The sun had set, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, but Mina couldn't shake the tension that still clung to her skin. The conversation with Prince Alden had left her feeling more resolved than ever, but there was still so much to be done. She needed allies—real ones, not just princes who were tied to a script they couldn't escape. And in the midst of the game's grand plot, a duke had quietly watched from the sidelines, waiting for his moment to make a move.
Mina had heard rumors about Duke Caspian of Laverne—a powerful and influential noble in the kingdom. Tall and imposing, with deep auburn hair and sharp green eyes that gleamed with intelligence, he was everything a woman in the game could want: wealthy, powerful, and mysterious. And he had taken a keen interest in Mina, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by the servants or the nobles. At first, she had thought it was just a passing fancy, a mere flirtation—a plotline she had seen before. But as she spent more time with him, Mina realized that there was something different about Duke Caspian.
It was late in the evening when she received the invitation. A simple note, sealed with the emblem of the Duke of Laverne. Mina's heart raced as she opened it, her fingers trembling. The letter was brief, elegant, and to the point.
"Miss Mina, I request the honor of your company at the Duke's estate for dinner. I wish to discuss something of great importance to both of us."
There was no time to waste. She knew this was more than just a formal dinner. This was a moment that would alter the course of her life.
---
The Duke's estate was a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of the kingdom, far from the bustling streets of the capital. As Mina approached the grand gates, she felt an odd mixture of anticipation and unease. She had always been aware of Duke Caspian's reputation, but she couldn't quite understand why he had taken such an interest in her. Was it simply because she was a central figure in the royal palace? Or was there something more to it?
When she arrived at the front doors, a servant bowed and ushered her inside, leading her through the marble halls toward the dining room. The scent of fresh flowers and rich, exotic spices filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and luxury. But Mina's mind was elsewhere—on the conversation she was about to have.
The dining room was lavishly decorated, with golden candelabras casting soft, flickering light on the long oak table. At the far end, Duke Caspian sat, his gaze fixed on the door as Mina entered. His sharp features softened into a warm smile when he saw her, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to appreciate the quiet strength that radiated from him.
"Ah, Miss Mina," he said, his voice smooth and steady. "I'm glad you could join me. Please, take a seat."
Mina nodded, walking gracefully to the opposite end of the table, where a chair was waiting for her. As she sat, her eyes lingered on the table—a spread of delicacies, from roasted meats to fine pastries, all laid out for their evening meal. But she wasn't here for the food. She was here to understand what the Duke wanted from her.
"I trust you had a pleasant journey here?" Duke Caspian asked, his tone casual, though his eyes betrayed a hint of something more—something that hinted at deeper intentions.
"It was fine," Mina replied, her voice steady. "But I'm sure you didn't invite me here just for dinner, Your Grace. What is it you wish to discuss?"
A glint of admiration flickered in the Duke's eyes, and he leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "Straight to the point, as always, Miss Mina. I admire that."
He paused, studying her with a look that seemed to weigh her every word. "I've been watching you, Mina. You're different from the others in this palace. You don't conform to the game's narrative, and that has intrigued me."
Mina didn't flinch at his words, though she could feel her heart beat faster. "I don't believe in fate or destiny," she said, her gaze unwavering. "I believe in creating my own path."
The Duke's smile widened, and he stood up from the table, walking around to stand beside her. "You've noticed, haven't you? The way things are destined to play out in this kingdom. The way the princess is meant to fall in love with one of the princes, and how the story will end the same every time." His voice dropped to a whisper, almost conspiratorial. "But you, Mina… you're different. You've seen the cracks in the narrative, the places where things don't align. And that's why I want to offer you something. Something that could change the course of your life."
Mina's eyes narrowed, and she looked up at him, trying to gauge his intentions. "What is it you're offering, Your Grace?"
Duke Caspian's expression softened, and for the first time, Mina noticed the vulnerability in his eyes. "I want to help you, Mina. I want to offer you a choice. A chance to break free from this game, this endless cycle. But in return, I want you to consider something…"
Mina's breath caught in her throat. "What are you asking?"
He moved to stand directly in front of her, his face inches from hers, his green eyes glowing with sincerity. "Marry me, Mina. Marry me, and together, we can rewrite the story. Together, we can shape our own future. One that's not bound by the game's plot."
Mina was taken aback by his words. She had known that this day might come—that a man would fall for her, that she would have to navigate the complexities of love and duty. But this was different. Duke Caspian wasn't just offering her his hand in marriage. He was offering her a chance at freedom, a chance to escape the confines of the narrative that had trapped her.
"I…" Mina began, unsure of how to respond. She had never expected the Duke to make such a bold offer. But something in his gaze, something in the way he held himself, made her pause. Was this love? Or was this yet another step in the game she was determined to break free from?
Duke Caspian waited for her answer, his gaze never leaving hers. "Take your time, Mina. But know this: If you agree, I'll stand by your side. No matter what happens."
Mina took a deep breath, her heart pounding. This wasn't just about love. It was about control, about carving out her own destiny. And for the first time since she arrived in this world, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't alone in her fight.
"I accept," Mina said, her voice steady.
Duke Caspian's face broke into a smile, and for a moment, it seemed as though the weight of the world had lifted from her shoulders. They would change the story. Together.