The morning sun cast a golden glow over the backyard pond, its shimmering waters reflecting the gentle sway of trees. Rosalena and Alex walked side by side, the cool breeze brushing against them.
Rosalena suddenly halted.
A strange energy pulsed around her, making her skin tingle.
Her ruby eyes narrowed.
What is this feeling…?
It was odd, unsettling, yet… familiar.
Alex noticed her sudden change in expression and furrowed his brows.
"Rosalena? What's wrong?"
She quickly shook her head.
"Nothing," she lied, forcing a small smile.
Not wanting to linger on the strange sensation, she changed the topic.
"Why are you here, Alex?"
His violet eyes softened.
"Because of you."
Rosalena blinked.
"…Me?"
"Yes." His gaze held a flicker of amusement. "Your health, of course. And also… your divine power."
Her curiosity sparked.
"My divine power?" she echoed.
Alex nodded.
"I heard your divine power never awakened until this year. But when it finally did…" He leaned in slightly. "It's… unusually strong. Stronger than anyone I've ever seen."
Rosalena listened intently.
But suddenly—
Voices.
Not Alex's. Not hers.
Tiny, high-pitched voices.
"Ugh, why are they talking here?"
"Yeah, they're totally ruining our romantic time, dear."
Rosalena's eyes widened in shock.
Slowly, her head turned—
Two squirrels.
Sitting on a low tree branch, chattering away.
Her jaw dropped.
No. No. NO.
Am I… hearing squirrels?!
She squeezed her eyes shut, her mind racing.
This is crazy. No, this is impossible.
Alex, noticing her weird expression, tilted his head.
"Rosalena…?"
She blinked at him, still in disbelief.
"I… I think I can hear animals talking."
Silence.
Alex stared at her for a moment.
Then, he smiled.
"Well, that's new."
Rosalena let out a frustrated sigh.
"You don't understand! I can hear what they're saying. Look!" She pointed at the squirrels.
Alex turned just as the little creatures continued their dramatic conversation.
"Look at those two," one squirrel whispered to the other. "See how they're watching them like hawks?"
"Yeah, they totally look like overprotective bodyguards."
Rosalena followed their gaze.
She stifled a laugh.
Hiding terribly behind a tree…
Her father and brother.
Both had one ear pressed against the tree bark.
Both were glaring at Alex like he was the biggest threat in the empire.
Alex must have sensed something because he turned slightly, noticing the intense stares.
His lips twitched.
"…Are they spying on us?"
Rosalena smiled innocently.
"Of course not."
She wasn't about to expose them.
Not yet.
She cleared her throat, redirecting the conversation.
Alex glanced at her, his playful expression returning.
"Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
Rosalena raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
Alex leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make her heart skip a beat.
"I know the Emperor sent a marriage proposal for you."**
Rosalena's smile faltered.
Right.
That damned proposal.
She was about to frown when Alex suddenly smirked.
"If you don't want to marry the Crown Prince…"
He took a step closer.
"…use me."
Rosalena's breath hitched.
"W-What?"
Alex's charming, confident smile never wavered.
"I'm always available, you know."
Rosalena felt her face heat up.
Oh, great.
Now, not only were squirrels gossiping about her love life—
Her father and brother were about to burst into flames from where they stood.
She cleared her throat, looking away.
"…I'll think about it."
Alex's grin widened.
"I'll be waiting."
And just like that, Rosalena was sure her life had just gotten even more complicated