Alexander quietly stood still while the tailor measured the length of his sleeves.
Clearly uncomfortable.
Every time the tailor moved closer—
Alexander's shoulders would stiffen slightly as though he wasn't used to being touched so casually.
Sabrina noticed immediately.
And somehow—
That small detail made her heart ache again.
How lonely was this man exactly...?
"Your Grace, please raise your arm slightly," the tailor said nervously.
Alexander obeyed silently.
Meanwhile—
Sabrina wandered toward the shelves filled with expensive fabrics.
Her fingers lightly brushed across dark-colored cloth.
Black.
Silver.
Deep crimson.
Colors that suited him.
Not because they made him look intimidating—
But because they made his crimson eyes stand out beautifully.
Without realizing it—
A small smile appeared on her lips.
Then suddenly—
"Princess."
Charles's voice interrupted her thoughts again.
Sabrina's expression softened back into calm politeness.
"Yes, Marquis?"
Charles stepped closer.
Too close.
Instinctively—
Alexander's gaze lifted immediately from across the room.
Sharp.
Observant.
Charles noticed.
And smiled faintly.
"May I speak with you privately?" he asked softly.
Sabrina almost frowned.
In the past—
She would've agreed immediately.
Now—
The thought alone exhausted her.
"No."
Charles visibly paused.
Perhaps he truly never expected rejection from her.
Not Sabrina.
Not the girl who once followed him everywhere.
The atmosphere became awkward briefly.
Jennifer quickly stepped forward with a graceful smile.
"Oh my, Princess..." she laughed softly. "You're being a little cold today."
Sabrina slowly looked toward her.
Beautiful face.
Elegant posture.
The perfect noble lady.
Yet Sabrina could still remember her laughing inside that prison cell.
Remembered her holding the royal seal stained with blood.
Her stomach twisted slightly.
Jennifer noticed the look immediately.
And for some reason—
A strange chill crawled down her spine.
"...Is something wrong, Princess?" Jennifer asked carefully.
Sabrina smiled softly.
Beautiful.
Gentle.
But her eyes remained cold.
"Nothing at all."
Jennifer's fingers slowly tightened.
Why did it feel like the Princess was looking through her completely?
Meanwhile—
The tailor suddenly approached Sabrina nervously.
"Y-Your Highness... would you like to choose embroidery designs for the Duke's clothing?"
Alexander immediately spoke.
"That won't be necessary."
Sabrina blinked.
"Why not?"
Alexander looked slightly uncomfortable again.
"...This is already more than enough."
There it was again.
That familiar distance.
As though he believed he didn't deserve more.
Sabrina slowly walked toward him.
Then gently picked up a dark crimson fabric and held it against his shoulder.
The workers nearby immediately froze.
Even Charles's expression stiffened faintly.
Because Sabrina looked...
Comfortable.
Natural.
Like a wife choosing clothes for her husband.
"This looks good on you," Sabrina said softly.
Alexander visibly froze.
His crimson eyes widened slightly while staring down at her.
Close again.
Too close.
Sabrina suddenly realized what she was doing.
Warmth rushed toward her cheeks immediately.
But before she could step back—
Charles suddenly laughed softly.
"Princess," he said lightly, "since when did you become interested in the Duke's appearance?"
The atmosphere instantly shifted.
Sabrina slowly lowered the fabric.
Charles smiled gently.
But his eyes remained sharp.
Searching.
Testing.
Trying to provoke her.
Just like before.
Except this time—
Sabrina noticed it clearly.
And for some reason—
That irritated her.
"We're engaged," she answered calmly. "Shouldn't I care about my fiancé's appearance?"
Silence.
Complete silence.
Alexander froze beside her.
The tailor looked ready to faint.
Jennifer's expression cracked slightly.
And Charles—
For the first time—
Completely lost his smile.
Because Sabrina said it naturally.
Without hesitation.
My fiancé.
Not obligation.
Not duty.
But acceptance.
Meanwhile—
Alexander quietly stared at Sabrina.
His heartbeat felt strangely unsteady.
Because despite everything—
A small, dangerous part of him wanted to believe her words were real.