(Chapter 23)
Clarisse stepped into the room filled with people. Every movement they made was filled with courtesy and boundless attention. Her presence was warmly received, yet unbeknownst to her, beneath all the hospitality, Lorcan's cold gaze swept over them all. That gaze was a silent warning—no mistakes were allowed. The chilling aura made everyone hold their nervousness in check, but Clarisse, walking beside Lorcan, was unaware of it. She focused only on what lay ahead.
Sasa, her loyal attendant, followed behind, maintaining a careful distance.
"Can we walk alone?" Lorcan said without turning, his voice cold yet filled with authority.
Clarisse turned to him, slightly surprised. "Pardon, Your Highness?"
"Without your attendant. I prefer it to be just the two of us," Lorcan replied, his tone flat but meaningful.
Clarisse glanced at Sasa, who immediately nodded without needing further instruction. "You may return for now," Clarisse said softly. With a brief bow, Sasa stepped back and left them.
Lorcan continued his pace calmly, while Clarisse was still pondering what had just happened. Lorcan knew very well that Sasa was no ordinary servant—she was personally chosen by the Head of the Family.
"Was she chosen by the Head of the Family?" Lorcan asked without looking at her.
Clarisse nodded, even though he couldn't see it. "Yes, my father chose her. Sasa is no ordinary person; she has extensive experience and remarkable skills."
Lorcan stopped briefly, his sharp gaze fixed on Clarisse. "Has it been confirmed that she can be trusted?"
Clarisse hesitated for a moment before answering. "I believe so. My father must have considered everything carefully."
Lorcan did not respond immediately. Silence accompanied them for a while until they arrived at a beautiful glasshouse. Inside, various kinds of flowers bloomed, while a large pond filled with colorful fish reflected the serene beauty of the place.
"It's so beautiful…" Clarisse murmured, her eyes shining as she took in the sight. She imagined how wonderful it would be to have a garden like this at her own home.
"This place was my mother's favorite," Lorcan's voice was soft, almost like a whisper. Clarisse turned to him and saw that he had fallen into silent reminiscence. There was a faint sorrow in his eyes, and Clarisse knew that Lorcan's past was filled with profound loss. A family that was once so full of joy had gradually faded from his life, leaving behind a once-cheerful boy who had grown into a quiet and wounded man.
Lorcan noticed Clarisse watching him and frowned. "What is it?"
Clarisse quickly shook her head.
Lorcan gave a faint smile, though his gaze couldn't hide the admiration that had begun to surface. To him, Clarisse was becoming more captivating with each passing day.
He was beginning to feel something unfamiliar, something he had long ignored. A heart once frozen was now touched by the warmth that radiated from Clarisse.
"Your Highness…" Clarisse started to speak, but Lorcan interrupted her.
"You look very different now," he suddenly remarked, his voice low and laced with something indescribable.
Clarisse fell silent, puzzled by his words. "Different? What do you mean, Your Highness?"
Lorcan gave a small smile, one so rare that it caught her off guard. "I still remember what I once did to you. I regret it deeply. Seeing you like this makes it difficult to forget."
Clarisse's breath hitched. Lorcan's words reminded her of something she had tried to bury. But what shocked her even more was the sudden, fleeting smile on his face. In that brief moment, he appeared even more striking.
She turned away, trying to conceal the emotions that had unexpectedly surfaced. "I have already forgotten about it, Your Highness. After all, I understand. You are a man, and I can comprehend that."
Silence enveloped them once more. When Clarisse finally dared to meet Lorcan's gaze again, she found his expression had changed. His eyes held an intensity she had never seen before, a gaze that made her feel as if she were prey standing before a predator, ready to strike.