"A bouquet of pink tulips!"
"A guy in a dark blue royal coat. His slender but powerful, well-muscled body moved with easy grace. Drops of moisture clung to his damp forehead as water dripped from his velvety black hair. An enchanting smile played on his lips as he leaned closer to me."
Sitting in my private library, I absentmindedly stared outside, lost in thought. I was trying hard to remember my dream from last night. Though an enormous, leather-bound book on Royal Politics lay open before me—its pages filled with information about the neighboring kingdoms of Zahava—I couldn't concentrate at all.
My mind was consumed by fragments of the dream, restlessly drifting through my thoughts. It was so unfamiliar, yet my heart pounded for some unknown reason. Since morning, I had felt an inexplicable sense of loss, as if something was missing—as if I had forgotten something important.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair, exhausted.
'Hmm. Who was that guy? Someone from Princess Aralia's past, or just a random figure in my dream? His face—'
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't recall his face. Only his gentle smile remained in my memory. His lips moved—he asked me something in a soothing, comforting tone. Then, he leaned forward and wiped the drops of water from my lips, moving his thumb carefully. A strange warmth wrapped around me as his fingers trailed gently over my cheeks, wandering aimlessly.
My heart danced with excitement, and the very air around me seemed electrified. I didn't even notice when my fingers began tracing over my own lips while revisiting the memories of that extremely real dream– as if someone was really with me last night.
Suddenly, a soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
I opened my eyes instantly, startled and partially embarrassed by my own behavior.
'Damn! What the hell was I doing? What kind of weird dream did I have last night?'
Viola's concerned voice came from the other side of the door, "Your Highness, it is already lunchtime. Will you not eat?"
"Hmm."
Clearing my throat awkwardly, I answered her, "Serve it. I will be at the table within a few minutes."
Viola was about to leave the corridor when I summoned her again, recalling something important, "Viola, I asked you to inform Sir Killian to meet me as soon as possible. Why didn't he visit me even today? Haven't you told him anything?"
"No, Your Highness," Viola explained promptly, "I went to the training ground even today. But, I got to know that Sir Killan has been sent to some kind of important mission last night by His Highness. So, he can only visit you after returning from his mission."
My brows frowned as I inquired curiously, "What kind of mission?"
"I don't know, Your Highness."
She thought for a moment as she mumbled after a little pause, "Maybe to the border of the Eirian. I heard that another fight is going on there."
"Again?"
"Yes, the Chief General of the Eirian looted two or three villages near our border a few nights ago and he slaughtered many guards on the border. So, reinforcements have been sent there recently," Viola complained in an annoyed tone, "For the last two years, Eirian has been causing so much problem on our border. We should teach them a good lesson now."
I was already aware of the ruckus between Eirian and Zahava, as Cyrus, the Crown Prince—the future king of Eirian—was one of the major suspects behind my disappearance. I even knew the cause of their bitter relationship. But I was still unsure how to deal with it.
For the last six months, I had spent all my time regaining Princess Aralia's knowledge and combat skills, as my priority was to make myself strong—strong enough to protect myself and escape from this complicated royalty if I ever got the chance.
I asked curiously, "Have you heard any rumors about Eirian?"
Viola was a very talkative girl. She had many friends among the commoners and maids, gathering plenty of information for me. She was my only reliable source for learning about the commoners' opinions and uncovering hidden details within the royal territory.
She thought for a moment before answering, "Yes. Some say that the Crown Prince of Eirian is hiding here. Eirian wants something very precious from Zahava. Soon, they will demand it from His Majesty."
"Something precious? What exactly is this precious thing?"
Viola took a step forward, turning her head to scan her surroundings. Then, she whispered in a low voice, "The rumors say that it's you. He is obsessed with you." A moment of hesitation passed before she asked curiously, "Is it true, Your Highness? Have you met him before?"
I shrugged my shoulders with a bitter smile, "I am not sure, Viola. Maybe? I should really be very careful."
Viola claimed promptly, confidence flickered in her doe eyes, "Don't worry, Your Highness. His Majesty will never allow it. After all, you will be the next ruler of Zahava."
I giggled out loud as I got up from my chair to follow Viola to the dining hall, "You are more confident than me, Viola."
"Because I have faith in you, Your Highness. Everyone wants you on the throne."
—----
(Beauty Palace of Zahava)
Zahava was famous for having the most beautiful women of that century. As a result, the Beauty Palace—also known as the kingdom's grand brothel—was always overcrowded and remained one of the most chaotic places on the entire continent. Unfortunately, hidden within that crowd, numerous illegal deals were secretly signed, making it a true den of sin.
"Welcome, Young Lord."
At the massive, open gates of the Beauty Palace, a stunning woman welcomed guests while sprinkling fragrant water on them. Her trained eyes could easily identify wealthy visitors.
The moment she spotted a handsome young lord approaching the brightly decorated palace with his companion, she moved toward them seductively. Twirling a strand of her long hair between her slender fingers, she asked in a silvery and seductive tone, "What kind of lady would you prefer, M'lord?"
A mysterious smirk played on the young man's lips. Raising a brow, he responded in a cold, sharp tone, "Can you bring me the most beautiful lady in Zahava? I am ready to pay any price for her."