The golden morning light filtered into Rosalena's chamber, casting a warm glow over the mysterious egg resting beside her. Stretching with a content sigh, she felt well-rested for the first time in weeks.
Her maid entered, bowing slightly. "Good morning, my lady. It's time to get ready for breakfast."
Rosalena nodded, allowing her maid to help her dress. Once she was prepared, she gracefully descended the grand staircase toward the dining hall. Inside, her father, brother Christopher, and sister Airna were already seated, waiting for her.
The Duke's sharp eyes softened as he saw his daughter. "How is your egg, my dear?"
Rosalena's ruby eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's doing well, Father! I can't wait to see when it hatches!"
Her father chuckled at her curiosity, but Airna, sitting quietly at the table, clenched her hands under the tablecloth. A sweet, innocent smile remained on her face, but her grip tightened ever so slightly.
Clearing his throat, the Duke set his cup down. "Rosalena, Christopher," he said, addressing them both. "Your debut ball is approaching soon. You'll be turning eighteen—it's an important moment for you both."
Rosalena and Christopher exchanged a knowing glance, smiling slightly at each other.
Training Grounds & Unexpected Conversations
After breakfast, Rosalena changed into her training attire and made her way to the training grounds, where a group of knights greeted her with deep respect.
Christopher, already there, raised an eyebrow. "Rosalena? What are you doing here?"
She stretched her arms, smirking. "I was bored, Brother. I've been stuck inside for too long—I need to practice my sword fighting. It's been a while."
Christopher grinned. "Shall we duel, then?"
Rosalena chuckled, shaking her head. "Not today. I want to practice alone."
"Alright," Christopher replied, stepping back as she took the field.
Her personal guard, Kin, stepped forward. He had been with her since childhood, always supporting her, always protecting her. In the novel, he had even sacrificed himself to save her.
"Lady Rosalena," Kin said, bowing slightly. "Shall we begin?"
She nodded. "Let's."
After an intense training session, Rosalena felt her strength returning. Satisfied, she returned to her room, changed into a fresh dress, and sat by the window, admiring the egg once again.
Just then, the door creaked open.
"Sister!" Airna's soft voice rang through the room as she ran toward Rosalena and clung to her arm.
Rosalena hesitated, awkwardly patting her sister's hand. "Airna? What's wrong?"
"I miss you," Airna said, pouting. "You've been so busy, and we never talk anymore."
Rosalena tilted her head slightly. "I'm not that busy… Tell me, what's on your mind?"
Airna hesitated for a moment before gazing at her sister seriously. "Sister, why have you changed so much?"
Rosalena blinked. "Have I?"
"Yes!" Airna exclaimed. "You never smile anymore, you're always serious, and you've been giving punishments to the servants and even… even the Crown Prince."
At the mention of the Crown Prince, Rosalena's expression darkened slightly. "The Crown Prince?"
Airna nodded. "You loved him so much before… Why didn't you dance with him at the ball?"
Rosalena let out a small laugh. "Because he's boring."
Airna's eyes widened in shock. "Boring?!"
"Yes," Rosalena said with a teasing smirk. "And doesn't he hate me? Then why should I care about him, silly girl?"
Airna forced a smile, but Rosalena could sense something off. As Airna's gaze flickered toward the egg, Rosalena noticed how her sister's fingers twitched slightly.
"Sister, is this the egg you found?" Airna asked, her voice carefully neutral.
"Yes, Airna. I found it."
Airna stared at the egg for a moment, then quickly stood up. "Okay, Sister. I'll leave now."
Rosalena watched as Airna clenched her fists and hurried out of the room.
Something wasn't right.