Chapter -2
As I woke up in the morning I was still in a daze as if everything that had happened was just a dream, it has been few days since the royal ball.
"I wonder wonder who he was? "
"Click"
The sound of the door opening pulled me out of my thoughts. I stepped down from the bed as the maid entered, standing silently by the entrance, awaiting my instructions.
After freshening up and getting dressed for breakfast, I left the room and made my way to the dining hall. It was a strict rule in the Rossano family to have breakfast together every morning.
As I entered the hall and took my seat, I glanced at my siblings, and memories of my life as Rosie resurfaced.
Our family was renowned for its loyalty and trustworthiness to the royal family.
Viscount Dante Rossano, the head of the family, was a man with maroon hair and dull yellow eyes. He had two wives.
His first wife, Lady Anna, was the eldest daughter of the Spine family but had passed away early. She bore him two children:
Sir Cillian, the eldest son, now 24 years old, with a smart, calm, and clever demeanor. He was first in line to succeed Viscount Dante and was determined to uphold the Rossano family's honor.
Then there was Lady Beatrice, his eldest daughter and third-born child. At 21 years old, she was the picture of a perfect noblewoman
—calm and composed, a model of grace.
His second wife, Lady Elina, was the youngest daughter of the Bernardi family. She kept mostly to herself and rarely interacted with others, but her children were her priority.
Her first child, Sir Elio, was the second son and second in line to succeed the Viscount. At 23, he was famous for his good looks and many talents, from cooking to swordsmanship.
Her second child, Lady Eliana, was the youngest daughter, aged 19. Unlike Beatrice, Eliana was cunning and scheming. She often involved herself in petty scandals and feigned innocence, acting more like a child than a woman. She was a year older then me but still annoyed me to no end with her third-person speech and her constant desire to claim what was rightfully mine.
A loud clearing of a throat interrupted my thoughts and broke the silence in the room.
"It seems like you've grown quite well."
Viscount Dante finally spoke. His eyes scanned the table, addressing everyone except me. It wasn't until the moment he called my name that his gaze finally landed on me.
"Rosie."
The word hung in the air, and I stiffened.
"It looks like it's time to strengthen our family ties," he continued in a sharp tone. "I've recently received a marriage proposal from Baron de Luca for his eldest son, Sir Anton."
My heart thudded in my chest. I thought surely he meant Lady Beatrice. Marrying her off to someone like Sir Anton made sense, though I still found it disappointing.
But then—
"Rosie."
"...!!!!"
"Prepare for your marriage. The ceremony will take place within a month."
I was speechless.
"This evening, there is a party hosted by Duke An'Angelo. Be ready. We will discuss further details of the marriage there."
My entire body froze as his words settled into the air. The silence stretched as I looked around the table. My siblings were all visibly shocked, but not one of them said a word. My lips refused to move; I couldn't speak, couldn't protest.
Viscount Dante finished his breakfast and left the room without another glance, and everyone else followed suit. I remained seated, trying to process what had just happened.
Later that evening, as the maids dressed me for the party, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. A thought flickered across my mind.
-How obvious it is that I don't belong to this family.-
The Rossano lineage was known for its distinctive maroon hair, a trait both Sir Cillian and Sir Elio inherited from their father. Sir Cillian's eyes were the same emerald green as his mother's, while Sir Elio's eyes were a dim purple—an inheritance from Lady Elina's family.
Lady Beatrice had her mother's light blonde hair, but her eyes were the same dull yellow as Viscount Dante's, unmistakably marking her as his daughter. Even Eliana, with her brown hair, had inherited the dull yellow eyes from her father.
And then, there was me. My ruby-red eyes sparkled, set against the backdrop of my dark red hair, a sharp contrast to everyone else.
"Huh…"
A deep sigh escaped my lips as my gaze traced the intricate red patterns embroidered onto the black fabric.
The gown exuded a sense of authority and grandeur, its dramatic sleeves flowing elegantly down the sides like cascading waves.
It was beautiful…
—exactly the kind of dress meant to capture attention.
But as I gazed at my reflection, something within me stirred, a gnawing realization that I couldn't shake. This dress wasn't for me. It wasn't something I had chosen. It was another reminder of the life I had been forced into, a life dictated by Viscount Dante and the expectations of the Rossano family.
The deep red of the floral embroidery stood in stark contrast to my dark red hair and sparkling ruby eyes. The color, so similar to blood, felt like a symbolic cage. No matter how bold or strong I appeared on the outside, I was still a pawn in their game, dressed up and ready for display.
"Do you like it, my lady?" one of the maids asked, her voice tentative.
I turned to her, offering a small smile.
"It's beautiful," I replied, my voice was steady despite the turmoil churning inside me.
There was no point in expressing how out of place I felt. Not now, not when I had a bigger issue to worry about—my upcoming marriage to Sir Anton.
As the maids finished adjusting the gown, one of them stepped back to assess their work.
"You look perfect, Lady Rosie," she said, her tone filled with admiration.
I didn't feel perfect. I felt like a puppet dressed in the finest of garments, ready to play my role for the evening.
With one final glance in the mirror, I straightened my posture and allowed the maids to lead me out of the room. The Duke's party awaited, and so did the discussion about my marriage.
My steps felt heavier than usual, the weight of the night pressing down on me with each step I took.
______________________
We arrived at Duke An' Angelos estate, as the evening light dimmed, casting long shadows over the grand estate.
The walls of the manor stood tall, illuminated by flickering lanterns, casting a golden glow on the lavish gardens that surrounded the entrance.
I glanced around, taking in the beauty of the place
—a perfect distraction from the storm brewing inside me.
I might have wanted to stay here forever, I thought bitterly, if it wasn't for this cursed marriage they've planned for me.
"Rosie,"
Viscount Dante's voice interrupted my thoughts as we reached the grand foyer, the maids immediately attending to our arrival.
I turned my head slightly, meeting his dull yellow gaze, his lips curling into a thin line.
"Behave,"
he commanded, his voice sharp and direct, but low enough that no one else could hear.
"You've caused enough trouble already."
Knowing him all too well, I didn't respond. He enjoyed my silence, interpreting it as submission. Little did he know that my mind was already at work, thinking of a way to escape.
After all, I hadn't forgotten his sudden announcement at breakfast
—my marriage to Sir Anton, a man I hardly knew and didn't care to.
As we entered the grand hall, my eyes roamed over the sheer elegance of the place. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting glimmers of light over the finely dressed nobles. Soft music played in the background, creating an air of sophistication and ease. For a moment, I allowed myself to appreciate the beauty around me.
Again…. , I could have stayed here longer… if it weren't for this.
I had to find a way out.
Ducking behind a crowd of guests as the Viscount was busy greeting the Duke, I slipped away quietly, unnoticed.
My heart began to race as I scanned the area for an escape route, my eyes landing on the balcony at the far end of the hall.
It was empty.
Perfect.
With quick steps, I moved toward the open doors leading to the balcony, the cool night air hitting my face as I stepped outside. My gaze traveled down the railing. It wasn't too high of a drop
—enough to land on the grass below and slip out of the estate unnoticed. I wasn't thinking of jumping down and running away for good…
just far enough away to gather my thoughts, to escape for a while. Anything to avoid the conversation that was waiting inside.
I grabbed the cold railing, the metal cool against my palm as I took a deep breath.
Just as I was about to jump down, a firm hand gripped my wrist from behind.
My heart stopped.
Instinctively, I opened my mouth to shout, certain it was Sir Anton, but before I could make a sound, another hand covered my lips. My scream was stifled as I was pulled back, my body pressed against the shadows of the long curtains behind me.
Panic surged through me as I struggled briefly, but the grip wasn't harsh
—firm, yes, but not hurting me. Slowly, my breathing began to calm, and my eyes darted to the side. Sir Anton was still on the balcony, pacing as he searched for me, unaware of where I had gone.
My pulse began to slow, and a new thought crept into my mind
—this wasn't Anton holding me.
No, his hands were too soft, too refined. The grip on me now was far more experienced, the calluses rough against my skin. And yet, the way he held me was careful, almost…
protective.
Who?
The hands slowly released me, allowing me to turn around.
I froze.
It was him..!!
—the man I had met in the garden the other night.
The dim light of the nearby lantern barely illuminated his features, but I could see enough to recognize the sharpness of his jawline, the slight glint in his eyes as he looked down at me. His long hair, slightly disheveled but still well-groomed, framed his face, brushing just above his brow.
He wasn't smiling, but there was something in his expression that made my heart skip a beat.
His presence was commanding, his aura cold yet undeniably magnetic.
In the soft light, the shadows played tricks with the angles of his face, making him seem both distant and dangerously close at the same time.
The man who had haunted my thoughts since that day in the garden was standing before me now, saving me from being caught.
His lips parted, as if he were about to say something, but the words hung in the air between us, unspoken.
Just as I was about to say something, he spoke first, in a low voice, almost amused, but with a hint of sharpness beneath it.
"Do you have a habit of jumping down from every height you see?"
I blinked, surprised by his calmness despite the situation.
"It wasn't intentional..." I started to explain, still trying to gather my thoughts, but before I could finish, he interrupted me.
"Why even bother to attend them if you dislike these parties and gatherings so much?"
"I never intended to attend either… It wasn't….. a choice."
My voice was firmer than I expected, frustration bubbling up.
"I was brought here without being asked."
He tilted his head slightly, a puzzled expression crossing his face
—not obvious, but there was something in the way he looked at me.
It was as if he was thinking :
With a personality like mine, who would even dare to force me?
I caught on quickly, adding with a smirk,
"Not like before."
His brows furrowed slightly as if to say, What?
"Today…"
I paused, my voice was dropping as the weight of my situation settled in.
"I must escape."
For a moment, he stood there in silence, his cold gaze unwavering, reading me as if trying to decide what to do with me.
My heart raced in anticipation, not knowing what his next move would be.
"If I don't," I whispered urgently,
"They'll marry me off to that womanizer bastard."
I hated how desperate I sounded, but it was the truth, and I couldn't hide it. I saw something flicker in his eyes
—annoyance, perhaps, or something else—but it passed quickly.
"Excuse me for the inconvenience," he muttered, his voice almost a growl.
I blinked, unsure what he meant by that. But before I could ask, his hand was on my waist again, firm and unwavering.
"What—"
I barely managed to say before, without warning, he pulled me close, lifting me off the ground in one smooth motion.
My breath caught in my throat as we jumped down from the balcony.
My heart pounded wildly, my pulse racing as the ground came closer.
What is he doing?!
But before I could panic, we landed gracefully, his arms were still around me like a protective barrier. I felt a strange rush of adrenaline, the kind that came from being so close to danger yet knowing I was safe. At that moment, I wasn't falling—I was flying.
I was still trying to catch my breath when I realized we were on the ground, his arms cradling me like I was some sort of princess. I looked up at him, my heart skipping another beat, though this time it wasn't from the fall.
His expression was unreadable, cold and distant as always, but there was something in the way he held me—an ease, as if this wasn't the first time he'd caught someone mid-escape
He slowly released me from his grip, taking a step back, giving me room to breathe.
I opened my mouth to thank him, but before I could speak, one of his men approached us. He whispered something into his ear, low and discreet.
I recognized the man—it was the same guard who had been with him earlier that night, always hovering in the shadows, watching over him.
The whispered conversation between them felt like it lasted forever, though it couldn't have been more than a few seconds. I tried to make out what they were saying, but I couldn't catch anything specific.
All I knew was that whatever it was, it was important.
When the guard finished, he gave a brief nod and stepped back, fading into the night as quickly as he'd appeared. I glanced at the man in front of me, wondering if this was my chance to speak, but before I could utter a word, he moved.
Without warning, he swung me up into his arms again.
"What are you—?" I barely managed to gasp.
"Hold on for a minute longer,"he said quietly, his eyes still scanning the area as if we were being watched.
He tightened his hold on me as he walked toward the exit gate, where the carriages were already lined up, waiting.
His movements were swift and purposeful, and I found myself clinging to him, both out of necessity and sheer disbelief.
At the gate, he threw me into the carriage—not roughly, but not exactly gently either. I landed awkwardly on the plush seats, still trying to process what was happening. As I scrambled to sit upright, I heard him give the coachman a command, his voice was low and steady, though I couldn't make out the destination.
Before I could ask him what was going on, he entered the carriage and took his place beside me. His expression was as unreadable as ever, his eyes cold, focused.
The moment he settled in, the carriage jerked forward, moving at a speed that made my heart lurch.
"Where are we going?" I finally managed to ask, my voice a little shakier than I'd intended.
He didn't look at me when he answered, "Away from here."
"That much I gathered," I said, a little sharper now.
"But where?"
His gaze flickered toward me, but he still didn't answer. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, his posture relaxed, as if this whole situation wasn't absurd at all.
"Do you always make a habit of kidnapping people?"
I pressed my tone halfway between exasperation and curiosity.
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, though he didn't turn to face me.
"Only those who intend to jump off balconies."
I frowned, crossing my arms.
"I wasn't actually going to jump."
He gave a soft, almost amused sound, though I couldn't tell if he believed me.
"Then what were you doing?"
"Escaping,"
I muttered, looking out the window as the landscape blurred past.
"Which, by the way, I didn't need help with."
His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he said,
"You're welcome."
"That wasn't a thank you," I shot back, though my tone lacked any real bite.
We fell into a brief silence, the sound of the horses and carriage wheels filling the space between us. My mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened, and why he, of all people, had gotten involved.
Finally, I couldn't take the silence anymore.
"Who are you, really?"
This time, he turned his head toward me, his eyes meeting mine. For a moment, I thought he might actually answer. But instead, he simply said,
"You'll find out soon enough."
—--------------------------------------------------—
Inside Duke An' Angelos lavish ballroom;
The atmosphere had taken a tense turn.
The soft murmur of the guests suddenly hushed as one of the guards hastened toward the Duke, whispering urgently in his ear.
"Sir, half an hour ago; the estate's men saw Grand Duke Alessio Vittorio Cavelli leaving in a rush….. with the lady in his arms."
Duke An' Angelo's brow furrowed slightly as he processed the information, casting a quick glance at Viscount Dante. He slowly turned toward him, trying to mask his unease with an awkward smile.
"Viscount Dante, it seems the lady is with the Grand Duke Vittorio Cavelli…"
He forced out a nervous laugh, attempting to ease the rising tension.
"Hagh…ha... It seems the young people are... enjoying their youth! Let it be, Viscount, ha…hahaha!"
The strained laughter echoed awkwardly in the hall, but it did little to soothe the palpable tension between the men. Baron de Luca and his son, Sir Anton, stood frozen, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief.
Viscount Dante's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in barely-contained fury. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists under the table. His voice, cold and sharp, broke the silence as he ground his teeth together.
"Rosie…"
-----------------------
Back in the carriage, the sound of hooves clattering against the cobblestone streets slowly came to a halt.
The carriage slowed down, finally coming to a stop. I barely had time to register the change before the door swung open. My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped out, my legs unsteady from everything that had happened. The cool night air kissed my skin, but my thoughts were far from calm.
I lifted my gaze, and my breath caught in my throat. The sight before me was overwhelming.
A massive estate stretched out in front of me—grander, more opulent than anything I had ever seen. The gates loomed high, decorated with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer under the soft lantern light. Beyond them, the mansion stood tall, almost intimidating in its sheer magnificence.
Manicured gardens surrounded the place, perfect down to the last petal.
Water sprayed gracefully from fountains, their soft splashes echoing in the night.
The whole scene felt like something out of a dream... or perhaps a nightmare.
I barely noticed as I took a few steps forward, mesmerized by the sheer beauty of it all. My mind raced, but one question kept repeating itself :
Where am I?
I stole a glance at the man beside me
—tall, composed, as if the chaos of the evening hadn't touched him in the slightest. His face was unreadable, but I could feel his presence, solid and unshaken.
I swallowed hard, my heart still racing. Everything about him was a mystery, one that gnawed at me with every second that passed.
"Who...,"
I started, the words barely a whisper. I took a step closer to him, trying to gather the courage to speak. My mind was spinning with questions, and one, in particular, stood out.
I tried again, my voice trembling.
"What... are you?"
The men still stood in silence, with an expression that clearly said:
How can you still be so ignorant
His little smirk was more than enough to piss me off.
I couldn't take it anymore. The questions, the mystery-everything about him-it all reached a breaking point inside me.
Without thinking, I moved. My body acted faster than my mind could catch up, and before I knew it, I had him on the ground beneath me.
"Thug!"
The sound echoed as we hit the dirt, my breath heavy, heart pounding in my ears.
In one swift motion, I pulled out the small blade I always kept hidden a souvenir from my past life, where trust was a rare commodity and pressed it to his throat.
The blade kissed his skin just enough for a single drop of blood to bead up and roll down, disappearing into the collar of his dark, luxurious coat.
His eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place-surprise?
Amusement? Neither mattered.
My grip tightened around the knife's handle as I leaned in, my voice low, intense, filled with all the fury I had bottled up.
"Who... and what are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying all the tension and confusion that had built up inside me.
He stared at me in the dim light, his expression unreadable, as though calculating something far beyond my reach.
The silence between us thickened, growing heavier by the second, and the question echoed in my mind again and again.
"Cling!"
The sound of metal echoed all around us.
In an instant, the quiet night erupted with the unmistakable threat of drawn swords.
His guards, and knights from the estate, surrounded us, their blades drawn, their sharp tips hovering dangerously close to my skin.
The cold steel sent a chill up my spine, but I didn't dare move. Not an inch.
One wrong move, and they could end it right there.
But I couldn't back down. Not now. My gaze remained locked on his, unflinching. He still hadn't answered me, and I was done waiting.
With every breath, the tension hung in the air, thick and suffocating.
The world seemed to hold still as I waited for his next move.
And with that, the night closed in around us.
End of Chapter - 2.
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