The morning after their return to Chloe's manor was unusually warm, with streaks of sunlight slicing through the curtains like golden blades. Riella stretched as she sat up, the soft sheets clinging to her bare arms. Amelia lay on the other side, her breathing still slow and steady. For a moment, everything was peaceful.
But the questions in Riella's mind stirred again — like echoes bouncing off the walls of her heart.
Why had she been taken? Why did they call her a spy? And who exactly was Leonardo?
She rose quietly, wrapping a silk robe around herself. The manor was awake — she could hear the distant clinking of silverware, the sweeping of brooms. Down the hall, maids scurried past her with polite curtsies. One of them whispered to another, eyes wide.
"She's the one who was brought by Lord Kael... did you see her eyes?"
"They say General Dimitri asked about her... but don't repeat that—"
The words drifted away as Riella turned a corner. She wasn't sure what startled her more — the gossip or the mention of Dimitri.
Amelia found her in the sitting room, staring out the window with a frown. Her friend's blue eyes blinked sleepily.
"You're already up?"
"Couldn't sleep," Riella murmured, turning to her. "There's something strange about this place."
Amelia sank into the couch beside her and yawned. "Strange? It's a manor, not a dungeon."
Riella chuckled softly. "You've changed."
"No," Amelia said, shaking her head. "I've just seen more. Things are different here — more power, more danger, more... eyes watching."
They both looked out the window now, watching the horses being groomed in the courtyard.
Amelia spoke again after a long pause. "Riella... do you think they were after you? Or your mother?"
The mention of her mother made something knot tightly in Riella's chest. She looked down at her hands.
"I don't know," she whispered. "But I'll find out. Even if it takes everything."
They were interrupted by a knock. A servant stood politely at the doorway.
"Ladies, Lord Kael requests your presence in the main hall."
They followed in silence.
---
The main hall of Chloe's manor was nothing like Riella remembered. It felt too formal now — the soft carpets, the tall glass windows, the flicker of candles despite the sun.
Lord Kael stood waiting. His posture perfect, his tailored jacket catching the light. He gave them a slight bow.
"You both will return to your rooms soon," he said calmly. "Your safety is not to be worried over. His Highness merely wanted to confirm... a few things."
"And who exactly is His Highness?" Riella asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Kael smiled — a polite, unreadable smile. "You already met him. Though not as an emperor."
She frowned. So Dimitri was the one Kael served. She said nothing more.
"There is no cause for concern," Kael added. "But please, do not leave the manor without an escort. The streets are no longer as they used to be."
---
Back in their rooms, Riella sat by the mirror brushing her hair, her thoughts far away. Amelia leaned against the bedpost, nibbling on a cookie.
"Do you think he was being honest?" Amelia asked.
Riella tied her hair slowly. "I don't know. But for now... we play along."
Amelia nodded. "Until we find out what happened that night."
They locked eyes. And in that quiet understanding, there was strength.
Dimitri's POV:
The sound of iron striking iron echoed in the training yard. General Dimitri stood at the window of his private quarters, unmoving, arms folded behind his back. His sharp blue eyes scanned the horizon — but his mind was elsewhere. Still in that dark chamber where she stood before him, shaking and wet from the rain, refusing to beg, her eyes defiant.
Eyes like grass soaked in rain. Eyes that didn't just look like her… they were hers.
"Sir?" a voice interrupted softly behind him.
He turned. A tall soldier stood just outside the doorway, helm tucked under his arm.
"Kaien," Dimitri acknowledged, motioning him in.
Kaien had been his most trusted soldier for five years — silent, loyal, and utterly unshaken by fear or politics. With ash-blond hair always tied back and a long scar down his right hand — the only reminder of the time he'd saved Dimitri's life — Kaien rarely spoke unless spoken to.
"You've read the full report?" Dimitri asked.
"Yes, sir. There's no sign she's a spy. No markings, no hidden signals, nothing on her person... and the seal she carried was legitimate. An old one."
Dimitri grunted. "That's what troubles me."
Kaien waited in silence.
"She looked like Angela." The words were low, almost a whisper. "But not just Angela — younger. Almost... identical."
Kaien didn't respond. He never pressed when the General spoke about the past.
Dimitri turned from the window, pouring himself a glass of water. "I made a promise to a woman long ago — that I would protect what was left of her family."
Kaien looked up. "Do you believe this girl could be—?"
"I don't believe," Dimitri said firmly. "Not yet. But if she is who I think she is... she should never have ended up in this mess."
Before Kaien could respond, the doors burst open without a knock.
"Well, well," came the familiar voice, dripping with amusement. "Are you still brooding about that girl?"
Dimitri didn't look up. "Kael, do you ever learn to knock?"
"Why knock when I know you're not doing anything scandalous?" Kael grinned as he sauntered in, looking perfectly amused in his tailored navy coat. "Unless thinking about a woman until your forehead wrinkles counts?"
Dimitri exhaled sharply. "She was frightened."
Kael shrugged. "She also slapped a soldier and tried to run across the border. What did you expect? A thank-you hug?"
Dimitri shot him a sharp glare.
Kael raised both hands. "Fine, fine. I'm not here to stir your temper. Only... next time, perhaps don't look at her like she's a ghost."
That struck a nerve.
Dimitri looked away, jaw tightening. Kaien quietly stepped back, sensing the shift in air.
"You're still thinking of Avenna," Kael said more gently now, walking over to the window. "She's been gone five years, brother."
Five years, two months, and thirteen days.
Dimitri didn't say it aloud.
Avenna — his wife, the only one who had ever softened him, had died giving birth to their twin sons. He had buried her with her favorite silk scarf and held their children alone on a battlefield three days later.
"I don't mourn the dead," Dimitri said flatly. "I remember them."
Kael gave him a look but said nothing more.
Finally, Dimitri turned back to Kaien. "Send word to the manor. Ensure the girl remains under observation, but keep it discreet. No guards near her room."
"Yes, General."
"And Kaien?"
Kaien paused.
"If she tries to leave again... don't stop her."
Kael looked stunned. "What?"
"She's not a prisoner," Dimitri said. "Let her think she's free — sometimes that's the only way to find the truth."