The sunlight poured gently through the tall glass windows of the Rosewood Pavilion — a private corner of the palace gardens reserved for the Crown Princess. Its delicate white curtains swayed with the spring breeze, carrying the scent of blooming magnolias.
Stella arrived precisely at the appointed time, escorted by a single maid, and was welcomed by Ruby's bright smile.
"Stella! You came," Ruby beamed, rising from her seat.
Stella smiled softly. "How could I refuse the Crown Princess's invitation?"
Ruby pouted playfully. "You promised not to call me that when it's just us."
Stella chuckled, a genuine warmth flickering in her chest. "Fine… Ruby."
It felt strange, even now. In her past life — in that other world, where Ruby was a mere character in a book — Stella would have envied her. The perfect heroine, loved by all, kind-hearted and beautiful. But meeting her in this life, Stella could see beyond that perfect image. Ruby was human. Gentle, sincere, and sometimes… a little naive.
They sat together at a small table adorned with delicate white roses. The tea was fragrant, and an assortment of pastries was arranged like tiny jewels on fine porcelain.
As the tea was poured, Ruby leaned in, a mischievous sparkle in her green eyes.
"I've been meaning to tell you about Kayden."
Stella's hand paused mid-motion, but she masked it with a smile. "Oh?"
"Yes," Ruby sighed, resting her chin on her palm. "You'll be his wife soon. I thought it would help if you knew the little things about him."
I already do, Stella thought quietly. Every preference, every fear, every secret written in the novel… I know them all.
But she stayed silent, letting Ruby's words wash over her.
"He doesn't like overly sweet desserts. Prefers tea over wine, unless he's in a terrible mood. He loves chess, though he rarely plays it publicly. And he keeps a journal… though I'm sure he'll never admit it," Ruby giggled.
Stella smiled. "That's very thoughtful of you to tell me."
Ruby brightened. "You know… back when we were younger, Kayden used to give me these little glass trinkets from the winter festival. I still have a few of them. He's… not as cold as everyone thinks. He just doesn't know how to show it."
Stella felt a dull ache in her chest. You truly had no idea he loved you, did you?
She sipped her tea to swallow the knot forming in her throat.
Ruby went on, oblivious to Stella's inner conflict. "He dislikes violets. Always says they remind him of funerals. And he reads poetry, though he'll deny it if you ask him."
I know, Stella thought again, but instead she gave a gentle laugh. "It seems you know him very well."
Ruby looked a little embarrassed. "We were… close friends once. I just want you to be happy, Stella."
The sincerity in her voice stung more than any insult ever could.
"I appreciate that," Stella replied softly. "And thank you… for thinking of me."
For a while, they spoke of harmless things — the new dresses arriving from the capital, the upcoming spring ball, the way Arthur kept sneaking pastries from the royal kitchens at night.
But even as Stella smiled and laughed, part of her mind lingered on Kayden's expression in the carriage, and Ruby's gentle, clueless kindness.
When the tea was finished, Ruby took Stella's hand.
"Promise me you'll be happy, Stella. You've suffered so much… and you deserve someone who'll truly see you."
Stella's throat tightened. She wanted to say I doubt he ever will, but she simply squeezed Ruby's hand in return.
"I promise to be… the happiest duchess this empire's ever seen."
Even if it was a lie.
Even if the only person she might ever love was still chasing a shadow.
As Stella left the pavilion, her heart felt heavier than before. But somewhere deep down… a small, stubborn part of her was determined to one day replace the ghost of Ruby in Kayden's heart.
Even if it took everything she had.
Later That Evening — The Crown Prince's Study
The grand study was dimly lit, only the soft glow of the fireplace and a few candelabras breaking through the evening shadows. Rows of ancient tomes lined the walls, and the scent of ink and parchment lingered in the air.
Arthur, the Crown Prince, stood by the window, staring out at the darkening palace gardens. His golden hair glinted in the light as he clenched a goblet of wine in one hand.
"You called for me, Your Highness?" came Kayden's calm voice from the doorway.
Arthur didn't turn around. "Come in."
Kayden stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The tension in the room was thick as mist, and he could already guess what this was about.
"I've heard… certain things." Arthur finally spoke, his voice low and sharp.
Kayden raised a brow. "About?"
"My sister," Arthur growled, finally facing him, his eyes flashing coldly. "The whispers in court. The giggling noblewomen. The so-called 'romance' between you and Stella."
Kayden gave a small, practiced smile. "Ah… that."
Arthur stepped forward, his expression dark. "You're toying with her, aren't you? She's not a pawn in your petty schemes, Kayden. I won't let anyone harm her."
There it was. The overprotective brother.
Kayden gave a small sigh, raising both hands in a gesture of peace. "Arthur… I'm not toying with her."
Arthur's glare didn't soften.
"I love her."
The words left Kayden's mouth so smoothly it even startled himself. It was the first time he'd ever spoken them aloud — even if they were a lie. But perhaps it was what Arthur needed to hear.
Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Since when?"
Kayden stepped closer, a light smirk tugging at his lips. "Since the night of the winter ball. You remember… when she wore that pale blue dress. The one with silver embroidery."
It was Ruby's favorite color, a voice in his head whispered. But he ignored it.
"I watched her laugh with the court ladies. She looked… radiant. Fragile, but radiant," Kayden continued, weaving the lie as smoothly as a court poet.
Arthur remained silent.
"I admired her from a distance for some time," Kayden went on. "Then one evening, we spoke beneath the magnolia trees. She told me about her favorite flowers, and I realized… I didn't want to be without her."
It never happened. None of it. But Kayden's voice didn't waver.
Arthur's gaze hardened. "And she knows about this?"
Kayden gave a slow, solemn nod. "Yes. We've spoken of it. Stella knows my feelings. She… returns them."
At that very moment, Stella herself was standing outside the slightly ajar study door, having come to fetch Arthur for supper. She froze when she heard Kayden's words.
Returns them?
Her heart clenched. She knew it was part of their unspoken agreement, but hearing him say it so convincingly… it hurt more than she expected.
Arthur exhaled sharply, tension radiating from his tall frame.
"I don't trust you," he finally muttered. "I've seen what your so-called affection does to people, Kayden. If you so much as make her cry, I'll destroy you."
Kayden gave a small, amused bow. "Understood, Your Highness. I have no intentions of hurting her."
Not intentionally.
Not the way he hurt himself every time Ruby smiled.
Arthur walked past him, brushing his shoulder. "Good. Because if you ever do… even being a Duke won't save you."
As Arthur left, Stella quickly stepped away from the door, pressing a hand to her chest. Kayden caught a glimpse of her retreating figure and sighed, his expression softening with guilt.
In truth, he didn't know how long he could keep up this act. The only woman he'd ever truly loved was now unreachable. And the only person who saw through him… was Stella.
And yet, they both wore their masks.