XAVIER There's sunlight streaming through the window. Is it morning already? I rubbed my eyes groggily, then froze.

Wait... where am I?

I glanced to my side and nearly choked. Why is Aveline beside me? My hand flew to my mouth in shock as I tried to piece together the situation. She was sound asleep, her face serene and beautiful, illuminated by the soft morning light.

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and immediately gasped loudly when she noticed me.

"Xavier!" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. She covered her face with her hands, turning crimson. "What are you doing here?!"

Recalling the events of last night, my heart sank. Oh no. I climbed into her bed.

I stammered, trying to explain. "I—I was sleepy and thought I'd take a short nap. I didn't mean to—" My words tumbled out as I tried to salvage the situation.

"You should have told me first!" she said, flustered.

I smirked, teasing her. "Oh? So if I had asked, would you have let me?" My tone was playful, and her blush deepened as she avoided my gaze, hurriedly getting out of bed.

Before we could say more, a knock came at the door. "Lady Aveline, are you awake? I've brought breakfast," a servant called from the other side.

Panic flared in Aveline's eyes as she scrambled to find a place for me to hide. "Wardrobe!" she whispered urgently.

Wardrobe? My chest tightened at the thought. Memories from my childhood rushed back—being hidden in a wardrobe during an assassin's attack on my mother. I can't... But Aveline was too quick, shoving me inside before I could protest.

The wardrobe door closed, and I was plunged into darkness. My breathing quickened as the confined space brought back that terrible memory. By the time Aveline finally opened the door, I stumbled out, gasping for air.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

I nodded weakly, trying to steady my breath. "I'm... fine," I said, before explaining, "It's just... the last time I was in a wardrobe, my mother hid me during an attack. It... wasn't a good memory."

Her face fell, her eyes wide with shock. "I'm so sorry, Xavier. I didn't know."

"It's okay," I assured her, brushing off her concern. "Let's just have breakfast."

She smiled hesitantly, and we sat down together. "It's been a long time since we've shared a meal," I said softly, watching her as she picked at her plate. The warmth of her presence eased the lingering tension in my chest.

Afterward, I stood, knowing it was time to leave. "I have to head back to the castle now," I said reluctantly. But before stepping away, I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

She flinched, her face turning red again. "Is kissing people's foreheads normal to you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Only for some people," I replied with a grin. "Till we meet again, Aveline."

She waved as I stepped out, her flustered expression etched in my mind. The thought made me smile all the way back to the castle.

AVELINE Xavier has grown up, and as always, he is full of surprises. Shaking my thoughts, I decided to get ready—I've been looking forward to exploring the famous market in the capital. I asked a maid to prepare a comfortable dress for me, something suitable for a busy day out.

When I descended the stairs, I was surprised to see Sir Derrick waiting. Curious, I asked, "Sir Derrick, why are you here? Shouldn't you be with the Duke?"

He gave a small smile. "The Duke insisted he could manage on his own today."

Just then, Sir Edward approached. "Where are you heading, my lady?" he asked.

"To the market," I replied eagerly.

"The Sunspire Bazaar?" he inquired, and I nodded. He offered to escort me, and Sir Derrick quickly asked if he could join us. Of course, I didn't mind.

The ride to the market was breathtaking. The streets of the capital were alive with vibrant colors and bustling energy. I couldn't help but marvel at the sights outside the carriage window.

When we arrived, I was in awe. The market was filled with life—merchants shouting, children laughing, and a sea of people moving from stall to stall. Sir Derrick reminded me to stay close for safety, and I nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed by the crowd.

I indulged in shopping, picking up gifts for the people back home. A beautiful hairpin for Amy, my personal maid, and brooches for Sir Derrick, Sir Edward, and Father, the Duke. I even bought handkerchiefs for all the maids in the North.

Eventually, we came across a dessert shop, its inviting aroma pulling me in. "Let's try some desserts here!" I suggested. Sir Edward nodded. "A lady should rest after so much shopping."

Inside, the shop was charming, with soft lighting and the smell of sugar and spice. The waitress guided us to a cozy corner table. I gestured for Sir Derrick and Sir Edward to join me.

They exchanged glances, hesitant. "Why aren't you sitting?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. They reluctantly took their seats, looking slightly out of place.

The menu was full of tempting options, and we ordered quite a bit. Sir Derrick teased, "I never knew you were a shopaholic, my lady."

I laughed. "Well, maybe that's because I rarely get the chance to go out."

Their laughter joined mine, filling the little corner with warmth.

But then, Sir Edward's expression shifted. "My lady... isn't that His Highness, the Crown Prince?"

My eyes followed his gaze, and there he was—Xavier, even under a hood, unmistakable. But my attention quickly shifted to the woman walking with him.

I froze. "I don't want the Prince to know we're here," I said quickly, pulling up my hood. Sir Derrick and Sir Edward followed suit.

Sir Derrick squinted. "That lady looks familiar..."

"Who is she?" I asked.

He frowned in thought before realization struck. "Oh, I saw her at the imperial palace yesterday. She was with the Duke, but I'm not sure who she is."

Sir Edward filled in the gaps. "That's Lady Margaret of the Brown, the Marquess's second child. She had her debutante last year. She's around His Highness's age—18."

My chest tightened. "What's their relationship?" I asked, feigning indifference.

Sir Derrick shrugged. "Coming to a dessert shop together? Could be a date."

I felt my cheeks heat as Sir Edward turned to me, his eyes sharp. "My lady... do you have feelings for the Crown Prince?"

"What?" I stammered, flustered. "What are you talking about?"

Sir Derrick chuckled. "You've been awfully curious about them."

"It's okay," Sir Edward added, his tone teasing. "It's understandable if you have a crush on His Highness."

My thoughts raced. Just this morning, he kissed my forehead, and now he's with another girl? My chest ached. Why did it hurt so much?

"Keep this to yourselves," I ordered, my voice trembling. "We're heading back to the estate."

The ride home was quiet, but my mind was loud. Why does my heart feel broken? I shouldn't feel this way. I have to stay composed—I must.