The curtain swayed gently, rising and falling as the spring breeze brushed against my face.
Memories of Duchess Alaina flooded my mind. It is strange—almost shameful—to know that someone is watching your life, witnessing your most humiliating moments. Yet I am not angry. I am seeing her pain as well, and I feel that we are connected, that in some unseen way we are there for one another.
I slept until midnight. When I awoke, a deep longing stirred within me—the need to be with someone, someone different. Someone who sees me as Aria, not Lady Aria, not an object. Someone like Leo.
I had slept in my dress, so there was no need to change.
I made my way to the training field, hoping he would be there.
To my relief, he was, seated beneath the oak tree.
When his eyes met mine, he smiled.
That smile warmed my heart, and I returned it with one filled with gratitude and relief.
Knowing that someone was waiting for me, always waiting, brought me comfort.
He rose and walked toward me.
"Hello, Princess."
Princess. I was beginning to accept the nickname.
"Hello, Leo."
His smile widened. "At last, you have abandoned the formalities and called me simply Leo."
I had not meant to, but I pretended it was intentional.
"You dropped them first, so I see no reason why I shouldn't."
"It is much better this way, Princess."
We sat together and spoke of trivial things—nothing of importance. Yet with Leo, I felt at ease, as though my heart could finally rest.
"Have you ever visited the Northern Kingdom?" I asked.
"Yes. I have been to the capital, Noire. It is a beautiful and well-ordered land."
"In the memoir I am reading," I said, "there was a patient in the Northern Kingdom who dreamt of another world. Everything that happened to the person in her dreams happened to her in waking life as well—even injuries."
He frowned. "That sounds unbelievable. Perhaps a witch marked her… or perhaps she was simply mad."
"A witch?"
"Yes. There was once a clan—though I cannot recall their name—known for their magic, especially healing. People called them witches and wizards. But they were extinguished many years ago."
His words unsettled me.
Was I marked by such magic? Should I tell him the same thing is happening to me? Would he think me mad as well? No, Aria… it is too soon.
"Have you ever seen the Northern King?" I asked.
"No. Why do you ask?"
"He is attending the prince's coming-of-age ceremony. The girls at the tea party say he is brutal and heartless."
"I have heard the same. They say he killed the former king and the entire royal family before taking the throne."
"So he was not of royal blood?"
"No one knows. Some rumors claim he was the king's illegitimate son." He paused, then smiled faintly. "Like me."
After a moment of silence, I rose. "It is late. I must return."
He stood as well. "I truly enjoyed this evening, Princess. I hope you will come again."
"I enjoyed it too. I will try—but I can promise nothing." I smiled gently. "Good night, Leo."
"Good night, Princess."
The mansion was silent. My chamber lay on the second floor, and I moved carefully, making no sound.
As I passed the first floor, I noticed light spilling from the duke's office.
Voices drifted through the partially open door. Inside stood the duke and Henry, locked in what was clearly an argument.
"I hear you allowed Aria outside," the duke growled.
"Did I not tell you to stay away from her?"
Henry stood rigid, his head lowered. Fear flickered in his eyes—then something else. Resistance.
"Why, Father?" he asked.
"Why do you treat her this way? She is innocent."
A sharp slap echoed through the hall. I nearly cried out.
"She is not," the duke snarled.
"This is your final warning, Henry. Stay away from her, or there will be consequences."
A chill crawled over my skin. I fled back to my room, fear consuming me.
I collapsed onto my bed. Henry had never approached me before—always too afraid of the duke. What is wrong with this family? What does the duke want from me?
It cannot be mere lust. There are many women more beautiful than I. So why me? And what did he mean when he said I was not innocent?
My conversation with Leo returned to my thoughts. Witches. Magic.
I stared at the shattered mirror. Did I do that?
"Oh, Father," I whispered, "why did you never tell me anything about our family?"
The next morning, I went down to breakfast and greeted the duke and Henry.
"You know, Aria," the duke said calmly, "you needn't creep about like a rat, eavesdropping on conversations."
My face drained of color. How does he know?
He smiled at me. "Your scent lingered everywhere. What were you doing wandering so late at night?"
My scent? Is he a hound?
"I… I could not sleep," I stammered. "I took a walk in the garden, and when I returned, I heard voices. I did not mean to listen."
My hands trembled. Does he know about Leo? He cannot see the training grounds from his windows… surely he does not.
"Next time you cannot sleep," he said softly, "come to me. I will make sure you sleep very deeply."
His gaze made my blood run cold.
I glanced at Henry. He avoided my eyes, shame written across his face.
He did not want me to see his weakness.
After breakfast, Henry headed outside. I followed him.
"Henry," I called.
He stopped and turned, his expression hesitant.
"I am sorry," I said quietly. "I never meant to cause you trouble."
"You didn't," he replied, frustration edging his voice.
He turned to leave, but I caught his arm.
"Henry, please. I need your help."
He sighed. "What is it?"
"Could you recommend a book about the Northern Kingdom? I wish to know more about where I came from."
Perhaps I was selfish. I knew I was placing him at risk, but it was such a small request.
"Of course," he said after a pause. "I will have them sent to your room."
Then, distant and formal, he added, "If you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to."
He spoke as though we were strangers—as though the warmth of the past weeks had never existed.
My chest ached.
Henry is a prisoner of the duke, just as I am.