school became even more difficult for Alex. She could no longer fully trust her surroundings, including her uncle.

Alex made a resolute decision to escape, with one primary goal—to uncover what happened to her parents and what role the Sea King played in it. She was convinced that the answers to these questions could change her life and grant her true independence.

Alex realized that her escape needed to be well-planned and executed with the utmost caution. She continued studying the boarding school's schedule, paying attention to the habits and routines of the supervisors and educators. She also observed the behavior of certain girls who seemed particularly interested in her whereabouts.

She resolved to use her observance and resourcefulness to overcome the obstacles that stood in her path to freedom. She began devising various traps and diversionary maneuvers to distract the attention of the supervisors and other girls. She studied the layout of the boarding school, finding hidden passages and secret rooms that could serve as her hiding places.

But the most challenging task was finding a trustworthy ally who could assist her in her escape.

_______________________________________________________________________

The Charitable Jewelry Auction was one of the most anticipated events at the Boarding School for Noble Girls. It was a special evening when all the girls and invited guests gathered in a hall adorned with luxurious flowers and candles.

Alex eagerly admired the jewelry displayed at the auction. Diamond necklaces, exquisite earrings, and elegant bracelets adorned the glass cases. All the proceeds from the auction went to charitable causes, making the event even more special.

During the auction, Alex noticed a familiar face in the crowd. She realized that Sebastian de Forest, the prince and son of the Forest King, had appeared at the celebration. She remembered his arrogant demeanor and his promise to keep an eye on her. Their brief encounter in the forest near the rift might have slipped her mind if it weren't for the rare occasions she encountered attractive outsiders. Today he seemed even taller and broader in the shoulders than before. Instead of armor, he wore a dark blue suit, a white shirt, and a dazzling smile. The gazes of other girls directed at him sparked a sense of disdain and annoyance in Alex.

It was unclear why the prince attracted so much attention and evoked such reactions from those around him. Perhaps it was his charm and attractiveness that many deemed irresistible. However, Alex didn't want to succumb to such influences and refused to be just another girl who melted under his gaze.

She decided to distance herself from the group of girls flocking around Sebastian and chose to hide and reconsider her options. She needed an ally for her escape, and without one, organizing it would be impossible. The king had assigned surveillance to her, and she could only find solitude in the bathroom without the watchful eyes of the girls or matrons. She felt trapped, and it weighed heavily on her.

She set off on a walk through the garden, enjoying the beauty of her natural surroundings and delving into her thoughts.

Alex continued her stroll, deeply immersed in her thoughts. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice that caught her attention. Turning around, she saw Sebastian approaching her. However, his facial expression revealed that he didn't recognize her.

Sebastian: "Nowhere to hide from you. Will you lose your senses again or come up with something original?" Sebastian said with a hint of indifference in his voice.

Alex turned to the prince, meeting his gaze from head to toe and raised an eyebrow questioningly. By the way Sebastian's mask fell off his pretentious face, Alex's gaze revealed much to the self-assured prince, and he quickly put on his deceptive smile.

For a moment, Alex felt disappointed and hurt. She realized that Sebastian didn't recognize her and mistook her for just another girl trying to catch his attention. This brought about mixed feelings—hurt from not being recognized and relief that she hadn't sought his attention earlier.

Sebastian approached closer. "I apologize, my lady. We are not acquainted. I thought you were one of my admirers who always surrounds me at such events," Sebastian said, trying to justify himself.

Alex was disappointed that Sebastian didn't remember her, but on the other hand, she felt some relief.

"No, Your Highness, I am not one of your admirers. I am Alessandra, and we have met before. But I understand that you didn't recognize me," Alex replied with a touch of bitterness in her voice.

Sebastian looked at Alex with surprise, his face showing puzzlement. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect... I remember that we met, but I didn't recognize you right away. I apologize for my inattention," he said, attempting to make amends.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Alex was disappointed that Sebastian didn't remember her, but on the other hand, she felt some relief.

"I must go," said the duchess, trying to hold back her emotions. "I hope you have a pleasant evening, Your Highness."

Sebastian blocked her way, curiosity seemingly winning, and he decided to rectify the situation. "Wait, please. I didn't mean to offend you. Perhaps we could talk and reminisce about our previous acquaintance?"

Sebastian switched to "you," and it sounded thrilling. He evoked emotions in her, whether it was his appearance or Alex's lack of experience, as she was only 17 and knew nothing about interacting with men apart from the castle's servants and occasional mage tutors at the boarding school.

Alex hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Very well, let's talk. But I hope you'll recognize me for who I really am and not just pretend to," she said.

As Alex and Prince Sebastian moved away from the main path in the garden, Sebastian approached her with the intention of embracing her. "Allow me to come closer; perhaps it will help me remember you, my lovely lady," he said, attempting to move closer and place his hand on her waist.

Alex suddenly stopped and stepped back, avoiding his touch. She suppressed her anger and put on a smile. If this playboy wanted to play, she would help him remember who she truly was. Alex circled around him, observing him closely, and then approached the prince, rising on her tiptoes and leaning towards his ear. Then she whispered, "I know how to help you remember, Your Highness."

Sebastian smirked and leaned in, trying to kiss Alex, but the girl skillfully dodged, using a technique that brought him down to the ground, humbly accepting her move. As an experienced mage, he could have reacted, but he found this game intriguing, just like the girl whose naivety and determination amused him, a man tired of female attention.

Sebastian looked at Alex with distrust, bewildered by her unconventional reaction. Young ladies were usually not opposed to his light touches. And not only young ladies but also experienced women who knew a thing or two about men often willingly breached the acceptable boundaries in his company.

"What was that?" Sebastian asked, getting up from the ground.

Alex, still wearing her strained smile, replied, "That was a reminder, Your Highness, that I am not the kind of girl who will succumb to your tricks and games. I haven't forgotten how you promised to keep an eye on me and my work at the rift, and I have no intention of becoming one of your numerous admirers."

Sebastian was taken aback when he suddenly recognized Alex. The young Guardian, the audacious girl who had refused his help and escorted him out of the Borderlands after the portal closed—she had completely slipped his mind. It was only the rumors of the Borderlands joining the Kingdom of the Seas that brought him here personally to verify what the spies had reported.

It turned out that the King wasn't just protecting his niece but actively preparing her for marriage.

"You have changed, Lady de Savoyar, I apologize for not recognizing you," he said, surprised, dropping the mask of flirtation. "I see that your king cares for the former Guardians. But tell me, have you now transitioned from a monster hunter to a man hunter?" Sebastian cast a contemptuous gaze over Alex from head to toe after these words.

Alex sensed a hint of irritation in his voice. Though she had no intention of justifying herself to this arrogant fellow, the words escaped her lips.

Alex: "Prince Sebastian, I am neither a man hunter nor a monster hunter," she replied with a touch of mockery. "I simply strive for freedom and self-determination. I am searching for my own place in this world, regardless of the role they try to impose on me."

Sebastian once again scrutinized her as if she were an item at an auction. "How will your status as an enviable bride with a boarding school education help you achieve independence? Perhaps you plan to sell yourself and marry a wealthier man? Frankly, I fail to see how your current position can contribute to your independence."

Alex couldn't believe that this arrogant individual dared to insult her, calling her mercenary and making assumptions without knowing anything about her situation. Anger slowly boiled inside her.

The duchess clenched her fists and glared at the smug prince with fury. "It seems, Your Highness, that it is you, not me, who should learn at the boarding school and acquire the good manners that are so foreign to you. I am not obligated to justify myself to you. Decisions about my fate are made by the king until I come of age. I would gladly return home to my true family and the rift. It is not for you to judge someone you don't know or whom you cannot understand due to your arrogance."

After these words, she proudly raised her head and turned, preparing to walk away from Sebastian and his unpleasant behavior. She knew she shouldn't succumb to his mockery and humiliations. But for some reason, she felt hurt and disturbed by the words of the insufferable prince.

Sebastian: "Wait, Lady Savoyar," Alex paused and raised an eyebrow in question. Sebastian grinned and continued, "If the boarding school is so terrible, I can help you, Alex."

Sebastian's plan matured instantly in his mind. It seemed that the girl was unhappy with the role assigned to her as a puppet in someone else's game. Sebastian would not be Sebastian de Forest if he didn't try to use this card and prevent the King of the Seas from appropriating the former Guardian, even though the rift had closed. It would be very difficult for Christoph de Seen to claim the Borderlands without any influence over its rightful heir.

Pretending sincere remorse and willingness to help, Sebastian looked into the girl's eyes and raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. The game had begun.

_______________________________________________________________

Alex frowned, not believing Sebastian's sudden change of mood. Without breaking eye contact, the prince lowered his voice and slightly tilted his head. "Allow me to explain. If you stay here, they will turn you into just another mindless puppet, devoid of your individuality and will. I find you attractive, Alessandra, and it would be a pity to see you become an indifferent and meaningless victim of your uncle's political intrigues. I am ready to help you."

The girl regarded the prince with skepticism, sensing a catch but unable to discern his true intentions. Finally, she mustered the courage to ask a question.

"Why take the risk of helping me? What's your interest, Sebastian?" she asked, visibly tensing.

Sebastian instantly put on his most charming smile and said in a seductive tone, as if revealing a secret, "So, you don't believe in the desire to help an attractive girl. Perhaps, I decided to play the role of a handsome prince and, like in a fairy tale, rescue a beautiful lady from a dragon. In your case, from an evil king."

Alex looked at him, raising her eyebrows, and then rolled her eyes and let out a laugh. "Please, Your Highness, I'm not that naive. You may be a handsome prince, but certainly not in my story." Then she looked at Sebastian with seriousness and repeated her question, "Why do you want to help me?"

Well, unfortunately for the heir, the little guardian turned out to be not so foolish and gullible, but she definitely shouldn't know the truth. A shadow of disappointment flashed across Sebastian's face. If the girl had believed in his game, everything would have been much easier.

He pretended to be caught off guard and theatrically sighed. "De Forest does not want Christoph to brainwash you and gain complete influence over the Borderlands and the Guardian. I hope that you will maintain a neutral position as a Savoyar when you return home."

The duchess pondered for a few minutes, weighing her options, then nodded. "It sounds plausible. I'm listening," she said, looking at the prince expectantly.

Sebastian offered Alex a plan to escape from the boarding school and outlined all possible options, taking into account the constant surveillance on the young duchess. He told her about his elderly foster mother who lived in a small village at the other end of the Kingdom of the Seas. There, Alex could live for another six months until she reached adulthood, and then they would help her reach Savoyar.

Alex listened attentively to his words. Inside her, she felt a mix of distrust and hope. She pondered Sebastian's offer and weighed the pros and cons. A short journey and a new temporary home seemed like a better prospect than enduring the constant surveillance in the boarding school.

She shouldn't trust Sebastian, as his change of heart was too sudden, but she also shouldn't trust the King of the Seas. Escaping the boarding school would, at the very least, give her more opportunities to find out what happened to her parents. She had already lost too much time, and another chance might not come. Even if the prince betrayed her, escaping from him would be easier than from this prison.

Alex sighed. "If your offer is sincere, and I can find temporary shelter and support, then I accept it. But I will remain vigilant, and I expect you to keep your word and not harm me."

Sebastian nodded, confirming his intentions, and they began to plan their escape from the boarding school.