Dawn broke over the royal palace. Golden sunlight streamed through the large windows of Chantrea's room, illuminating her face which was still troubled by the anxieties of the previous night. She sat on the edge of her bed, pulling a thin shawl over her shoulders, gazing out the window.
Prince Leonhart… why is my heart so easily attached to him? Chantrea closed her eyes, but the image of his face, his faint smile, and the touch of his hand from last night haunted her.
Before her reverie deepened, a knock sounded at her door.
"Please come in," she said softly.
A servant entered with a tray holding breakfast. But before placing it on the table, the servant slipped a small piece of paper under the silver plate and then bowed.
"This message… is from someone who wishes to remain anonymous," the servant whispered, and then promptly left.
Chantrea stared at the paper with hesitation. Her fingers trembled slightly as she unfolded it. The black ink was clearly legible:
"Be careful. Last night was just the beginning. There are spies who are constantly watching your every move. If you continue to get close to the prince, you will bear more than just whispers."
Chantrea fell silent. Her breath caught, as if the air had suddenly thinned. Who could hate me this much?
Meanwhile, in the royal council chamber, Leonhart stood tall, facing the palace advisors. His sharp gaze reflected his authority, but beneath it was a turmoil he concealed.
"You must remember your duty, Your Highness," one of the advisors said in a firm tone. "A political marriage to Princess Anneliese of the neighboring kingdom is the best way to strengthen our alliance. You must not be swayed by personal feelings."
Leonhart clenched his fists behind the long wooden table. "I know my duty as crown prince. But I refuse to be treated as if I am merely a political tool. I am a man, not just a walking crown."
The room fell silent. Some advisors exchanged glances, some held back their objections, while others remained quiet with doubt.
In the corner of the room, the man in the black robe who had spoken with her last night stood with a faint, scheming smile. His eyes watched Leonhart with a calculating gaze. If you continue to be stubborn, Prince… then that girl will be the key to your downfall.
In the afternoon, Chantrea walked slowly in the royal garden, trying to clear her mind. But soon, Leonhart appeared, as if he couldn't bear to let her be far away.
"Chantrea," he called.
Chantrea turned, trying to hide her unease. "Your Highness."
Leonhart looked at her intently. "You seem troubled. Is something bothering you?"
Chantrea hesitated. Should I tell him about the message? Or will it just burden him? She took a deep breath and answered, "No, I'm just tired."
Leonhart walked closer, until they were only a few steps apart. "If there is something… you can tell me. I promise, I will protect you."
Chantrea's heart trembled. But at the same time, she remembered the threat written on the paper. If you continue to get close to the prince…
She could only offer a faint smile, though her eyes held a conflict.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Leonhart looked at her for a long time, as if trying to read her heart. But before any more words could be said, a royal trumpet sounded from the direction of the ballroom. An important announcement had just been made:
"Crown Prince Leonhart Evander will be betrothed to Princess Anneliese of the Kingdom of Veyra!"
The palace atmosphere instantly turned into a buzz. Chantrea was stunned, her face pale. Meanwhile, Leonhart closed his eyes, holding back the storm brewing within him.
The trumpet's blast still echoed throughout the palace. Everyone in the garden, halls, and corridors paused for a moment, then began to whisper with curiosity. Some nobles looked radiant, while others wore faces full of political calculation.
But for Chantrea, the world seemed to stop turning. The words that had just been announced cut sharper than a sword blade. She stood frozen, her fingers clenching tightly at her sides, trying to suppress the turmoil in her chest.
Betrothed… to Princess Anneliese?
Her gaze reflexively sought out Leonhart. And there, she saw the prince standing tall, his jaw hardened, his eyes filled with a storm he was trying to hide.
"Your Highness…" Chantrea finally spoke, though softly.
Leonhart turned. His face tried to remain calm, but his eyes were full of turmoil. He stepped closer, making sure their voices couldn't be heard by anyone.
"Chantrea, listen to me. I never wanted that betrothal. It was a council decision for political interests."
Chantrea swallowed, her chest tight. "But… it's a royal decision. You… you are the crown prince. How can you defy it?"
Leonhart moved even closer, his voice growing deeper, almost a whisper.
"Because my heart cannot be determined by a negotiation table. I know, this might be crazy, it might be too fast, but… Chantrea, I don't want anyone but you by my side."
The words made Chantrea's heart feel as if it stopped beating. She looked down, trying to hold back the tears that were starting to well up. "You… are saying dangerous things, Your Highness."
Leonhart gently touched her shoulder, as if trying to reassure her.
"Let me bear the danger. You only need to be honest with your heart."
But before Chantrea could respond, hurried footsteps were heard. A royal messenger approached, his face tense.
"Your Highness, the Council requests your presence immediately. There is a follow-up discussion regarding the announcement."
Leonhart took a long breath, then turned back to Chantrea. "We can't talk here. But remember, no matter what they decide… my heart still chooses you."
With that, he left with the messenger. Chantrea was left alone in the garden, her chest a tumultuous mix of happiness and anxiety. She knew that from that moment on, she was no longer just an ordinary woman who had accidentally captured a prince's heart. She was now trapped in the middle of a great storm that could destroy everything.
From behind the garden trees, a pair of cold eyes watched her in silence. A faint, cunning smile curved on his lips.
Good. The closer you get to the prince, the faster this kingdom will fall.