After training, I returned to my room, still lost in thought. The luxurious surroundings, with their polished wooden furniture and expensive fabrics, failed to bring me any comfort. The weight of my situation pressed heavily on my shoulders, as if being in this world wasn't just a mistake, but a cruel test.
— Sitting here thinking won't get me anywhere, — I muttered to myself. — I need to find my sister.
I decided to go out to clear my head. The garden seemed like a good choice, and when I arrived, I was greeted by a scene worthy of a painting. Flowers of every color filled the space, creating a visual symphony that contrasted with the harshness of the training grounds. A gentle breeze made the leaves and petals sway softly, and the sweet scent of flowers filled the air.
As I walked, I spotted a young woman with brown hair and green eyes, standing near a marble fountain, lost in thought. She seemed out of place in the luxurious surroundings, yet at the same time, she fit perfectly—like the centerpiece of a puzzle.
I approached her slowly, letting my footsteps announce my presence.
— Hey, everything okay? What brings a beautiful woman here? — I asked, trying to sound charming.
She turned, surprised to hear my voice, but soon laughed, her cheeks tinting slightly pink.
— Hahaha, stop being silly, Zephyr. Since when are you this funny? — she said, her smile playful.
I was taken aback. She knows me. But who was she? Her face didn't spark any memories, which only made me more curious.
— Haha, right, — I replied, masking my confusion.
She tilted her head, studying me with a warm smile.
— I'm glad to see you came back from the battlefield in one piece.
— You were worried about me, huh? Keep it up, and I might get the wrong idea, — I teased, winking at her.
She frowned, though her cheeks remained pink.
— I think you might've hit your head on the battlefield. You're acting really strange.
— So, do you like me better now or before? — I asked, genuinely curious.
— Doesn't matter. To me, you're always you, — she replied indifferently, but with a faint smile.
— How romantic, — I teased, laughing.
— Now I think I preferred the old you, — she said, crossing her arms but still smiling.
— Really? That boring guy? — I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She shook her head, as if trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.
— Let's change the subject. How's the crown prince?
The mention of the crown prince reignited my irritation.
— Who cares about that idiot?
She sighed, clearly worried.
— People are saying it was your fault he got injured on the battlefield.
— Nonsense. How is it my fault that a spoiled prince doesn't know how to fight? I have more important things to worry about than protecting him, — I replied, crossing my arms in frustration.
— So you had nothing to do with it? — she asked, relieved.
— Of course not, — I said, rolling my eyes.
— Phew, I was worried, — she sighed, placing a hand on her chest.
— Relax, sweetheart. I'm way too important to care about him, — I joked, trying to put her at ease.
She hesitated before suggesting:
— Then maybe you could go visit him tomorrow?
Ah, so that's it. She was trying to use me to get closer to the crown prince. It had to be part of the script.
— Go by yourself, — I replied dryly, crossing my arms.
She looked confused but tried to explain herself.
— Why would I visit the crown prince? I'm just an orphan your family took in.
— Then it's settled. Neither of us will go see that idiot, — I declared, resolute.
She bit her lip, clearly trying to find a way to convince me.
— The crown prince is a good person. Besides, if you visit him, the rumors about you plotting against him will die down.
I let out a deep sigh.
— I don't care about rumors. My father can shut anyone up.
— Even so... — she insisted, her expression almost pleading.
I looked at her, narrowing my eyes.
— Who are you worried about?
She blinked, confused.
— Sorry, what do you mean?
— Are you worried about me or the crown prince? — I asked, staring directly at her.
She avoided my gaze for a moment before answering:
— Both. You're both very important to me, and I care about you both.
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head.
— I know that's not true, but fine. We'll go tomorrow afternoon.
— But it is true! — she insisted, sounding offended.
— If you keep trying to fool me, we won't go at all, — I warned, my tone more serious.
She raised her hands in surrender.
— Okay. But why does it have to be in the afternoon? Can't it be in the morning?
— No, the perfumer is coming to my quarters in the morning, — I replied.
She smiled slightly.
— Got it. Can I help you pick a scent?
— Sure. That way you can tell me what women like a man to wear, — I agreed with a shrug.
— Alright. See you tomorrow, — she said before turning to leave.
I watched as she disappeared into the garden. I sighed and decided to head back to my room.
She's definitely the female protagonist. But how can she prefer that spoiled prince over Zephyr? This has to be part of the script.