A Chilly Morning
The next morning, Leon arrived at the training hall, expecting another brutal session with Selene.
Instead, he found her standing by the window, staring at the vast Valenford estate gardens below. The usual cold discipline in her posture was gone.
Leon leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "I don't think I've ever seen you hesitate before, Princess. Should I be worried?"
Selene didn't turn. "You received a letter last night."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Ah. So you do know."
She finally faced him, her icy blue eyes unreadable. "Sir Regan delivered it, didn't he?"
Leon smirked. "The Duke's little watchdog? Yeah, he left me a lovely note. Told me to 'know my place.'"
Selene's fingers curled slightly. "You should listen to him."
Leon's smirk faded slightly. That was different.
He expected her usual prideful indifference—but this? This sounded like concern.
"That serious, huh?" he mused.
Selene exhaled, walking toward him. "You don't understand the world you've stepped into, Leon."
He tilted his head. "Try me."
Selene studied him for a moment before speaking.
"My father is not like the other noble lords. He doesn't tolerate weakness, and he doesn't allow threats to linger. If he believes you're a… distraction, he won't send another letter."
Leon chuckled. "What, he'll kill me instead?"
Selene's voice was calm, but firm. "Yes."
Leon paused. There was no doubt in her eyes.
He grinned. "Then I'll just have to be too valuable to kill."
Selene sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
Leon stepped closer, lowering his voice. "If your father's so dangerous, why are you still letting me stay?"
For a brief moment, her mask cracked.
She looked at him—not as the arrogant noble, not as the untouchable Cold Princess, but as a woman standing at the edge of something uncertain.
Then, just as quickly, she looked away.
"You should focus on your training," she said, turning her back to him.
Leon smirked. Interesting.
The Duke's Summons
Before their session could begin, a knight entered the hall, bowing.
"My Lady, your father has requested your presence immediately."
Selene's entire posture stiffened.
Leon noticed the way her fingers clenched for just a second before she composed herself.
"I'll be there shortly," she said, her voice smooth and cold once again.
Leon watched her closely.
For all her strength, all her skill, and all her pride…
Selene Valenford was afraid of her father.
And that was something he could use.
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Next Chapter: "An Invitation from the Duke"
Selene is summoned by her father, and Leon plans to find out why—but before he can, he receives an unexpected invitation from the Duke himself.