Santina followed the maid down the hallway while trying to keep her heart steady.
The servants stole glances at the young girl, probably because the real Santina usually stormed through the place and shouted orders.
But she wasn't Santina, so she kept her head down trying to focus on keeping her steps calm and graceful.
No need to start any rumors about Santina acting "weird" atleast not yet anyway.
They reached the doors to her father's study as the maid gave her a sympathetic look before knocking.
"Lady Santina is here, Your Grace."
"Send her in."
The doors opened and she stepped into the room.
Santina clutched the folds of her dress to keep her hands from trembling.
Her "father" was already standing by his desk with his arms crossed and waited with a glare.
Duke Ricardo del León looked exactly as the novel described him.
He was tall and had dark hair streaked with gray. His face had that permanent scowl, like he was disappointed with the entire world.
Especially, it seemed, with his only daughter.
*gulp*
"Sit," he ordered.
Santina sank into the chair in front of his desk, doing her best to look obedient. The less she acted like the real Santina, the better.
Wait what?
"Explain yourself," he demanded coldly.
"I..—"
"Do you have any idea the embarrassment you've caused this family? Another scene at the royal banquet and clinging to Cassian like a fool, as if he hasn't had enough of your pathetic mess already."
Ah, right. Santina's most recent "incident."
She had thrown a jealous fit at the crown prince's birthday ball, practically throwing herself at Cassian, even as he looked more interested in the crown prince than in her.
"I... apologize," she said, keeping her voice steady yet low. "It won't happen again."
The duke's eyes narrowed. He wasn't used to hearing this from Santina. She'd usually argue or cry.
"That's it?" he asked with suspicion in his voice. "No excuses, no blaming others?"
"No excuses," she replied, forcing herself to hold his gaze. "I know I was wrong."
He just stared at her, clearly thrown off by Santina's calm answer. Then he scoffed, running a hand over his jaw.
"Very well. I'll hold you to that. From now on, you'll keep your distance from Cassian and focus on your duties. You have a reputation to uphold... Santina. You can't afford to be a disgrace."
"Yes, Father," the girl said, nodding.
He studied her a moment longer and then something like curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"You're... different today," he muttered, almost to himself. "Perhaps there's hope for you yet."
Hope? For Santina? She wanted to laugh.
He had no idea.
"Is that all, Father?" she asked, trying to end this awkward conversation.
"Yes, you're dismissed." He waved his daughter away, as if she was nothing more than an irritating fly.
She stood there and gave a quick curtsy as she then hurried out of the room.
The second the doors closed behind, she let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
So far, so good. If I could avoid all her typical outbursts and keep my head down, I might just survive this.!
But that plan went out the window the moment she turned the corner and nearly ran straight into him.
Cassian von Goldenstein.. the male lead.
Santina forgot that he was quite close with her brother who was the heir of the duchy. No wonder that he's here.
Her heart skipped as she took in the sight of him. Remembering all too well how Santina's story was supposed to end.
Cassian was handsome. Sleek black hair, blue eyes and that look of cold detachment that made him hard to read.
The sight of him standing there, in the flesh, brought a wave of dread over her.
He was the reason Santina's life would end.
"Santina," he said smoothly.
For a second, she couldn't remember how to breathe. But then forced herself to remember the plan.
Avoid Cassian, avoid drama and avoid death.
"Your highness the small sun of the empire,Cassian," the ducal princess replied, taking a small step back.
"Excuse me, I was just leaving."
His gaze sharpened and his eyes narrowed. This wasn't the response he was used to from Santina. She usually threw herself at him and practically hung on his every word.
This current Santina couldn't care less if he noticed something different. The last thing she wanted was to be involved with him.
"You're... unusually quiet," he said, studying her. "Have you finally grown tired of pestering me?"
The lump in Santinas throat was heavy but she swallowed it down.
"I only wished to respect your boundaries," she said as politely as possible. "I understand that you... don't care for my attention."
His eyes widened just a bit, like he wasn't sure if he'd heard correctly. "Is that so?"
"Yes." she managed with a small and polite smile.
"Have a good day, your highness Cassian." With a quick curtsy she turned and left, not looking back.
Walking away she felt her pulse slowly start to return to normal. She'd done it and gotten through the first encounter with him without causing a scene.
Suddenly voice stopped the girl in her tracks.
"Santina," he called, his voice was loud as he called her through the hallway. She froze.
"I... will see you at tomorrow's banquet, won't I?" he asked, sounding almost uncertain.
Santina turned around.
Why did he sound... hesitant? Was this some kind of test? Was he checking to see if I'd keep clinging to him, or if I'd actually meant what I said?
"Yes," she replied carefully.
"Of course, if it pleases you."
He watched her with an unreadable gaze. "It... does."
And with that he turned and walked away, leaving Santina alone in the hallway who was feeling more confused than ever.