days later I wandered without purpose through the palace halls, sunlight spilling in through tall windows, dust motes drifting lazily in the air. Normally, I used these quiet walks to think. To plan. To weigh consequences.
Today, my thoughts were a mess.
She smelled like spice and warm air. Her bracelets chimed when she moved. She spoke about her homeland like it was alive, like the sky itself belonged to her.
Man, she's too sweet for me. The fact that I'm just using her so eyes won't turn towards me when Landon dies. But I got admit.
"She's just—" I muttered to myself, stopping near one of the inner gardens. "She's perfect."
I dropped onto the edge of the stone fountain, swinging my feet slightly like a child who'd forgotten how to sit properly. I leaned forward, resting my chin in my hands.
but whether she's sweet or not, doesn't matter, especially because I don't know how much time I got left before that stupid future so amazing really it's step towards my plan
I smiled to myself
"She invited me," ""Me."
I laughed quietly to myself, shaking my head. Knowing that I got one step closer to the plan and gained an ally and a friend.
But just because she's a part of my plan doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy her company
"I should bring her something," I decided aloud. "Not something expensive. Something… honest."
What did she like again? I just cannot seem to recall what she likes in the novel, but she did mention something about blue roses. Maybe I should give that to her
I paused and thought for a second
What's wrong with me? I feel like a middle schooler with a crush. I should just give her something formal. What am I thinking too much into it.
"Talking to yourself now?"
I jolted and nearly slipped off the fountain.
Holy shit, how long was he there for?
Claude stood a few steps away, arms crossed loosely, watching me with open amusement.
"Oh," I said. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough," he replied. "You were smiling at the water."
I straightened, then immediately grinned again.
Oh no, what the hell do I say?
"I love her," I said without hesitation.
Claude paused.
"…Her?"
"Princess Samirah," I clarified quickly. "She's beautiful and smart and terrifying in the best way, and she didn't look at me like I was strange or fragile or useful. She just" I gestured helplessly. "She just liked me."
"And she invited me to a private gathering," I continued. "No court. No pretending. Just people. Do you know how rare that is?"
Claude watched me carefully.
Should I tell him the truth or should I just tell him half the truth? I wonder if you've even go along with my plan especially because Landon is a big person in his family though though they're not close.
I thought for a second, my smile still lingering
"You're happy," he said.
"… I am," I said brightly. "Isn't that awful?" I said, sarcastically, throwing my hands up in the air.
"No," he said immediately.
That surprised me enough to make me stop talking.
He stepped closer, standing beside the fountain, gaze thoughtful rather than sharp.
"It's… good," he added. "You don't usually allow yourself this."
what's that supposed to mean? I'm sure I smile many times. what am I even supposed to say?
"I think she makes me forget to be careful..?," I admitted. trying for my voice, not to show that I was making it up on the spot.
Claude exhaled softly. "That may not be a bad thing."
I tilted my head, studying him. "You don't look annoyed."
"I'm not," he said. "It's… refreshing."
I stared.
"That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me." I said, like I was shocked.
He huffed. "That's concerning."
We stood there in companionable silence for a moment, the sound of water filling the space between us. Then I leaned toward him again.
"Do you think flowers would be strange?"
"For the princess?" he asked.
"For a friend," I corrected.
Claude smiled properly this time, just a little. "I think she'd like it."
Great now he's smiling too.
"Good," I said decisively. "Then I'll do that."
I hopped off the fountain and spun once, dress fluttering around me before I caught myself and cleared my throat, trying failing to regain composure.
This might be fun looking for flowers that would suit her.
Claude watched me like I was something unexpected.
As we walked back toward the inner halls, he spoke quietly.
"You know this won't always be easy."
"I know," I said easily. "But this is now."
He glanced at me. "Enjoy it."
I looked up at him, surprised.
sometimes I forget that he isn't a bad person because if he was Landon and he saw me this happy he would've gotten real mad at me for being happy for no reason.
I thought to myself turning my head to look towards him.
"Thank you," I said.
"For what?"
"For letting me be happy," I replied.
Claude didn't answer right away. Then:
"You don't need permission for that." he said, looking down at me surprised.
I smiled, as gratitude, and kept walking.
For once, happiness didn't get me in trouble.
It was just… mine.
And Claude, beside me, didn't try to take it away.
The palace felt different today.
Not quieter. Not brighter.
Just… lighter.
I didn't know when it happened, only that I'd caught myself humming under my breath while walking the corridor and hadn't immediately stopped. That alone was suspicious.
Claude noticed.
He always did.
"You seem distracted," he said as we walked together, his tone neutral but his eyes amused.
"I'm not distracted," I replied. "I'm thinking."
"That's usually worse."
I shot him a look, but there was no bite behind it.
What's with this guy..?
I thought to myself before forcing a smile.
"I'm allowed to enjoy things, you know."
"I never said you weren't," he replied. "I'm just… observing."
I folded my arms. "Observing what?"
He glanced at me, then forward again. "You're smiling."
Yeah, I know I'm doing that deliberately because I'm trying to act like Eliana
"…Am I?" Acting confused.
"Yes."
"Don't make it weird."
Claude's lips twitched. "I wouldn't dare."
We passed into one of the smaller sitting rooms overlooking the inner gardens, sunlight spilling lazily across the floor. I dropped onto one of the couches without ceremony letting the couch absorb me.
Claude paused.
"You're getting comfortable," he noted.
Yeah, I'm definitely doing a terrible job of acting like a lady, like Eliana.
"I live here," I said. "I think that gives me permission."
Making my posture sit upright to look more ladylike.
He shook his head slightly, but he sat across from me anyway, folding his arms as he watched me stretch like a cat in the sun.
"You're in a good mood," he said again.
I tilted my head. "Is that a problem?"
"No," he replied immediately. Then, more quietly, "It's… nice."
That made something warm settle in my chest.
"I like Samirah," I admitted, staring out at the gardens. "She's easy to be around. She doesn't ask for explanations. Doesn't look at me like I'm hiding something."
Claude hummed. "She has good instincts."
"I hope she stays," I said. "Even just as a friend."
Even after I divorce Claude and lose my status as princess, I still want to remain friends with her. I just hope there's a future I can return to months from now where that's possible.
"You want her to."
I nodded.
There was no judgment in his expression. No suspicion. Just understanding.
"You deserve that," he said.
I glanced at him. "That sounded dangerously supportive."
He smiled faintly. "I'm full of surprises."
But I hadn't noticed.
I leaned back into the cushions. "You're not going to interrogate me about alliances? Or strategic benefits?"
"Later," Claude said. "Right now, I'm enjoying this version of you."
I frowned. "This version?"
I wonder what he's gonna think after he finds out this is all an act.
"Nothing"
I stared at him for a moment, then looked away,.
"Don't get used to it," I muttered.
"I won't," he said gently. "But I'll remember it."
That shut me up.
I can't afford to be happy yet. I still need to find Eliana, try to kill Landon, and determine whether that would even help the future. But at least I have a friend and a strong alibi in Samirah.