As Alexandria stepped into Starlet's chamber, she couldn't shake the tightness in her chest. David's lingering gaze on Starlet… his moment of hesitation… It unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
She had never thought much about it before, never allowed herself to. But tonight, standing at the threshold of her sister's room while David Zechariah remained outside, she felt something unfamiliar—a pang of doubt, of jealousy, of something unspoken.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands pressed against her lap. No, it doesn't matter, she told herself. David is a knight. His duty is to protect us. That is all.
And yet…
Outside the chamber, David stood still, guarding the door, yet his mind was restless. His thoughts refused to focus on his mission, on the security of the castle, on the king's orders.
Instead, all he could think of was her.
Princess Alexandria, his love of life.
The way she looked at him with those striking Blue eyes, questioning him with a sharpness that made his resolve falter. The way the candlelight had danced against her golden curls.
She was fierce, yet graceful. Strong, yet kind.
David closed his eyes briefly, as if trying to push her image away—but it was no use. She was there, in his thoughts, refusing to be ignored.
And inside the chamber, Alexandria's mind was no less restless.
She had always known that duty and love could never walk the same path. And yet, she could not control the way her heart reacted whenever David was near.
But tonight, something was different. Something had shifted.
And as she lay down beside Starlet, staring at the ceiling, she told herself one thing over and over again.
Even if David's heart belongs to Starlet… I will never be an enemy to them.
Even if it hurt.
Even if it meant silencing her own heart.
And just outside her door, David clenched his fists, his own heart waging a battle he did not yet know how to fight.
Starlet glanced up as Alexandria entered, her eyes dancing with amusement. "You look troubled, sister."
Alexandria exhaled, smoothing the delicate fabric of her gown. "It has been a strange evening."
Starlet smirked. "Strange? Or intriguing?"
Alexandria shot her a look. "I do not know what you mean."
"Oh, I believe you do," Starlet teased, closing the book. "You should be happy. You just spoke with your knight in shining armor."
Alexandria froze, color rising to her cheeks. "Starlet!"
Starlet grinned, clearly enjoying her sister's flustered reaction. "You think I haven't noticed? The way you watch David Zechariah—whether in the library, the gardens, or court? Your eyes always follow him."
Alexandria pressed a hand to her chest, as if to steady her racing heart. "You are mistaken," she said, though her voice wavered.
Starlet simply arched a brow.
Silence stretched between them, and slowly, Alexandria's playful indignation faded. She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gently entwined.
"…Even if it were true," she admitted softly, "it would not matter. David does not love me."
For the first time, Starlet said nothing.
Instead, she reached out, squeezing her sister's hand.
And as the night deepened, Alexandria lay awake, her mind lost in thoughts of a man whose heart, she feared, would never belong to her.