Lexzandra freezes mid-step, her heart pounding in her chest. The name Duke Waymont sends a shockwave through her. Slowly, almost mechanically, she turns around, feeling as though time has slowed. Memories flood her mind, vivid and overwhelming.
In her mind's eye, she sees flashes of the old Lexzandra's memories—secretly watching Duke Waymont from the shadows whenever he visited the royal palace, her heart fluttering every time their paths crossed. She remembers how Lexzandra would muster the courage to approach him, even when he clearly indicated that he had no interest in conversing with her.
Lexzandra's eyes would shine with unrequited love, completely blinded by her affection for him. Despite his cold demeanor and repeated rejections, she never lost hope, clinging to every word he said, every fleeting glance he spared her way.
Lexzandra sighs as the memory ends, pulling herself back to the present. She recalls the events from the novel she read—the very story she now finds herself living.
The Duke is one of the main reasons for her tragic end. Soo-Young, now inhabiting Lexzandra's body, knows she must keep her distance from him to avoid the same fate.
Duke Waymont, noticing her pause, greets her out of formality, his deep voice pulling her out of her trance. "Princess," he says with a slight bow, his tone respectful yet distant.
Lexzandra quickly composes herself and greets him, addressing him with, "Your Grace."
Her choice of words shocks both of them, as it signals a clear shift in her attitude towards him. Lexzandra always called him 'My Knight' instead of addressing him 'Your Grace', but the old Lexzandra is no more. Soo-young will not make mistakes that will lead to her death.
Duke Aballach Waymont is a striking figure, exuding an air of authority and elegance. His tall, commanding frame is wrapped in a finely tailored dark suit that accentuates his broad shoulders and lean build.
His features are sharp and chiseled, with a strong jawline that speaks of his resolute nature. His piercing blue eyes, cold and calculating, seem to miss nothing, taking in every detail with a critical gaze.
His grey hair, neatly styled, adds to his noble appearance, and his movements are precise and controlled, reflecting his disciplined personality.
Aballach is known for his unwavering dedication to the empire and his formidable presence on the battlefield. He is a man of few words, preferring actions over empty promises.
His loyalty to the crown is unquestionable, but his interactions with others are often marked by a certain aloofness.
Many see him as unapproachable, his stern demeanor and high standards creating a barrier that few dare to cross.
Yet, beneath this exterior lies a man burdened by his own secrets and responsibilities, someone who has seen the darker sides of power and remains vigilant against them.
Lexzandra's memories make it clear that the old Lexzandra was deeply infatuated with him, to the point of obsession. She recalls how Lexzandra's infatuation had clouded her judgment, making her ignore the clear signs of his disinterest.
The scenes from the novel also remind her of the cold dismissal and the heartbreak that the Duke had caused her, leading up to her untimely demise. Soo-Young resolves to avoid getting entangled with him, knowing the dangers he represents.
"Your Grace," Lexzandra repeats, maintaining a formal tone. She says nothing further, and an awkward silence ensues. Sensing the tension, Aldric steps forward, attempting to diffuse the situation.
"Your Grace," Aldric begins, "have you come to meet the king?"
The Duke shakes his head, his gaze shifting from Lexzandra to Aldric. "No, I am here to meet you, Aldric. We were supposed to discuss the military reforms today, remember?"
Aldric nods, his professional demeanor masking his curiosity about the sudden change in Lexzandra's behavior. "Of course, Your Grace. I apologize for the delay. Let us proceed to my office."
Lexzandra takes this as her cue to leave. "I'll take my leave then. Goodbye, Your Grace," she says, her voice steady. She inclines her head slightly in a gesture of respect and turns to walk away.
Duke Waymont watches her retreating form, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. It is unlike her not to linger or attempt to engage him further. As Lexzandra disappears down the hallway, he turns to Aldric, his brows furrowed in thought.
"Is the princess unwell?" he asks, genuine curiosity and a hint of concern in his voice. "She didn't seem herself today."
Aldric hesitates for a moment, considering how much to reveal. "The princess has been different ever since she woke from her unconscious state a week ago," he says carefully. He debates whether to divulge more information but decides against it, sensing that discretion is necessary. "She has been more focused and composed."
The Duke's eyes narrow slightly, processing this new information. "I see," he replies, his tone neutral. "I suppose a brush with death can change a person."
"Indeed," Aldric agrees, his tone noncommittal. "Now, if you'll follow me, Your Grace, we can discuss the military reforms in my office."
As they walk towards Aldric's office, Duke Waymont remains silent, his mind occupied with thoughts of Lexzandra. Her unusual behavior has piqued his curiosity.
The Lexzandra he knew was infatuated with him, often going out of her way to seek his attention. Today, however, she had been distant and formal, showing none of her previous enthusiasm.
"Yes."
__
Lexzandra returns to her chambers, her heart still thundering from the unexpected encounter with Duke Waymont. She closes the door behind her and leans against it, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
The memories of her past life and the novel's events are still vivid in her mind, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in her new world. She knows that staying away from Duke Waymont is crucial for her survival.
She begins to pace in her room, her thoughts racing just as quickly as her heart. Her mind replays the moment she turned around to see Duke Waymont standing before her.
The shock, the flood of memories from her previous life as Soo-young, and the visceral reaction to seeing him again—it's all overwhelming.
She recalls the feelings of unrequited love that the original Lexzandra had harbored for the Duke, how she would follow him around, seek his attention, and never take no for an answer.
Soo-young, now Lexzandra, knows better. She understands that her survival depends on avoiding the same pitfalls that led to her demise in the novel.
She wracks her brain, trying to remember if there are any future events where she might encounter Duke Waymont again. Suddenly, a memory from the novel surfaces.
It was during Auden's birthday party, a grand ball held by the emperor. Lexzandra had asked the Duke for a dance and had been publicly rejected, a humiliating event that only fueled her obsessive behavior and further alienated her from the court.
Lexzandra stops pacing and heads to her desk, where she opens her journal. She quickly jots down notes about the ball, realizing that it is a crucial event not only for her but for the plot of the novel.
The ball is scheduled for the 21st of this month, meaning she has only two weeks to prepare. This ball is not just a social event; it is the occasion where the main leads, the Crown Prince and the female protagonist, meet for the first time. Their encounter sets off a series of events that ultimately lead to Lexzandra's downfall.
She writes down everything she remembers about the ball. It is a lavish event, attended by all the nobility of the kingdom. The emperor spares no expense in celebrating his son's birthday, and the ball is the highlight of the season.
Lexzandra knows that she will have to attend; it would be too suspicious if she didn't. However, she resolves to stay as far away from Duke Waymont, the Crown Prince, and the female protagonist as possible.
She also considers the female protagonist. According to the novel, the heroine is the only daughter of Marques Avantes with a kind heart and a strong sense of justice.
She captures the Crown Prince's attention with her beauty and grace, and her presence at the ball is a turning point in the story.
Lexzandra knows that any interaction with the protagonist could be dangerous. If the original Lexzandra had been seen as a rival or a threat, it could lead to even more trouble for her.