As Arthur entered the grand foyer, the butler, Robert, greeted him with his customary bow. His posture was immaculate, his face composed and expressionless.
Yet in the precise squaring of his shoulders, in the careful stillness with which he held himself, there was a quiet tension. The kind born not of surprise, but of expectation.
"Welcome back, young master."
Arthur gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping across the entry hall where shadows stretched along the marble floor, fractured by the stained-glass windows.
"It was good enough. Though I did run into some nuisance."
His eyes narrowed faintly as he continued.
"And it seems a dog of ours has strayed from its path. I only hope it won't bite the hand that feeds it. What do you think, Robert?"
The butler's head tilted ever so slightly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Of course, young master. One should never forget their master, whether it's a dog… or human."
Arthur's lips curved with the faintest of smiles.
"I'm glad we are on the same page, Robert."
"As am I, young master."
Arthur handed his coat to his maid, Julia, without sparing her more than a glance, his attention still fixed on Robert.
"So, where is Grandfather?"
Robert straightened, his gloved hands folded neatly in front of him.
"He departed for the villa early this morning."
Arthur's brows knit.
"So suddenly?"
"I do not know the particulars, but he did left a letter for you."
He extended a gloved hand, offering a sealed envelope. Arthur accepted it silently, breaking the wax with his thumb. The faint scent of old ink rose as he unfolded the parchment.
The handwriting was unmistakable, every stroke bearing the weight of his grandfather's authority.
[I have granted your wish, so do not bother me anymore. I am leaving to pursue the trails I've uncovered regarding your father. Until I return, I am entrusting you with full authority. Do not act recklessly and squander our efforts. And that princess of yours, take care of her. She seemed out of her wits all the way to the manor.]
Arthur exhaled quietly, scanning the words again. There was no warmth in them, no reassurance, only command, veiled caution, and unspoken doubt. Even now, his grandfather could not bring himself to voice concern directly. Instead, he buried it in obligation.
Folding the letter, Arthur handed it to Julia and lifted his eyes to Robert once more.
"When did the Princess arrive?"
Robert clasped his hands behind his back again, his gaze lowering slightly.
"She was brought here last night, accompanied by none other than Lord Demetrius himself."
Arthur's eyes narrowed, his voice thoughtful.
"That was quicker than I expected. And where is Her Highness now?"
"As you instructed, she was given the chamber nearest yours. She remains in the quarters adjacent to your own."
Arthur's gaze drifted to the corridor that led toward her chambers. He knew that room well. It had been designed for his future partner, prepared long before any engagement was made official. Its grandeur suited her station, and its proximity made the arrangement convenient and appropriate.
"I see. Did she face any problems while staying here?"
Robert's expression flickered almost imperceptibly.
"No, young master. Contrary to your concerns, she seemed more at ease. However… there was an uninvited guest."
Arthur's head snapped back toward him.
"A guest?"
"Yes, young master. The Crown Prince's aide arrived this morning, shortly after Lord Demetrius's departure. He requested an audience with Her Highness."
A coldness stirred in Arthur's chest. His voice sharpened.
"And?"
"She was informed, and she granted him permission to enter. They met briefly in the drawing room. He left shortly after."
Arthur's jaw tightened.
"What happened after?"
"Since then, Her Highness has neither spoken nor eaten. She has not left her chamber. We… heard something breaking inside, but the door was locked, and she denied entry."
Arthur's eyes darkened.
'Damn it.'
"You should have at least sent word. I would have hurried back immediately."
Robert inclined his head deeply.
"My apologies, young master. But… she specifically asked that you not be troubled with trivial matters."
"Trivial…?"
The word slipped bitterly through Arthur's teeth, the taste sharp and stinging.
Suppressing the irritation that bristled within him, he drew in a steady breath, tempering himself.
"Bring me the spare key. At once."
"Yes, young master."
Robert withdrew with crisp steps while Arthur made his way down the corridor, his coat brushing lightly at his sides. He stopped before the Princess's chamber, raised a hand, and knocked softly, knuckles grazing the wood.
"Your Highness, may I come inside?"
No response came from the other side of the door.
A cold prickle crept along the back of his neck. He tried the handle, but the door was firmly locked.
"Young master!"
Robert's voice came from behind. He stepped forward and offered the key with both hands.
"Here is the spare."
Arthur seized it at once, sliding it into the lock. The soft click of the mechanism echoed like a thunderclap in the still corridor.
"Do you need anything else, young master?"
Arthur didn't turn. His gaze was fixed on the door before him, his tone low.
"No. You may go."
"Understood."
The butler bowed and retreated into the shadows of the hall, leaving Arthur alone before the chamber of the Princess.
Arthur pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Your Highness…"
The evening light filtered dimly through the heavy curtains, spilling across the chamber in streaks of fading gold.
His gaze swept slowly over the space, the broken glass scattered across the floor like fallen stars, the sharp glint of shattered ornaments, and the dark stains of blood marring the rug.
And in the midst of it all, she lay motionless on the bed. Her golden-blonde hair spilled across the pillow in delicate strands, catching the dim light like fractured sunbeams.
But she was too still, unnaturally so. The kind of stillness that made the air itself hold its breath.
Blood trickled faintly from her bare feet, and faint streaks marked her right hand.
A sharp sound escaped him before he realized it.
"Tsk!"
At the noise, she flinched.
'Well… at least she's still alive.'
Arthur exhaled softly and crossed the room, his boots crunching faintly against shards of glass. He sat carefully on the edge of the bed, his presence cautious, as though even the weight of his nearness might shatter her further.
She remained turned away, curling toward the mattress as if wishing to disappear into it entirely.
"I apologize, Your Highness. It seems I was rather late to arrive."
No answer came. Only the faint rhythm of her breath, fragile and uneven.
Arthur continued, unwilling to let silence strangle the space between them.
"I heard an uninvited guest came by. What did the said guest told you?"
The stillness that followed was deafening. Her silence told him everything. He lowered his gaze, jaw tightening. He already knew.
Since the Crown Prince himself could not move freely due to his prohibition, he must have sent one of his aides to deliver the warning. Whatever words had been spoken had wound around her like invisible chains, reminding her of the cage she lived in.
'Bastard.'
Arthur let out a slow breath, forcing the ire from his chest before it twisted into something uncontrollable.
He leaned forward slightly, his hand brushing the bedcover near her arm though not touching.
"You don't have to meet with him. I promise. I'll handle it."
His eyes drifted once more to the blood on her feet and hand, then to the chaos littering the room. Broken glass, overturned ornaments, the silent evidence of her anguish.
"You seem to have hurt yourself, Your Highness. And the room… it seems to have suffered as well."
She still gave no reply. Not a flicker of expression crossed her pale face.
Arthur rose slowly, resolve sharpening in his gaze.
"I shall take Your Highness to another chamber. So… forgive my impudence."
Carefully, he bent and slid one of his arm beneath her knees, and the other steadily behind her back. Her body felt almost weightless in his arms, fragile to the point of breaking.
'Has she even been eating anything lately?'
"If Your Highness feels uncomfortable being seen like this, then please… keep your eyes closed."
Her lashes remained lowered against her cheek, her expression unreadable. Whether she was retreating into her thoughts or simply too weary to resist, he could not tell.
Arthur stepped out of the room, his hold protective, and the air beyond felt colder somehow.
Julia stood just outside, hands folded in front of her. Her composure faltered the instant she saw the woman in his arms, but she quickly masked it.
"Julia, call for the doctor. And clean the room."
"Yes, young master."
Without waiting further, he carried the Princess into his own chambers and laid her gently upon his bed as he gazed down at her pale face.
"Your Highness, you are safe in Ashbourne Manor. No one will harm you here. So… allow yourself to rest."
She gave no response, but as he stepped back, he noticed her breathing deepen, her body slacken. Sleep had already claimed her.
When the doctor arrived shortly after, she was still fast asleep, exhaustion finally granting her the rest she had long been denied.
At last, she could find a measure of peace.