I woke up shivering. My body felt cold, but my heart felt strangely warm.
Once again, I dreamed of that strange girl and her unfamiliar world. The dream was cruel, yet it left me happy, and I could not stop smiling even after I woke.
"My lady, you are already awake?" Maria said, interrupting my thoughts.
"Good morning, Maria," I replied cheerfully.
"Good morning, my lady. You seem full of energy today.
"I chuckled. "Yes, I feel it will be a beautiful day."
I washed my face, changed my clothes, and went downstairs for breakfast. The Duke and Henry were already there. I greeted them happily, which earned me surprised looks.
"I see you are in a pleasant mood, my dear," the Duke said.
"Yes, Father. It is a beautiful day," I replied, though memories of last night tried to surface. I pushed them away. I would not let them ruin today.
"Father, at the tea party, the ladies spoke of the prince's coming-of-age ceremony. Am I invited?" Iasked curiously wishing that I'm not
"Yes, of course," he answered. "You are Aria Castille."
"And am I allowed to attend?"He looked at me closely.
"Do you wish to go?"
"I have never thought about it," I said carefully.
"But I will go if you wish me to." he smiled and I fight not to roll my eyes at him
"You are old enough for such events."
After breakfast, I excused myself and went to the garden alone, telling my maids not to follow. The weather was wonderful. My dream kept returning to my thoughts, and the image of a boy with blue eyes made my lips curve into a small smile.Could he be the same as in my first dream? The same eyes... the same name? but I hope he is not. I shook my head. How foolish. They are not real people... are they?
"Someone seems to be in a good mood."I jumped in surprise.
"Sir Leo! You must stop sneaking up on me."
He laughed. "Tell me, Princess, who made you so happy? Or is it I who occupies your thoughts after our night beneath the stars?"
I turned sharply, panic rising. "Have you lost your mind? Do you realize what you are saying out in the open?"
He stepped closer, smirking. "Then perhaps you would prefer a more private place."
I glanced upward and froze. The Duke was watching us from a window. My blood drained from my face.
"Sir Leo," I said coldly,
"your behavior is unacceptable. Mind your manners."
As I passed him, I whispered, "Please stop speaking to me."
"I will wait for you tonight, Princess," he murmured, ignoring my plea.
I nearly ran back toward the mansion, my mind filled with terrifying images—blood, fear, suffering. I collided with someone solid and stumbled back, only to be caught by strong arms.
"Why are you running so recklessly, Aria?" Henry asked.
"I am sorry, Brother," I said quickly.
He drew me closer, his warmth making me uneasy. I avoided his gaze."Is something troubling you?" he asked.
"No," I answered. "I am fine."
He released me, stepping aside. I hurried back to my room, regret weighing heavily on my chest.
What if the Duke harms Leo, as he did Daniel? What if someone else suffers because of me?I lay on my bed, debating whether I should meet Leo and warn him to stay away. But what if it was all a trap? It was better that I alone endured pain than allow others to suffer.
Sleep came slowly, filled with blue eyes and a gentle smile that calmed me—until Maria woke me.
"My lady, please wake. The Duke requests your presence for dinner."
I went downstairs. The atmosphere was heavy. Henry and the Duke were already seated.After some time, the Duke spoke.
"Tomorrow morning, I will depart for Lauranza. I shall be gone for a week."Lauranza—the land of my past.
Lauranza is a country at the border between the Eastern and the northern kingdom and it's the country that I was living in it before I came to Castille dukedom
If only I could go... If only I could see Andie.
Balden town is only three hours far from the center of Lauranza, but there is less than a year left for our promise. so I have to wait until then'
"Henry will manage the estate in my absence."
"Yes, Father," Henry replied.
After dinner, we returned to our rooms. I was not sleepy at all, having slept through most of the afternoon. I tried to read one of my romance novels, but I could not concentrate. My thoughts kept returning to my dreams—to Julia and to David.Do these dreams mean something? I wondered. Perhaps I should visit the library tomorrow.
There may be books about dreams... or even about other worlds.Then another face appeared in my mind—blond hair and an irritating smirk.Leo.
Should I go tonight? Or wait until tomorrow, when the Duke is gone?I sighed. Tomorrow is safer. I must be careful.A knock interrupted my thoughts
The head maid entered, and dread settled in my chest.
"The Duke requests your attendance."
I followed her and found him seated on the sofa.
"My sweet Aria," he said.
"You were not asleep, were you?"
"No, Father."
"Since I leave at dawn, I thought we should share the night. That way, I may depart without waking you."
His reasoning left me speechless.
"I would gladly wake to see you off," I said carefully.
"There is no need—"
"I see you have not changed," he interrupted.
He returned holding a garment of sheer red silk, barely decent.
"I cannot wear that," I whispered.
"Oh, do not be shy," he said softly. "I am your father."
That is what makes this so disturbing.
He allowed me to change in the adjoining room. The fabric clung to my body. When I returned, his gaze was filled with hunger, and I began to tremble.
"Why are you shaking, Aria?" he murmured. "Are you afraid of me?"
He led me to the bed, drawing me against him. he held me tight and inhaled my hair ''why you always smell so good Aria'' he said with a husky voice.
his arms started to roam my body and landed on my breast. he kneaded my breast strongly and I let a whimper trying to get away from him, but he was so strong I couldn't move, he touched my nipples and squeezed them with his index and thumb and started to kiss my neck and shoulders. I felt his hardening pushed on my back
I felt pain but also a good feeling I was so confused, it was too much for me I wanted it to stop
''stop touching me CHRISTOPHER''I was shocked by the strong voice that came from me. I turned around to find him far away from me shocked and terrified but soon replaced with wide madness grin.
Without a word, he turned away and closed his eyes.
I did not understand what had happened.I only knew it had ended.Eventually, exhaustion claimed me, and I fell asleep.