As Alexandria led Augustus through the dimly lit corridors towards the garden, his mind was racing with questions. How did she discover his secret? Could she pose a threat to his family's legacy? He couldn't help but feel a sense of distrust towards her, even though they were alone together.

The only sound was the soft rustling of their footsteps, which seemed to echo off the walls. Augustus couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, but every time he glanced over his shoulder, there was no one there.

The corridors were dimly lit, and the only sound was the soft rustle of their footsteps. Augustus couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, but when he glanced over his shoulder, there was no one there.

Alexandria walked with a purpose, her long strides matching his own. He couldn't help but notice how her eyes seemed to dance with secret amusement as if she knew something he didn't. He wondered if he was just being paranoid, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Augustus felt a sense of unease as Alexandria took his hand and led him toward the garden. He tried to pull away, but her grip was surprisingly strong. Augustus followed Alexandria out of his father's study, his mind racing with questions. How did she know his secret? Why was she so insistent on speaking with him in private? And what did she want from him?

As they walked through the long corridors of the estate, Augustus couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He didn't trust Alexandria, not after what she had said to him. He couldn't shake the feeling that she had some ulterior motive.

The air was thick with tension as they walked, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Augustus couldn't help but notice the way Alexandria moved, with a sense of purpose and grace that seemed out of place in this world.

As they neared the end of the hallway, Alexandria turned a corner and led him down a flight of stairs. The stairwell was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the occasional torch along the walls.

Augustus felt a chill run down his spine as they descended deeper into the estate. He had never been to this part of the estate before, and the thought of being alone with Alexandria in this secluded part of the castle made him feel uneasy.

As they finally reached the garden, Alexandria turned to face him, her eyes locked onto his. "I know your secret," she repeated, her voice steady and calm.

Augustus's blood ran cold as he tried to figure out what she could possibly know. He had never confided in anyone, so how could she have found out? He couldn't help but wonder if she was Yui, but he quickly dismissed that idea as highly unlikely.

Despite his inner turmoil, Augustus tried to maintain his composure as he waited for Alexandria to speak again, his eyes never leaving hers. Augustus took a step closer to her, his eyes scanning her face for any clues as to what secret she might be referring to. But she remained enigmatic, her expression unreadable.

They walked along the garden path, surrounded by lush foliage and fragrant flowers. Augustus couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he followed Alexandria deeper into the garden. He had never felt comfortable around her, and now with the knowledge that she held some secret over him, that feeling had only intensified.

He couldn't shake the feeling that she was leading him into a trap, but he couldn't resist the lure of the garden. The beauty of the surroundings was almost enough to make him forget his suspicions.

As they rounded a corner, Augustus was struck by the stunning view of the city below. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over everything, and the city looked like a painting. For a moment, he forgot all about the secret and the mistrust and simply took in the beauty of the moment.

But then Alexandria spoke again, her voice low and measured. "I know that you don’t want to marry me," she said. Before she added in her head “and I know your hidding something in that facade of your”

Augustus's heart sank as he realized what Alexandria was referring to. He had been so consumed with figuring out what she might know that he hadn't even considered the most obvious possibility. He turned to face her, his expression guarded, trying his best to keep his voice even.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I know that you don't want to marry me," Alexandria said, her voice calm and steady. "I know that you're being pressured into it by your father and the council. But I also know that you're willing to put your duty above your desires."

Augustus felt a sense of relief wash over him. This wasn't a secret that could do any real damage. It was simply a matter of personal preference, one that he had been careful to keep hidden.

"I don't know how you found out," he said, his voice softening. "But I appreciate your understanding."

Alexandria smiled at him, and for the first time since they had met, Augustus felt a glimmer of warmth toward her. Maybe she wasn't so bad after all. And as they enjoy each other's company.

Hours passed as Augustus and Alexandria stood together in the garden, the sun setting behind them casting a warm orange glow over the sky. They were quiet for a moment, each lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Augustus spoke up. "I never wanted any of this," he said. "I never wanted to be betrothed, to be tied to someone I barely know for the sake of our families' safety."

Alexandria nodded, her eyes still fixed on the horizon. "I feel the same way," she said softly. "I never imagined my life would turn out like this."

They fell into silence again, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant hum of the city below.

"It's funny," Augustus said, breaking the quiet. "We come from such different worlds, and yet here we are, bound together by something as simple as bloodlines."

Alexandria turned to him, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Maybe we're not so different after all," she said.

Augustus looked at her, really looked at her for the first time since they had met. She was beautiful, he realized, with her dark hair and bright eyes. He had been so focused on his fears and doubts that he had never taken the time to see her as anything more than his betrothed.

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"I suppose you're right," he said, a small smile of his forming. "Maybe we're not so different after all."

They stood there for a while longer, watching the sunset and talking about their hopes and dreams. It was strange, Augustus thought, how easy it was to talk to her now that they had put aside their differences.

As the sky darkened and the stars began to twinkle into existence, they both knew that they couldn't change the betrothal agreement. It was their duty to uphold their family's traditions and ensure their safety.

But for that moment, as they stood in the garden together, they could forget about their responsibilities and just be themselves and not the person who their family expects them to be from the ever elegant Alexandria Farrel or the ever dutiful Augustus Hallgerd They could just be Hiro Natsumi and Yui Idoshi even if they both haven’t realized that fact yet.

As they enjoy each other's company, Augustus spoke that now that they are betrothed they have to dance, the fact that they are now betrothed and most likely have to dance together even with his “skill” in dancing he is not confident in that department. Gathering all courage he mumbled “Now that we are betrothed we will have to dance together, you mind teaching me” He mumbled.

Alexandria smiled as Augustus brought up the dance. "Of course, I can teach you," she said, holding out her hand. Augustus hesitated for a moment but then took her hand and followed her to a clear area of the garden.

The sound of music drifted over from a nearby building, and Alexandria began to guide Augustus through the steps. At first, they stumbled and tripped, but soon they found a rhythm and began to move gracefully together.

And as Alexandria led Augustus in a graceful waltz, he couldn't help but feel his heart race. Her hand was soft and warm in his, and he found himself getting lost in her deep brown eyes. They moved in perfect unison, as if they had been dancing together for years.

"You're a natural," Alexandria whispered, her voice like a gentle breeze. "Just let the music guide you."

Augustus couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. He had always been hesitant about the betrothal, but being with Alexandria made him feel like it might not be so bad after all.

As they danced, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the garden. The flowers seemed to dance along with them, swaying gently in the breeze. The sound of music drifted on the air, and for a moment, Augustus forgot about his duties as heir to the throne.

"I never thought I'd enjoy dancing," Augustus said, laughing softly.

Alexandria smiled at him. "There's a lot of things you might not expect to enjoy, Augustus."

As the music faded away, Augustus pulled Alexandria close, feeling the warmth of her body against his. They stood there for a moment, lost in the moment, until Alexandria spoke up.

"I know this betrothal might not be what either of us wanted," she said, her voice soft. "But we must do what is best for our families and our people."

Augustus nodded, feeling a sense of heaviness settle in his chest. He knew that duty came before personal desires, but it was hard to ignore the feeling of wanting something more.

"I understand," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alexandria smiled sadly at him, and they continued to sway to the gentle music. The city below them was lit up, and the stars began to twinkle in the sky above.

As the night grew darker, Augustus and Alexandria remained in each other's arms, lost in thought. They both knew that their betrothal was not just about them, but about the future of their families and their people. But for now, they were content to just be together, enjoying each other's company in the peaceful garden.

As they looked out at the city together, Augustus felt a sense of hope and optimism for the future. It was like this moment is meant to be.

Unbeknownst to them, Sebastian had been watching from afar, his heart swelling with pride at the sight of the two of them dancing together. He knew that Augustus and Alexandria were meant for each other, even if they didn't know it yet. He had a feeling that their betrothal was more than just a duty to their houses, but something much deeper and more meaningful.

As the sun began to set and the sky turned shades of pink and orange, Augustus and Alexandria finally stopped dancing, both feeling a sense of warmth and connection they couldn't quite explain. They turned to each other, a feeling of uncertainty and hopefulness lingering in the air.

Sebastian stepped forward, clearing his throat to announce his presence. "My Lord, Lady Alexandria, dinner is ready to be served."

Augustus and Alexandria turned to him, both feeling a sense of disappointment that their moment had to come to an end. But they both knew that duty called, and they had to put aside their personal feelings for the sake of their houses. They both shared a knowing look before following Sebastian back into the castle, their thoughts and emotions in turmoil.

And as they followed Sebastian to the dining hall, Alexandria and Augustus were both deep in thought. Their hearts were heavy with the weight of their impending betrothal and the knowledge that they had no choice in the matter. They both understood the political implications of their union, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.

Augustus felt a sense of duty weighing heavily on his shoulders. As the heir to the throne, he knew that his duty to the kingdom came before his personal desires. But he couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness knowing that he was being forced into a marriage that he didn't want. He wondered if he would ever be able to love Alexandria the way she deserved to be loved.

Alexandria, on the other hand, felt a sense of uncertainty and fear. She knew that she was entering into a marriage with a man who didn't love her. She couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to make Augustus happy or if he would always be resentful of their union. She felt a sense of longing for the kind of love that she knew she would never have with Augustus.

Despite their internal turmoil, they both put on a brave face as they entered the dining hall. They greeted Augustus's father with respect and took their seats at the table. Sebastian served them a delicious meal, but the atmosphere was tense and heavy with unspoken emotions.

As they ate, Augustus and Alexandria stole glances at each other, unsure of what to say. They both knew that they needed to find a way to make this work, for the sake of their families and their kingdom. But they also knew that it would be a difficult road ahead.

As the meal came to an end, Augustus's father rose from his seat and addressed them. "I know that this is not an easy situation for either of you," he said, "but I believe that you are both capable of rising to the challenge. You are both strong, intelligent, and capable leaders, and I have faith that you will make this work."

Augustus and Alexandria looked at each other, unsure of what to say. But they both knew that they had to try. They nodded in agreement, and as they left the dining hall, they both felt a sense of determination and resolve. They would do whatever it took to make this work, for the sake of their kingdom and their people.