I spent the rest of the day reading the book.
It was divided into four sections, each one describing the author's journey through a different kingdom.
I was now reading the Eastern section—the kingdom where I live.
I realized I never truly knew this land. Though I was born here, my father and I lived only in Lauranza.
After his death, I was sent to an orphanage there, and from there I came to the duchy.
I had never seen much beyond those walls.
Reading about it felt strangely new.
The author even mentioned Balden Town, where Andie now lives.
He had stayed there for only a week, treating the sick before moving on.
Night fell, and I dined with Henry.
To my surprise, I enjoyed it.
I told him about the towns I had read of, and he listened carefully. He spoke in return, sharing his own memories of those places and how much they had changed.
I had never thought conversation with Henry could feel so easy.
When the duke was present, dinner was always unbearable. His presence made the air heavy, suffocating. It was the worst part of my day.
Perhaps now, things would be different.
At midnight, I decided to go out. I wished to see if Leo would truly be waiting for me, as he had promised.
I needed to warn him—truly warn him—and I prayed he was not spying for the duke.
This time, I wore a proper dress, not a nightgown.
I made my way to the training grounds.
There he was, lying beneath the oak tree.
As I approached, he did not move.
He was asleep.
I studied him quietly. He really was handsome.
I nudged him with the tip of my shoe.
"You know," he said lazily, "it is rude to wake someone like that. You could have used your hand."
"A lady should not touch a man who is neither her kin nor her husband," I replied calmly.
He sighed and sat up. "So, you finally showed mercy and came, Princess."
"I came only to warn you, Sir Leo," I said firmly.
"Your actions have consequences. Please, do not speak to me again."
"What kind of consequences?" he asked, amused.
I sighed. "Last year, after the duchess died, I met a knight apprentice named Daniel.
He used to sneak out and speak with me. He was gentle, kind, and always had stories to tell."
"Used to?" Leo asked.
"One night, at dinner," I continued, my voice faltering, "instead of meat on my plate, I found…" I paused, forcing myself to breathe. The memory still haunted me.
"You found what?" he asked softly.
"A severed tongue. I did not understand what it was at first. Then the duke said, 'Since you enjoyed the boy's stories, I thought you would like to have his tongue.'"
Leo's face went pale. "I knew the duke was cruel, but not mad. Did he kill him?"
"No. He sent him away," I said.
"It was a warning. The next time, he would not be so merciful. So please—stop. Stay away from me."
"I am sorry you endured that," Leo said gently. "But you need not worry about me. The duke cannot harm me."
"For the love of God," I snapped, "stop your arrogance for once."
"Calm yourself, Princess," he said with a soft smile.
"Though I find your concern touching, I assure you—he cannot touch me."
"What makes you so certain?" I demanded.
"Because," he said quietly, "I am the king's illegitimate son."
My eyes widened.
"No one knows," he continued. "Only the king's closest aides. The duke knows. And now—you."
After a long silence, I stood. "Even so, you should stay away from me."
I turned to leave. "Good night, Sir Leo. It was… nice meeting you."
"Good night, Princess," he said with a smirk. "I hope to see you again tomorrow night."
He was impossible. Stubborn beyond reason.
I returned to the mansion with quick, angry steps. Yet part of me felt warm. Someone was not afraid to stand beside me. After Daniel, everyone who knew avoided me as though I were cursed.
That night, I slept with tangled feelings—fear, anxiety, and a fragile sense of happiness.
-------------------------------
"Daddy, higher! Higher!"
"Princess, we must go back," the man laughed. "Your sister will return soon, and we did not tell her we were leaving."
"One last push, please!" the girl begged.
"Very well," he chuckled.
He lifted her into his arms.
"Daddy," she asked, "if I am a princess, does that make you a king and Mommy a queen?"
"I do not know about me," he said softly. "But your mother was always my queen."
"Is my sister a princess too?"
"Yes," he smiled. "But between us, you are special. You have gems in your eyes."
"I do?" the girl gasped.
"Yes," he said, brushing her hair. "Great emeralds."
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too," he whispered. "My Princess Julia."