Claude.
In an instant, the serious, controlled atmosphere surrounding Daniel shifted into an unreadable void. I lifted my head to look up.
Claude stepped forward.
"Hmm, that was… quite amusing," he said. "I didn't realize you could be so… proper. You almost look like a completely different person."
I slightly raised an eyebrow but kept my composure.
"People behave differently depending on the situation," I said lightly.
He shook his head and laughed.
"Ah, very skilled. Good, then. Since you're so proper, I'll guide you through my castle. That way, you won't trip over anything, and I can make sure you don't get lost."
I blinked and shrugged.
"Alright. A little guidance won't hurt."
We passed through grand halls. Claude's steps were light and playful. He pointed out tapestries, corridors, balconies, and secret passages, and throughout it, his gaze remained sharp.
"Don't get the wrong idea just because you're married," he said. "You're not special. In four months, it's over between you and me."
"I know. Once I finish my duty and correct the future, I'll leave willingly."
He simply looked down at me with cold eyes.
We continued walking. I smiled politely as I listened to his explanations. The enormous windows, high ceilings, and glittering chandeliers drew my attention. Every corner shouted royalty, and I could sense the subtle differences between Daniel's personalities.
Finally, we reached the top floor. Claude stopped in front of a door, wearing a playful expression.
"This is… where I spend most of my time. My room. Don't be afraid, though."
I smirked lightly, raising an eyebrow.
"Afraid? Me?"
Being in his space felt strangely comfortable, and I offered a polite smile.
"Impressive. Thank you for showing me."
He leaned casually against the doorframe and grinned. As I looked around the room with a small, polite smile, he blinked briefly, as if slightly surprised. His ears flushed faintly pink, but he quickly covered it with a mischievous laugh.
"Well, well… I see," he said. "You know how to smile properly. Makes me forget for a moment how serious you are."
I raised my eyebrows calmly.
"I'm just enjoying the view."
Claude laughed softly and stepped closer. His tone was still playful.
"Ah, so that's it. A smile at the castle… careful. People might think you actually enjoy royal life."
"I just enjoy seeing confusion. That's interesting enough."
He shook his head and chuckled lowly.
"Interesting… I like that. But don't get too comfortable. This castle has a way of swallowing people whole."
The windows were open. Golden sunset light poured into the room, bathing her in warmth. The breeze brushed her hair, making her blue eyes sparkle. She didn't notice, but Claude's gaze was drawn to her.
He stayed there for a moment, observing how the light touched her, the gentle sway of her hair, her natural movements. Then he stepped forward, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. A precise, deliberate gesture.
"Hmm," he muttered in a low, dry voice. "So that's what everyone exaggerated about." He carefully maintained a playful tone as he stepped closer. "Not bad. But don't expect kindness."
Even without words, his presence and movement left a deep impression on the moment.
I gave an awkward smile and tilted my head slightly.
"Thank you," I said, quieter than I expected.
Claude's lips twitched between a smile and a smirk, and a faint pink touched his cheeks.
"You're lucky," he said lowly, lingering in my gaze a moment longer than necessary.
The carriage ride home was filled with silence. The carriage glided over the gravel, and Claude sat straight and composed. I kept sneaking glances at him, but whenever our eyes met, he only showed faint signs of attention, saying nothing.
When we arrived, he stepped down first.
"Until the wedding," his voice cold and factual, devoid of emotion.
I nodded with the same awkward smile.
"Until then."
A week passed in the blink of an eye. Preparations, invitations, and subtle pressures from the nobles followed, and the day finally arrived when the royal family personally announced the arrival of the new princess.
The streets of the city were crowded with people, cheering and smiling as we passed. Today was not just a wedding it was the day I was officially introduced as the new princess.
The crown was placed on my head by the king, Claude's father. He carefully set it in place. I maintained a polite smile and nodded to the crowd, while Claude stood calmly and neatly beside me. His eyes met mine briefly, still unreadable.
The surroundings buzzed with polite murmurs and laughter, but I scanned the faces I needed to see.
I saw my father and three older brothers. They looked satisfied, almost proud. By marrying into the royal family, it seemed my family had finally anchored somewhere. They, too, were now part of the royal orbit.
A little farther away stood Daniel. His rare warmth blended with his smirk. He seemed genuinely pleased that someone had finally joined his side. At least, I chose to believe that.
Seren was nearby as well. I had encountered him several times during the wedding and in the castle. He was always kind, helped me navigate the sprawling halls, and offered advice without burdening me. One of Claude's closest friends, loyal to the end.
Kael and Edrin were there too, the royal knights—or rather, Claude's personal guards. Trained to anticipate every move of his. I had spoken with them a few times; competent, polite, reliable. People you could entrust your back to.
And Ilion, who managed all the behind-the-scenes work to ensure the royal household functioned smoothly documents, logistics, and countless details Claude and Daniel never bothered with.
Seeing them all together, the castle felt both familiar and foreign. Everyone here was a piece in a grand game, and I had to remember which pieces I could move and which could crush me if touched incorrectly.
Then my gaze landed on someone in the front row—Landon, clapping with a practiced, fake smile.
The ceremony was formal and brief. Vows were clearly exchanged, and the crowd cheered quietly.
When it was over, the city had seen the new princess, and I had passed through the spectacle safely.
Claude lightly took my hand as we passed through the palace gates. The crowd's cheers faded behind us, and the quiet corridors of the castle welcomed us. One moment the whole city was watching, and the next, it felt unreal that it was just the two of us.
He walked beside me without a word. His steps were calm and measured, but his presence was undeniable. I walked with my hands clasped in front, careful not to overstep his authority.
When we reached the private quarters, he stopped and looked at me. His expression was still unreadable.
"This is your room," he said simply. Flat in tone, yet carrying a strange weight.
I nodded, taking in the wide room. Awe and quiet tension washed over me simultaneously.
"Thank you," I whispered almost inaudibly.
He regarded me sharply for a moment, then pointed toward the door.
"Get settled. Dinner will be served in an hour."
As he turned to leave, I found myself watching his back. Something inexplicable tugged at my chest. But I reminded myself why I was here—to observe, to survive, to protect the future.
A week later, preparations for a grand wedding banquet and celebration were in full swing, but inside the quiet room of the castle, I felt, for the first time, like I could truly breathe.
Aisha stood at the back. Her brown hair shimmered in the light as she smiled at Claude. My chest tightened. She was the trigger.
Claude's attention remained on me, but I didn't take my eyes off her. This was the first warning. I would not fail.
Landon sat in the front row with my family, clapping. His smile was polite, but his gaze was sharp.
The ceremony continued, but the real game was only just beginning.