(The messenger arrives at the Duke's estate)
"Your Highness, Duke, your presence is needed at the palace. Her Highness the Princess... she..."
Alexander's face immediately darkened with concern. "What happened to her?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
"She's been unconscious for the last two days. I don't really know what happened, but the palace has been in turmoil these past days. They are waiting for the princess to wake up. I think I know why they summoned you... I think it's about the engagement—the one the Princess truly hates."
Alexander's jaw clenched. He turned away for a moment, staring at nothing, his red eyes clouded with worry. Then he spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Prepare the carriage. We leave for the palace at once."
Princess, please be okay, he thought to himself, his hand unconsciously tightening into a fist. If it's the engagement you're worried about, I don't care. I will agree to break it if that's what you truly want. Just please be okay.
---
(In the palace)
A dazzling room painted in white, decorated beautifully. You could see that it was tidy and thoroughly cleaned. Gold patterns adorned the walls, with crystals protruding from every corner. Exquisite chandeliers hung overhead, valuable vases lined the walls, and large open windows let in fresh air, making the curtains flow freely. Despite the beauty of this aesthetic royal room, it could not compare to the girl lying unconscious on the large bed. It looked like an otherworldly painting—truly a one-of-a-kind piece.
"Linda, tell me what happened." Worry and sadness laced his voice as he stepped closer to the bed.
H-his voice... it's familiar. Could it be... him?
"Duke, with all due respect, Her Highness has been like this for the past few days. The doctor said she might have suffered a great trauma, considering her behavior. She has been screaming and crying since she woke up that morning. It's the first time I've seen the princess like that." The maid's voice trembled as she wiped her eyes. "And now she lies there, sleeping... and she hasn't eaten anything... I'm so afraid. Duke, please do something. Her Highness is hurting."
Alexander's expression softened, a flicker of pain crossing his features. He swallowed hard before speaking. "Then hand me that soup," he said quietly, his voice gentle.
"Yes, of course, Duke." She quickly brushed away her tears and handed him the prepared soup.
He took it carefully, his eyes never leaving Sabrina's pale face. "Call us when you need us. We'll gladly oblige."
The servants bowed and left, closing the door softly behind them, leaving the two alone.
---
(Another mansion)
Charles swirled the wine in his glass, a devilish smile curling on his lips. He was dressed in an elegant noble's attire—a dark velvet coat with silver embroidery, his family crest pinned proudly on his chest.
"What's the situation?" he asked.
"The princess is now unconscious. The medicine she drank is keeping her asleep. The Duke was secretly summoned by the King," the man dressed in black responded before vanishing into the shadows of the dark office.
Charles let out a soft, arrogant laugh. "Well, we must go soon. We can't keep the princess waiting. I'm sure the Duke can't do anything about it. Besides, the princess doesn't like him. She's deeply infatuated with me." He sat at his desk, leisurely sipping his red wine.
"Of course." Jennifer let out a mocking chuckle as she seductively drew closer to his lap, letting her clothing fall away. "Who would want a bloody soldier like him?"
Charles smirked, running his fingers through her hair. "You're right, my love," he murmured, kissing her exposed neck slowly.
---
(At the palace, Sabrina's bedroom)
It's already past midnight, and he's still here... sleeping. How did I never notice that he stayed with me when I needed someone the most? Why was I so blind? A sob escaped her lips. That bastard Charles... he's truly evil. Now that I think about it, he was bold enough to give me that sleeping medicine. He's dangerous. And that doctor working under him... lying to the King's face about trauma? How impudent.
"Mhmmm... ackkk..."
Alexander carelessly fell from the chair where he had been sitting, jolting awake from his deep sleep. He blinked, disoriented for a moment.
"Ahhh... Duke?" The soft, tearful voice made the man on the floor come back to his senses.
His head snapped up, his red eyes widening. "Princess?" he breathed out, relief flooding his voice. He immediately stood up, corrected his posture, tidied his black uniform, and sat on the chair facing the beautiful lady who now rested her head on the headboard.
"Why are you here, Duke?" Sabrina quickly wiped her cheeks, hiding her tears.
Alexander hesitated, his throat tightening. He looked down at his hands for a moment before meeting her eyes again. "You're crying... why?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
He instinctively moved closer to see her face. He reached out to hold her cheeks but froze when he saw her tears falling. Thinking he had made a mistake, he immediately pulled his hand back and returned to his seat.
He let out a shaky breath. "I'm truly sorry for my rude behavior, Your Highness. If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave. Just please don't cry—"
"No... it's nothing... please stay..." she interrupted, her voice cracking.
Alexander froze. He wanted to believe her, but doubt gnawed at his heart. He attempted to stand, thinking his presence was the cause of her tears. Frustration burned in his chest. If I were that marquis, she wouldn't find me so uncomfortable. Maybe the princess hated his eyes—those bloody red eyes that earned him names like "the merciless duke" and "the demon." Disgusting, they always said. Did she find him repulsive too?
Drowning in his dark thoughts, he didn't notice her rise from the bed. Ignoring her flowing tears and injured hands, she approached him from behind and wrapped her arms around his back, pressing her face against his shoulder.
Alexander stiffened. His breath caught in his throat. "Princess?" he whispered, his voice uncertain, almost afraid.
She held him tighter. "I'm sorry, Alex... please don't leave..."
---
Author's Note
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