Page 10

The garden stretched before us, a masterpiece of perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming roses. The late summer air was thick with their heady scent. We walked in silence, my frustration mounting with each step, while Anderic strolled beside me as if we were taking a pleasant afternoon stroll.

Then he started whistling.

Whistling. As if this whole situation wasn’t insufferable enough, the jaunty tune grated on my already frayed nerves.

“Would Your Highness care to share what was so urgent we needed to discuss?” I finally snapped, unable to bear another moment of his infuriating nonchalance.

He stopped walking and turned to face me, all traces of playfulness gone. “Would you like to explain again why you left the palace without informing me?”

“Inform you?” I laughed, the sound sharp and brittle. “What does it matter to His Highness where I go? After all, you’ve made it abundantly clear that I mean nothing to you. It’s not as if you ever came to find me or talk to me.”

“Ilyana—”

“No.” I held up a hand. “You don’t get to ‘Ilyana’ me now.

Where have you been all these days? Did you even once try to find me?

To talk to me?” The words poured out like water through a broken dam.

Somewhere in the back of my brain, I knew I should shut up, but my mouth didn’t seem to listen.

“I waited, you know. Like some foolish maiden in those ridiculous romance novels.”

Did I— did I really say that?

I paused, out of breath from my tirade. Something shifted in his eyes then – a predatory gleam that made my heart stutter.

He stepped forward, and I found myself retreating until my back hit the cool stone of the garden wall.

His lips curved into that devastating sly smile that had probably launched a thousand swooning fits among the court ladies.

“Were you waiting for me, princess?” His voice dropped to a velvet purr.

A wayward rose petal, pale pink and delicate, carried on the breeze and landed in my hair. Anderic’s eyes tracked its descent, and he leaned closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.

“I didn’t realize you were waiting for me,” he murmured, carefully plucking the petal from my hair. “If I’d known, princess, I would have come to you sooner.”

My breath caught in my throat as I stared at his lips, then up into those impossibly blue eyes. My own reflection stared back at me, looking dazed and flushed.

Damn it all to hell. Damn propriety. Damn the rules. Damn me for falling for this stupid, infuriating man. Even when I know he’ll never be mine.

I rose on my tiptoes, my heart thundering in my chest—

“Well, what a delightful surprise to find Prince Anderic here.”

I froze, ice replacing the fire in my veins. I knew that voice - knew it all too well from my past life. Anderic turned, his expression instantly neutral, that perfect court smile sliding into place.

“Lord Callum,” he said smoothly, inclining his head, “how nice to see you again.”

Lord? Lord Callum? If I suddenly didn’t get amnesia, I was sure that’s Prince Callum.

Prince Callum Arlenth, youngest grandson of King Maldover of Elenthar.

The fight for the throne of Elenthar had probably started by now.

He was here to steal the secret technique of making Aetherian steel, a sought-after, highly precious steel only a select few in Aetheria knew how to make.

He needed it to use as leverage to win the throne.

That was the reason for his visit, at least it was in my past life.

I didn’t know if it had changed this time or not.

However, the technique for making Aetherian steel was a highly guarded national secret and not easy to get. The method I knew— stealing basically— and ended up committing treason in the past.

Callum’s gaze flickered between Anderic and me, one perfectly groomed eyebrow raised in question. Ah yes, the classic ‘who is this peasant and why is she with the prince’ look. I’ve seen it before.

“Lord Callum, Allow me to introduce Lady Ilyana D’Arcane,” Anderic said smoothly. The way he said my name, like rich honey dripping from a spoon, did things to my insides I refused to examine at the moment.

Callum’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Your Highness, might I have a word?” His meaningful glance in my direction couldn’t have been clearer if he’d shouted ‘get lost’ at me.

“Whatever you need to discuss, you can say it here,” Anderic replied, his tone brooking no argument. “I trust Lady Ilyana completely.”

My heart did a strange little flip in my chest. Trust? From Anderic? The same man who probably had spies watching his spies? I stared at him, trying to reconcile this declaration with everything I knew about him.

“Very well,” Callum conceded, though his lips tightened slightly. “I wanted to discuss the trade routes between our kingdoms. I’ve already spoken with respective ministries, but some things need your approval.”

“Indeed.” Anderic’s voice remained pleasant, but I caught the slight edge beneath it.

I was confused. Did Anderic really not know Lord Callum’s real identity? A naturally meticulous and suspicious person like him should have already known his identity. Or was he pretending?

They continued their delicate dance of words, each statement weighted with hidden meanings. But nothing too useful for me to notice. I’d played this game before - in my past life, I’d excelled at it. Now, watching them, I felt relief that I no longer had to participate.

“About the Aetherian steel shipments,” Callum said finally, “there are some logistical matters that require attention.”

“Come to my study tomorrow at noon,” Anderic replied. “We can discuss the details then.”

“Excellent.” Callum’s face brightened suddenly. “Oh, and one more thing - I encountered the most enchanting lady in the palace earlier. Chestnut hair, the most delicate features…”

Oh no. No, no, no. I fought the urge to slam my palm against my forehead. Of course - how could I forget that Prince Callum was Rosalind’s third admirer? That’s why I decided to side with him. He wanted Rosalind, and I wanted Noah.

Before Anderic could speak, I jumped in. “That would be Lady Rosalind. She’s currently residing in the palace.”

Callum’s eyes lit up like a child receiving a midwinter gift. “Lady Rosalind,” he repeated, savoring the name. “How fortunate. Thank you, Lady Ilyana.”

He bowed and took his leave, but not before I caught the calculating gleam in his eyes.

As he walked away, I caught Anderic watching me with an unreadable expression. “How interesting that you knew exactly who he meant.”

Well, damn.

“Well,” I said, looking at the direction he went, “isn’t it obvious? Who else has beautiful chestnut hair and delicate features beautiful enough to make everyone fall in love with her?”

“Indeed.” Anderic’s voice dropped low beside my ear. “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?”

I jumped at his closeness and put some distance between us.

I ignored his suggestive tone. “Even if I wanted to live in the palace, which I don’t, it would be impossible now that I’ve divorced Noah.”

“That’s easily remedied.” Anderic waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll speak with Mother about officially inviting you to stay.”

“Your Highness, that’s really not—”

“I insist.” His tone brooked no argument.

I sighed internally. There was no winning this one. I’d just have to speak with the Queen myself later and decline politely if she agreed.

“Well, now that’s settled.” Anderic’s voice dropped low as he stepped closer. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”

My eyes widened as memories of what I’d almost done flooded back. Heat crept up my neck as I planted both hands on his chest and pushed. It was like trying to move a marble statue.

“Speaking of interruptions,” I said quickly, “who exactly is this Lord Callum?”

Anderic sighed and finally stepped back, disappointment etched across his features. “If you want to play it that way, fine. We can discuss the kiss - and how you were waiting for me - another time.”

I sputtered, caught off guard by his casual mention of both incidents. But he continued before I could form a coherent response.

“Lord Callum is one of the Elentharian delegates. They’ll be leaving in a few days.”

Leaving? No, he’ll go into hiding until he gets what he wants - the secret of Aetherian steel. I bit my lip, debating whether to hint at my knowledge without arousing Anderic’s suspicion. But how much did Anderic already know?

“Doesn’t he seem rather… sophisticated for a mere delegate?” I cringed at my own awkward phrasing.

Anderic crossed his arms, fixing me with an unimpressed look. “If you’re trying to ask about his real identity, he’s Prince Callum of Elenthar. He’s traveling in disguise for security reasons.”

He knows then . Relief flooded through me - until Anderic’s eyes narrowed. “How did you know?”

“I didn’t know for certain,” I said quickly. “I just… keep up with news and gossip. Prince Callum is quite famous in Elenthar. And his behavior reminds me of a certain prince.” I held my breath, praying he wouldn’t press further.

Anderic’s brow furrowed. “I’m much better looking than Callum.”

I stared at him, dumbfounded. After everything I’d said, that’s what he focused on?

“I wasn’t talking about you, you insufferable peacock!”

He chuckled. “Thank you for the compliment.”

I ignored his comment and met his eyes. “Has there been any progress in Lord Magnus’s case?”

Yes, I’m fishing for information. He probably won’t tell me anyway.

“I could tell you,” Anderic’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, “but then I’d have to kill you.”

All the blood drained from my face. He wouldn’t actually—

His lips twitched, breaking into that infuriating smirk. “I’m joking. I could share the details if you promise to help with the investigation.”

“How could I possibly help? I don’t know any—”

“Shh.” He pressed a finger to my lips. I swallowed hard. “Don’t try that with me, princess. We both know you have an uncanny way of knowing things you shouldn’t.”

I stepped back, my heart thundering. “I don’t—”

He held up his hand. “I’m not accusing you of anything.”

Well, that wasn’t reassuring at all. I wet my lips, choosing my words carefully. “If I knew anything that could help, I suppose I could try…”

“I have been investigating this illegal gold flooding the market since last year. At first, it didn’t seem that much of a big deal.” His eyes locked onto mine. “But now, we believe it’s connected to Magnus’s case. Someone with significant power must be behind this.”

My breath caught. The conversation I’d overheard about illegal gold suddenly made horrible sense.

“Have you found the source?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

“We had a lead. Ships from the East, smuggling gold among their cargo.” His lips curved into a predatory smile. “Until they mysteriously burned. The silk ships, specifically.”

The way he emphasized ‘silk’ made my stomach drop. Our eyes met, and the air crackled with unspoken tension. Both of us remember that day— his accusations about my foreknowledge and the poisoning that followed.

We never really talked about it again. So, I didn’t know if he believed me or not.

I cleared my throat and looked away first. “I’ll… think about it. See if I can find anything useful.”

Like hell, I will. I knew exactly where to start looking, but telling Anderic would mean revealing Father’s involvement, even though ultimately he wasn’t fully guilty.

And I didn’t trust this golden-haired demon to show mercy, no matter how prettily he smiled.

Or how much feelings I had caught from his infuriating smiles.

“I should go,” I said, already backing away. “It’s getting late.”