I woke up to the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the halls. A sense of déjà vu washed over me, stirring memories from a time not so long ago when these halls were equally alive with activity. The last time was after *that* day—the day I fled my own wedding. The Duke, in his own way, had tried to comfort me through dresses and jewels, it probably would have made Celeste feel better that day, but I am not her.
Today, however, the feeling was different. The bustling outside my chambers didn't hold the same ominous weight. There was something lighter, almost...excited? I rose from the bed, curiosity driving me as I stepped out of my room.
As I wandered down the corridor, I caught sight of Lady Rose. Her expression was a mixture of panic and relief when our eyes met. The two emotions clashed on her usually composed face, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry.
'What on earth is going on?'
"Lady Rose," I called out, quickening my pace to close the distance between us. "What is all this commotion about?"
Lady Rose didn't answer immediately. Instead, she handed me a letter, her hands trembling slightly. I took it from her, the sealed parchment heavy in my grasp.
Before I could even break the seal, the main entrance of the mansion burst open with a resounding thud. My eyes widened as I turned to see a procession of servants, each carrying an array of gifts—boxes tied with ribbons, crates filled with what looked like exotic silks, and even a few chests overflowing with jewels.
'Gifts?' My mind raced, trying to make sense of this unexpected display. 'Who would send such extravagant gifts?'
Then, amidst the flurry of activity, a man strode in with purposeful steps. My breath caught as I recognized him. 'The Crown Prince—Alexander!'
After that day at the royal palace, I hadn't seen nor heard anything from him, as expected, this son of a b'tch isn't the kind of person to just give up. But... Really what is happening?!
His presence commanded the attention of everyone in the room. The servants halted, their heads bowed in reverence, but he paid them no mind. His gaze was fixed solely on me, and as he approached, I noticed the small smile playing on his lips.
"So, it hasn't been stolen this time," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice, his eyes glancing at the letter in my hand. "I decided to ensure my intentions were delivered properly, just like these gifts."
'This man really do hold a grudge, he still remember that I told him that I never received his letter back then.'
Before I could comprehend his words, Alexander knelt before me, his movements graceful yet deliberate. A gasp echoed around the room, Lady Rose's among them. My own breath hitched in my throat. 'What is he doing?'
"Your Highness!" I exclaimed, shocked by the sight of the Crown Prince kneeling before me. His grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes that made my heart race in a way I wasn't sure I liked.
"Lady Celeste," he began, his voice soft yet carrying an undeniable authority. "I have come to court you, in the most proper way a man of my standing can. These gifts are but a token of my sincere intentions."
I stared at him, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and suspicion. 'What on earth is he scheming?'
Alexander met my gaze, his expression unwavering, as if daring me to question his motives. His charm was undeniable, but beneath it lay something more—a determination that sent a chill down my spine. It wasn't affection or admiration; it was the relentless persistence of a man who refused to take no for an answer.
That terrified me, because I knew damn well that there was no way in hell Alexander had suddenly decided to court me. Not after I'd already turned him down. So what could he possibly want now?
'I need to figure it out.'
I didn't answer Alexander. The smug look on his face, that persistence disguised as charm, ignited a fire of defiance within me. Without sparing him another glance, I turned to Lady Rose, my voice icy with contempt.
"Lady Rose, help me get dressed," I commanded, my tone sharp. Then, addressing Alexander, I added, "Your Highness, due to your failure to give the manor and myself any advance notice of your visit, I am unable to present myself appropriately this early in the morning." My words dripped with mockery, a polite veneer barely concealing the insult beneath.
'How dare he barge in here like this, unannounced, expecting me to be at his beck and call?'
Alexander's laughter echoed through the hall, a sound that grated on my nerves. "Very well, Lady Celeste. I shall wait in the greenhouse," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Please, take your time. It was my eagerness to meet my fiancée that made me forget my manners."
His words sent another shiver of unease down my spine.
'Fiancée?' I had rejected him once, and yet here he was, acting as if nothing had changed. The more he spoke, the more wary and creeped out I became. What could be driving this sudden and unwanted persistence?
I refused to let him see how much his presence unnerved me. Instead, I simply nodded, turning on my heel and walking away with Lady Rose following close behind.
In my chambers, Lady Rose and the other ladies-in-waiting bustled around, their movements hurried as they tried to prepare me quickly yet elegantly. Their anxious glances at the door betrayed their desire to hasten the process, but I had no intention of accommodating the Crown Prince's impatience.
"There's no need for such a hassle," I told them coolly. "After all, His Highness himself has granted us the right to 'take our time'." I deliberately stretched out the words, savoring the irony of the situation. If Alexander thought he could unsettle me, he was sorely mistaken.
Hours passed as I made a point of taking my time with every detail. My gown was meticulously selected—a masterpiece of luxurious silk and delicate embroidery, with every accessory chosen to enhance the elegance I intended to display. By the time I was ready, it was nearly noon. I looked at myself in the mirror, satisfied with the results. If Alexander wanted to play games, I would show him that I could play just as well.
Finally, I made my way to the greenhouse, each step measured and deliberate. When I arrived, the sunlight streaming through the glass roof cast a warm glow over the lush plants and flowers. The Crown Prince stood amidst the greenery, his back to me as he examined a bloom.
"Your Highness," I greeted him, my voice as smooth as the silks I wore. I curtsied, just deep enough to be proper, but not so much as to be deferential.
Alexander turned, and I saw the flicker of surprise in his eyes as he took in my appearance. I had dressed to impress, yes, but also to remind him that he had brought this on himself.
"I see you've taken your time, Lady Celeste," he said with a chuckle, though I could tell he was assessing me, trying to gauge my reaction.
I met his gaze, unflinching. "As you advised, Your Highness," I replied with a serene smile. "After all, it wouldn't do to appear before the Crown Prince in anything less than the finest attire."
His smile didn't waver, but I could see the wheels turning in his mind. Whatever game he was playing, he wasn't expecting me to match him move for move.
'Let's see what you do next, Your Highness.'