Susan and Anna were sitting across from me in the carriage, looking like two solemn little birds. They’d won a game of rock-paper-scissors to see who would accompany me today, leaving Beth behind to "guard the mansion"—which mostly meant keeping an eye on my grandfather’s spies.
"It's our job to keep you informed of everything that happens while you're away, Princess!" Susan said, clutching a large pink basket to her chest.
I suppressed a smile. She looked so serious, like she was carrying a state secret instead of a basket of snacks.
"Did you get everything I asked for?" I asked.
"Yes, Princess! Not a single thing was missed."
"Good."
I looked out the window as we approached the Lemut estate. It was strange; only a few weeks ago, this place had been a den of enemies. Now, it felt more like home than the cold, golden halls of the Altsbeit mansion.
As we drove through the village, I noticed more people than usual gathering near the road. They weren't throwing stones or shouting insults; they just... watched. It was an ambiguous reaction, but it didn't feel hostile.
"Susan, is it just me, or are there more people out today?" I asked.
"I felt it too, Princess. Maybe there’s a festival?"
We reached the castle gates. The road I’d paid to have fixed was smooth under our wheels. I recognized the knight at the gate—he was the same one who’d turned me away so many times before. He looked as uncomfortable and hardened as ever.
"I’m here to see the Duke," I said, stepping out of the carriage.
"Ah... Princess. The Duke is... well..."
"I know, I know. Entry is forbidden." I sighed. I’d expected it, but a small part of me had hoped Askin might have softened after his letter. 'Is he still giving me the silent treatment? How long is he going to keep his mouth shut?'
I groaned inwardly and started to turn back, but the knight hesitated. He looked restless, as if he had something he wanted to say but didn't know how.
"I’ll inform the Duke of your arrival," he said.
I blinked. "You will?"
"The Duke said to let him know immediately if the Princess arrived." He paused, then took a step toward me and bowed deeply—a genuine, respectful bow. "And... thank you, Princess."
"For what?" I was genuinely bewildered.
"My younger brother was one of the workers you hired to fix the roads. Because of that, our family was able to restore our house before the winter, and the boy didn't catch a cold. We owe you a great debt."
He didn't wait for a response; he just nodded and hurried back into the castle. I stared after him.
"Wow," Susan whispered. "It seems some people actually know how to show gratitude."
"Of course they do," Anna added. "The Princess has done so much for them!"
It was strange to hear my own maids—who used to fear me—defending me so passionately. 'Is it really possible to change a reputation like this?' I wondered.
Just then, I saw a familiar figure approaching from the distance. He was so tall and Broad-shouldered that I recognized him instantly. My fiancé.
Askin stood in front of me, his expression as guarded as ever. He looked like he was half-wondering why I was here and half-annoyed that I’d shown up at all.
"You’re back again," he said.
"And I’m just as happy to see you," I replied with a dry smile.
It didn't feel as bad as before. There was a slight shift in the air, a tiny crack in the ice.
"You were so polite in your letter," I said, bringing the letter to my lips. "Can't you show me even a fraction of that politeness in person?"
Askin’s eyes widened when he saw the letter in my hand. Then he frowned, looking genuinely embarrassed.
"Why... why did you bring that?"
"It’s a love letter from my fiancé. Of course I’m going to keep it close to my heart."
"A love letter?! It most certainly is not! Throw it away! Right now!"
"I think not."
He instinctively reached for the letter, but I pulled my hand back. He was so close for a second—I caught a whiff of his fresh, clean scent—before he realized what he was doing and backed away.
"Why wouldn't engagement letters be considered love letters?" I asked, enjoying his discomfort. "I certainly think they are."
"Whatever delusions you want to live in are your own business," he snapped. "Just don't drag me into them."
'Delusions?' I thought. 'Well, at least he’s talking to me.' I noticed that he’d stopped using the most formal, distant tone with me. It was a subtle change, but a meaningful one.
"Can I come in?" I pointed toward the castle.
"No."
'Well, some things never change,' I thought. But he didn't look angry, just... tired.
"Aria’s health is still fragile," he explained. "We aren't accepting visitors."
"Is she all right?" I asked, my voice softening.
"She’s not in critical danger, but she needs rest." He stared at me for a long moment, his brow furrowed. "What did you tell her the last time you saw her?"
"What do you mean?"
He didn't answer. He just looked at me with that resolute expression and then turned as if to leave.
"Well, since I’ve confirmed that the letter wasn't written by a ghost and you aren't being held hostage, I’ll leave," I said, shaking the letter at him.
"A ghost? What on earth are you talking about?"
"Oh, I just thought maybe you’d been kidnapped and forced to write something so polite. Next time, draw a carrot in the corner if you need help, okay? My knights and I will come running."
I was joking, but he didn't even crack a smile. I felt that tiny 0.1% of intimacy I’d built up through the letter evaporate instantly. I turned to Susan and nodded.
"Fine. I’m leaving. Take this."
I took the pink basket from Susan.
"I don't want it," Askin said.
"It’s not for you. It’s for Aria. I put all the sweetest, highest-quality treats I could find in there. Throw them away if you want. It’s your choice."
I set the basket on the ground between us and turned to leave. I’d achieved my purpose—I’d confirmed his letter was real and I’d made sure he knew I was still around.
"By the way," I said, looking over my shoulder. "I’ll be asking Aria later if she liked the treats. So you’d better make sure she gets them."
I caught a glimpse of his bewildered face before I got back into the carriage. 'Perfect,' I thought. 'Let him wonder about me for a while.'
* * *
When I returned to the Altsbeit mansion, the place was in an uproar.
"Who’s here?" I asked Susan.
"It’s... well, Baroness Cleria and her group, Princess."
I felt a wave of nausea. Cleria. She was the leader of the "Vicious Socialites"—the group of noblewomen Charlize used to run with. They were the ones who had encouraged her worst impulses and laughed at her cruelty.
'The crazy club is back,' I thought. The last time they’d visited, I’d literally poured wine over them and kicked them out. I hadn't expected them to be so persistent.
"Tell them I’m busy," I said. "Very busy."
"Yes, Princess."
Susan bowed and went to deliver the message. But I had a feeling they wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. The darkness was already starting to settle over the mansion, and the social sharks were circling.