Their footsteps echoed softly along the stone path of House Zevarelis' private garden. The sky was clear, and blue roses bloomed on both sides, even as a chill hung in the air.
Alexa walked beside him, hands folded gracefully in front. But inwardly—she remained alert.
Thalionric Arelthia, the Crown Prince, said little. But his golden gaze had been studying her the entire time. As if reading a book—and she was its page.
> "If you're trying to make me nervous, it won't work," Alexa finally said, voice light yet cold.
The prince turned slightly. "That's not my intent. But it is refreshing to see you remain this calm… even though I know something has changed."
Alexa stopped, eyes on the small frozen pond in the garden's center. Its surface half-frozen, reflecting trees and sky like a tranquil painting.
> "You speak as if you know everything, Your Highness."
> "Because I observe," Thalionric answered, now standing beside her. "A few days ago, you smiled like a summer flower. Today, your smile… is like frozen dew. Beautiful, but dangerous."
Alexa furrowed her brows. "Are you always this poetic, or only when trying to annoy a Duke's daughter?"
Thalionric shrugged slightly. "Only when that girl suddenly catches my attention… when before, she was barely noticeable."
> Barely noticeable?
Alexa took a deep breath. The original Alexamysa was indeed forgettable.
But now… she would shine.
> "Then don't look away again," she said softly, turning to walk ahead.
But her steps froze when Thalionric spoke in a quiet murmur:
> "You're not the same person… are you?"
Alexa's heart clenched.
> "Even your gaze… it's like someone who's seen the end of the world—and decided to fight back."
She turned slowly, eyes cold, poised.
> "If I have changed… then you should be more careful, Your Highness. Because this new girl… won't be anyone's pawn."
For the first time, Thalionric smiled faintly. A subtle smile, yet undeniably… captivating.
> "Good. Because I need an ally… not a puppet."
Clouds drifted slowly above them, but sunlight still broke through—illuminating the pond and the reflections of two nobles slowly beginning to recognize each other.
Not as Crown Prince and Duke's daughter.
But as two souls… perhaps destined to challenge one another.
---
🌹 To Be Continued...