The dining room of the Grand Duke's castle was bathed in bright morning sunlight.
Breakfast had nearly concluded, but the servants gathered along the walls kept their heads lowered, suppressing laughter, their ears pricked attentively.
"I heard you slept well last night?"
A girl gazing into the distance and speaking as though making excuses—
"...So then, I received a report that you visited the library quite late?"
—and His Highness the Grand Duke, whose gentle voice belied the soft reprimand within.
This was how every morning began since the precious Young Lady had arrived in Vikander territory.
Most of the time, the Young Lady would smile brightly and achieve whatever she desired. But on rare occasions—like today—His Highness the Grand Duke emerged victorious.
A flicker of irritation passed over the Young Lady's face.
"...I simply went to fetch a book for morning reading."
I laughed softly at my own flimsy excuse. As prettily as I could manage.
Edwin's stern expression slowly relaxed, as though he had no choice but to yield.
"Are you doing this on purpose?"
"Doing what?"
"Making it obvious to everyone that my resolve is weakening."
"Of course I know. That's precisely why I do it."
I answered with perfect calm.
For a moment, Edwin's lips twitched with suppressed amusement.
"Then do you know this as well?"
"Know what?"
"Every time Olivia does that, I find myself craving affection more and more—like a caught fish."
Edwin's darkened eyes glanced pointedly at my wrist.
In an instant, the inside of my wrist felt scorched—as though branded by memory. My heart fluttered at the recollection of his lips pressing against my pulse.
How! How can he say such things in a room full of people?
I was fortunate to be the only person in this dining room who could understand the implication.
As I pursed my lips in embarrassment, it suddenly occurred to me that his words were like a subtle push—a secret shared between only the two of us, unknown to anyone else.
A blush crept up my peach-colored cheeks.
I shouldn't be getting excited over something like this.
I rose from my seat, glaring at Edwin. A smile appeared in his crimson eyes.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to take a nap."
It was far too early for a nap.
Edwin did not bother to point this out. If the girl fleeing like a startled rabbit so much as glanced back at him, he would find her so endearing that he might follow her on impulse.
Instead, he savored the sight of my retreating figure. The hem of my beautiful dress fluttered outward like scattered rose petals.
At some point, her dresses had grown more and more colorful. The ornaments in her hair had become increasingly diverse.
Edwin knew better than anyone that it was all Bethany's doing.
"What about your escort?"
"I don't need one!"
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