Aria's POV
The east garden at midnight is empty.
I wait in shadows. The mysterious text said midnight.
But nobody comes.
Five minutes. Ten. Fifteen.
A trap. Or a test.
Ms. Winters?
I spin. Kael stands in the doorway.
Your Highness. What are you doing here?
I could ask the same. It's past midnight. He steps closer. Or were you meeting someone?
My heart pounds. I wasn't
I saw someone climb into your window tonight. His eyes are knowing. Who was he?
Ice floods my veins. He saw Nikolai.
Nobody.
Liar. But his voice is gentle. You're hiding something.
I should go
Wait. Please. He holds up hands. I'm not here to interrogate. I came to apologize.
For what?
For Celestia. For cornering you. For being possessive. He runs a hand through his hair. I need to review contracts anyway. Late work. My study. I have wine. Will you help?
It's past midnight.
Best time to work. No distractions.
I should say no.
But I say, One hour. Then I'm leaving.
His study is warm. Fire crackling. Bookshelves everywhere.
Kael pours wine. Hands me a glass.
To late nights and difficult contracts.
We toast. The wine is excellent.
We work in silence. Reviewing numbers. Suggesting changes.
Our shoulders brush.
That electricity again.
Finally, Kael sets down his pen. Can I ask you something? Not about work.
That depends.
Tell me about yourself. Really.
There's nothing to tell.
Everyone has a story. He sips wine. Where did you grow up? Your family?
I take a long drink. Buying time.
Different places. We moved a lot. My father died when I was young. My mother... I pause. Recently.
Truth and lies woven together.
I'm sorry, Kael says softly.
It's fine.
You remind me of someone. In the way you talk about loss. Like you're carrying something heavy.
Everyone carries something.
But you carry it differently. Like you're used to being strong. He refills our glasses. You sound like Seraphina.
My hand freezes.
She used to say that. About strength and survival. Kael stares into the fire. She was tougher than anyone knew.
What was she like?
The question escapes before I can stop it.
Kael's expression softens. Kind. Too kind for palace life. She actually cared about people. Servants. Citizens. Everyone Celestia ignored.
That sounds weak.
It wasn't. It was brave. She stood up to Celestia constantly. Defended people. Even when it put her in danger.
My throat tightens.
And she was beautiful. Not just physically. The way she moved. Thought. Saw the world.
You loved her.
Yes. I did. I do. Even though she's gone.
Why didn't you tell her?
I was scared. Stupid and scared. I thought I had time. He laughs bitterly. Then she died. And I never got the chance.
Tears burn my eyes.
I'm sure she knew, I whisper.
How could she? I never said anything. Never even talked to her beyond formal greetings. I watched her from across rooms for years. Too scared to approach.
Maybe she was watching you too. Maybe she was too scared.
Why would she be scared? She was a princess.
Princesses can be scared too.
Kael studies me. You sound like you know.
I'm just guessing.
Are you? He moves closer. Or are you speaking from experience?
My heart pounds. I should go.
Why do you keep correcting me when I call you Aria?
Because we're not friends.
Could we be?
No.
Why not?
Because I'm not who you think I am.
Then who are you?
I can't answer. Can't breathe.
Kael stands. We're inches apart.
Something about you, he whispers. When I look at you, I feel...
What?
Like I'm looking at someone I've been missing my whole life.
A tear escapes.
Kael reaches up. Wipes it away. His touch so gentle it breaks something inside me.
Goodnight, Your Highness, I choke out.
It's morning now.
Then good morning.
I flee.
Down hallways. Upstairs. To my room.
I lock the door and slide down it.
Too close. Way too close.
I almost told him. Almost ripped off my contacts and showed him my real eyes.
But I can't. Not yet.
My phone buzzes.
Enjoyed the show. But you're running out of time, Aria. I know who you are. And soon, everyone else will too. M
Marcus.
He knows.