Alex.

Sebastian led me to the second floor while Lady Price kept Rainn busy in the kitchen.

The corridor was relatively narrow compared to the rest of the castle. There were four bedrooms on the second floor. Judging by the surroundings, Lady Price lived quite modestly, with minimal furniture that had already succumbed to the ravages of time.

Sebastian guided me to the door on the right side of the staircase and gallantly opened it, inviting me inside.

The large bed was the only thing that stood out in my temporary bedroom. There was a large window, and it seemed there was access to a balcony as well. It appeared that I had been given the best room as the prince's intended bride. Sebastian's words confirmed my suspicions.

Sebastian allowed me to take a look around. He examined me with a cold gaze and said, "I used to stay in this room all the time. It's probably the largest in this house. Don't judge too harshly, Alex. Nena lives alone and doesn't need extravagance, although she has sufficient means."

All the friendliness Sebastian exuded in front of his nursemaid vanished as soon as the door to the room closed. It was as if he had put on a veil of silence, ensuring that no one would hear our conversation. The masks were off.

After glancing around, I turned to face Sebastian. He stood there as usual, with an icy demeanor and a face adorned with a mask of boredom and indifference.

"I'm glad that our plan worked, and you managed to escape from the Boarding House without incident, Lady de Savoyar. Don't look at me as if you want to quarter me. I'll explain everything now," he said, his indifferent and cold gaze making it seem like he was ready for me to throw a tantrum or lunge at him with fists.

Well, the meeting I had been so anxious about was a "success." I was blindsided by statements about being a bride, only to be drenched with cold water of indifference afterward. Inside, everything was churning. It didn't seem anything like what I had envisioned after our correspondence. It was as if he hadn't sent all those postcards himself.

Raising my head high, trying to hide my disappointment, I put on a mask of a proper lady and looked at the prince.

"Accept my gratitude, Your Highness, for rescuing me from the Boarding House and providing shelter at Lady Price's. You're right about one thing, I don't quite understand what is happening and why this whole farce about a bride. Please take the trouble to explain," I attempted to give my voice firmness and confidence, but to him, it probably sounded tired and tinged with disappointment.

Judging by Sebastian's sigh, he expected a more explosive reaction. Well, my dear, I can wear masks too. Inside, disappointment and anger were boiling, but I had learned to keep my composure at the Boarding House.

Sebastian walked to the balcony entrance, turning his back to me, and spoke in the same icy tone, "The first thing you need to understand, Alex, is that I have no romantic interest in you whatsoever. What I said was dictated by the considerations of your safety and Lady Price's. Your presence in this house, whether I like it or not, carries certain risks for my nursemaid, and you must understand that. In this situation, when rumors circulate about a girl who has taken up residence in the House by the Forest, they will spread, I assure you. It's safest for Nana if people consider you to be my intended bride. Lady Pierce doesn't need to know the truth, for the sake of her peace of mind and safety in case you are discovered. Originally, I didn't plan for this, but Christoph's reaction to your escape made adjustments."

I flinched at the mention of the King of the Seas. "What was his reaction? Is he just looking for me and...?"

Sebastian raised his hand, cutting me off. "Allow me to continue. You can ask questions later. As for the king, he's not just looking for you. Christoph has declared a hunt for you and placed a bounty on any information about your whereabouts. A rather substantial sum, by the way. Even the wealthiest aristocrats would find it tempting to be vigilant for such a fortune." He pulled out a flyer with the amount for "my head" written on it. "This complicates ensuring your safety," he pointed to my portrait on the flyer.

Panic and worry washed over me. Something didn't add up in this situation. Why was the king so interested in me? Even the most successful arranged marriage wouldn't be worth such a fortune.

Dark thoughts about the king's hidden motives filled my mind. Questions surfaced on their own: What does he want? What plans has he made? And why is it so crucial for me to stay in the Boarding House?

"Sebastian," I whispered, sitting down on the bed as my head spun from the news, "what is really happening? Why is the king so interested in me? I feel like there's something more than just a contractual union. What does he want?"

Sebastian turned and looked at Alex. She, always composed and confident, sat on the bed with her shoulders slumped, fear evident in her eyes. He realized that he pitied the girl who had been caught up in this dangerous game. But the truth was that King Christoph had hidden motives. He wasn't merely interested in an arranged marriage and annexing the Borderlands; it was only a part of his plan. What else he had in mind was unknown even to the prince.

Sebastian sat down next to her and took her hands in his. He lifted her chin, making her look him in the eyes. "I don't know what Christoph has in mind yet, but I will find out. You are safe here, Alex. I promise."

At that moment, I was grateful for Sebastian. His confident words and determination to stand against the king, his attempts to calm my anxious heart. I wanted to believe that Sebastian was ready to fight and would uncover his uncle's plans. I, myself, lacked the strength and connections to resist Christoph.

When Sebastian took my hand and lifted my chin, I felt my heart beat faster. And when our eyes met, there was more than determination in his gaze. Tenderness? How I wanted to believe in it, to believe in my "secret admirer" who had given me reassurance for months that I wasn't alone and that we could overcome any obstacles together.

After his letters and words that provided a sense of security, I longed to believe that the tenderness in his eyes wasn't just my imagination. I leaned toward Sebastian, pressing my lips against his. It was the first kiss that expressed not only gratitude and support but also genuine feelings that I was beginning to develop for Sebastian. I felt my heart beat stronger, and warmth spread throughout my body.

Just for a few seconds, I felt the touch of his soft lips on mine. Placing my hands on his chest, I froze. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, I distinctly felt the steady beat of his heart, unlike mine. The prince was cold and composed.

Sebastian froze for a few seconds, and I felt his muscles tense under my hands. He slowly placed his palms on mine and moved them away from his chest, barely touching me with the tips of his fingers as he traced them along my arms, moving up towards my shoulders. Then he enveloped them with his hands and gently pulled me a few centimeters away.

Sensing that something was wrong, I opened my eyes and met Sebastian's stern and attentive gaze. Everything around me dimmed, as if enveloped in a fog.

"My little duchess, this won't end well for you," Sebastian whispered, his hot palms still resting on my shoulders as he stared intensely into my clouded eyes.

There was no tenderness in his gaze that I had imagined, and it sobered me up slightly. Coldness and detachment mixed with some disappointment on his face.

"I think you're tired from the journey. I suggest you rest and freshen up," his voice sounded like ice needles piercing my consciousness. His warm breath, which had been too close, felt scorching.

I couldn't look away, and it seemed like I even stopped breathing while Sebastian held onto my shoulders, his breath lingering on my face. "Lady Price and I will be expecting you for dinner in a few hours. We will continue our conversation later," Sebastian said, and after those words, he withdrew his hands, gracefully stood up like a predator, and without waiting for a response, left the room.

I felt stunned, thoughts spinning in my head like a carousel, but I couldn't grasp any of them. I couldn't determine if I felt disappointment or hurt from the prince's reaction. These feelings were indescribable, but there was a taste of bitterness in them. I surmised that other girls rejected by Sebastian must have felt the same way. The thought struck me as both amusing and repulsive.

After sitting on the bed for a few more minutes, I made my way to the bathroom. Sebastian was right; nothing good would come from such behavior. I needed to gather myself and figure out what was going on. Now that I had some relative freedom, I needed a clear head and a plan to gather information without attracting the King's attention or exposing myself.

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I sank into the water and held my breath for as long as I could. "You're the Keeper of the Rift, the last of the de Savoyar lineage with a precious gift. Stop pretending to be a foolish lover, Alex," I thought to myself. With these thoughts, I emerged from the water. Approaching the mirror, I knew exactly what I needed to do to regain solid ground beneath my feet.

After a few hours, Alex descended the stairs dressed in her Guardian attire. Her eyes were filled with determination, and two swords sparkled on her back.

She looked stunning in her black leather armor, hugging her figure. To avoid alarming the prince's caregiver, the Guardian covered her weapons and costume with a cloak. Each step was precise and confident, and her previously green eyes now shimmered with a shade of turquoise. This color indicated her connection to magic, her ability to harness its power for protection and replenishing her reserves. Alex was ready to rediscover herself. She had already decided who to recruit for training to regain her skills and grow stronger.

Entering the parlor, her presence did not go unnoticed. Lady Price, setting the table for dinner, froze with a dish in her hands, her face displaying clear shock and surprise.

Alex gracefully curtsied and put on a polite smile. "My apologies, Lady Price, but I need to borrow Rainn for an urgent matter. I hope you don't mind if we stay a little longer. It won't take much time, just an hour or so."

Rainn, who had been engaged in a lively conversation with Sebastian, looked slightly taken aback. Sebastian, concealing his anger, rose from his chair and clenched his fists.

Sensing his tension, Alex approached resolutely and whispered, "You were right, Sebastian. I won't be a puppet in the hands of the king or yours. We can play this game together." Then, gripping his hand, she added louder for everyone to hear, "Dear fiancé, would you mind if Rainn and I take a little stroll in the forest? I'm sure you have plenty to discuss with Lady Price since you haven't seen each other for a while."

Her words were filled with determination and independence. She wanted to show Sebastian that she was capable of making her own decisions and wouldn't allow anyone to control or intimidate her.

Sebastian squeezed Alex's hand in response, promising swift retribution for her provocative behavior, and put on a courteous mask before nodding to Daniel, giving his permission.

With confidence, Sebastian said, "Of course, my dear Alex. You'll be safe with Daniel. But don't linger too long; it's not nice to keep Nena waiting." Getting closer to Alex's ear, he whispered so only she could hear, "If that was your reaction to my refusal to kiss you, then, unfortunately, you will be disappointed, Alex. I don't succumb to female manipulations. We'll discuss your behavior later."

Every word from the prince sent shivers down Alex's spine, and she involuntarily flinched. Sebastian, noticing her reaction, smirked with self-satisfaction and gave her a condescending look before returning to Nena.

Leaving the mansion, Alex and Rainn headed toward the forest. There was a noticeable tension in Daniel's demeanor, and Alex sensed that he didn't like the idea of the walk. During their escape, Rainn had always been cheerful and joking, but now he appeared pensive and focused.

When they had distanced themselves from the mansion, Rainn finally stopped and looked at the Duchess attentively. His behavior raised concern.

"Rainn, what's wrong?" Alex questioned, looking at Daniel with curiosity.

He sighed. "What's with all this charade, my lady? I don't know what kind of cat crossed paths between you and Sebastian, but putting on a show and endangering Lady Price is not the wisest decision. Don't expect me to play along." He offered his elbow to Alex and continued, "Let's go. I don't know if Sebastian told you everything, but I believe you should fully understand the gravity of the situation. It will help us avoid similar incidents. I trust you're a sensible girl, and this show was a result of lacking information about potential consequences."

Alex placed her hand on the crook of Rainn's arm, and they continued to venture deeper into the forest. When they reached a secluded clearing, Daniel finally stopped and turned to face Alex.

"Retrieve your weapons, my lady. It's time to talk. We've gone far enough to avoid any accidental witnesses. And it seems you need to blow off some steam," he said, and as if the picnic basket by the lake wasn't enough, a sword suddenly appeared in Daniel's hands from an inexplicable source.

Alex gasped in surprise, and it seemed to amuse him. He finally thawed a little and smiled.

"Show me what you're capable of, young Guardian. Attack," Rainn raised his sword, showing his readiness to defend himself. His movements were fluid and precise, indicating his mastery.

Alex smiled back confidently, removing her cloak and unsheathing her swords, ready to accept the challenge.

They stood facing each other in the clearing, surrounded by tall trees. The air was filled with the scent of the fresh forest, and the sounds of nature blended seamlessly with their breathing.

"I hope you won't surrender to me," Alex said with a smile in her voice. Rainn didn't reply, only smirked self-assuredly and signaled to attack. Alex focused, took a deep breath, and swiftly delivered the first strike.

The fight was fast-paced and energetic. Rainn skillfully blocked each of Alex's strikes and countered with attacks that demanded quick reactions and agility from her. They moved across the clearing, avoiding tree roots and ducking branches.

Alex felt the adrenaline spreading, her blood rushing faster through her veins. Each strike and block required her full concentration. She didn't stop, despite the fatigue and noticeable tension in her muscles after a long absence from training. In her eyes, a fire burned. Finally, she was rediscovering herself. For Alex, the battle had always been a liberation from unnecessary thoughts and worries, and the sound of steel was soothing, clearing her mind.

Time seemed to slow down as they continued to clash, blending into the movements and sounds of the fight. Under the sun's rays penetrating through the foliage, their shadows danced on the ground.

Eventually, after several intense exchanges, Alex and Rainn stopped, their breaths merging into one. Tired but happy, they felt united with the fight and the strength of nature surrounding them.

Rainn smiled, sheathed his sword, and approached Alex. He gently ran his fingertips along her cheek. "You passed this test with distinction, my little duchess," he said approvingly. "Your strength and skill have amazed me."

Alex smiled in return but instinctively stepped back. The man's touch was unexpected. When the meaning of Daniel's words sank in, her smile slowly faded from her lips. "My little duchess? Why did you call me that?" She looked at Rainn with questioning eyes, but he avoided her gaze. "No, it can't be."

All the relaxation and satisfaction from the battle seemed to vanish. Only Sebastian addressed her like that. But not once since she arrived in Forestsy, only when they were alone or in his letters.

"Letters," Alex whispered barely audibly and glanced at Rainn again. "Letters?" she asked louder this time.

Rainn looked serious and tense. "Alex, there's something I need to tell you," he said, avoiding direct eye contact. "Sebastian allowed me to read those postcards from the Boarding House. The initial ones were to bring me up to speed, and then he entrusted me to write some when he was carrying out his father's orders."

Alex froze, overcome by a wave of disappointment and realization, but she tried to hold onto some composure, still finding it hard to believe that Sebastian could do such a thing to her.

"Which ones did you see, Rainn?" the girl asked, her voice trembling.

Rainn lifted his head and stared intently at her. "I saw them all. I witnessed the birth of your feelings for Sebastian. Every word, every emotion... I saw it all in those postcards," his voice sounded firm, and it seemed he was angry.

Alex lowered her gaze, feeling a mix of shame and anger. "I didn't know they weren't private correspondence. I didn't want anyone else to see them," she said in a subdued voice.

Rainn approached and took her hand. "I understand, Alex. I know it's wrong, you weren't supposed to find out. Sebastian didn't plan to tell you. But I want you to know. Don't romanticize his behavior, Sebastian plays with girls. After reading those postcards, I realized that you could become one of them. He will try to evoke emotions and manipulate your feelings, sometimes giving you hope, other times showering you with coldness and indifference," he said, stroking her hand to comfort her.

Alex looked at him, a mixture of regret and gratitude gleaming in her eyes. "Rainn, I... I just... Thank you for warning me. And I don't want this to affect our friendship."

Rainn nodded and smiled. "Sebastian is like a brother to me, but he's gotten carried away with you, and I'm afraid he'll suffer because of it. Just be aware and keep your distance, okay? Now, about the situation as a whole, are you ready to listen to me?"

Alex nodded, preparing to listen to what Rainn wanted to tell her. They settled under a tree, facing each other. Alex hugged her knees and looked at Daniel, indicating that she was ready to listen.

Rainn sighed and began his explanation. "Sebastian referred to you as his fiancée. He made that decision spontaneously when we received information that there's a hunt for you, not only in our kingdom but in others as well. The reward for your head has become too tempting. The appearance of an unknown girl, especially with your status, would undoubtedly attract attention in the village. The less information there is about you, the better. That's where the idea of a fiancée came from. Placing a runaway bride in the nursemaid's house makes perfect sense. You hide your identity, and there are no questions about it. Until the engagement is announced and the alliance is approved by the king, there's no need for unnecessary attention on the future princess."

Alex smiled sadly and asked in a subdued voice, "It all makes sense, and I agree. But what's next? Should I hide in the room and never step outside?"

Rainn shook his head. "Not quite like that, but generally, it's better not to leave the house until you turn 18. We've established a protective barrier around the house that even blocks search spells. Sebastian and I will be with you for the next three months. You can't go to the village, but we'll organize training sessions and walks by the sea. You won't get bored, don't worry."

Alex stood up from the tree root and looked at the mage with irony. "For some reason, I feel like I've traded one prison for another."

Rainn opened his mouth to reply, but Alex stopped him with a gesture. With a sad smile, she said, "Let's go, the walk is over for today." Without looking back, she headed towards the new house, which had turned into a new prison in just an hour.