Chapter 20
The palace was still as grand as ever—golden chandeliers casting warm light across polished marble floors, servants moving gracefully with trays of steaming food, and the distant hum of noble laughter echoing through the halls.
But for her…
Everything felt different.
The beauty of the palace no longer comforted her. It pressed in on her.
Every step she took carried weight.
Every whisper followed her.
"Look, it's her…"
"The one they were talking about…"
"The prince's disgrace…"
She lowered her gaze, fingers tightening around the fabric of her simple dress. Even the air felt heavier, like it clung to her skin.
—
At the training grounds, things were no better.
The once lively atmosphere—filled with laughter, playful sparring, and shared meals—had shifted into something colder.
A group of trainees stood nearby, pretending to stretch.
"She's here again…"
"Does she have no shame?"
"After everything?"
Another voice, quieter but sharper, added, "Maybe that's how she got strong so fast."
Soft laughter followed.
It stung.
But she said nothing.
Instead, she stepped onto the training floor, gripping her wooden sword.
"I'll train," she whispered to herself. "That's all I can do…"
—
"Stop."
Sky's voice cut in.
He walked toward her, expression tight, eyes scanning her face. "You're pushing too hard again."
"I'm fine," she replied.
"You're not," he said firmly. "You haven't eaten. You barely slept. And now you're trying to train like nothing happened?"
She looked away. "If I stop… I'll think too much."
Sky's expression softened slightly. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Then don't think. Just sit. Eat something."
"I said I'm not hungry."
"Then I'll sit here until you are."
She blinked at him. "You're stubborn."
"So are you."
For a moment… just a small moment… the tension eased.
—
Later, during the midday meal, she sat quietly at the edge of the courtyard.
The long table was filled with roasted meat glazed in honey, bowls of fragrant rice, fresh fruits glistening under the sunlight, and warm bread still steaming.
Yet none of it tempted her.
Sky dropped down beside her, placing a plate in front of her anyway. "Eat."
"I can't."
"You can."
"I'll throw up."
"Then eat slowly."
Before she could argue further, a shadow fell across the table.
Brian.
He placed a cup gently beside her.
"Drink this," he said calmly.
She looked up. "What is it?"
"Something to help with your strength."
She hesitated… then took it.
"Thank you."
Their eyes met briefly.
His voice lowered, just enough for only her to hear.
"Be careful who you trust."
Her brows knit slightly. "What do you mean?"
But he had already stepped back.
Watching.
Always watching.
—
That evening, her room was quiet.
Too quiet.
Selene sat behind her, gently brushing her long hair.
"You've been silent all day," Selene murmured softly. "Talk to me… please."
She stared at her reflection in the mirror.
"…Do you think they'll ever believe me?" she asked quietly.
Selene paused.
Just for a second.
Then her hands resumed, smooth and gentle.
"Of course they will," she said with a reassuring smile. "People always get tired of rumors eventually."
"…Do they?" she whispered.
Selene leaned closer, resting her chin lightly on her shoulder. "I'm here, aren't I? That's all that matters."
She smiled faintly.
"Yes… thank you."
But something in Selene's eyes…
Flickered.
Gone in an instant.
—
Outside, on the high balcony, he stood.
The seventh prince.
Silent.
Unmoving.
Watching everything.
His gaze lingered on her window, dark and unreadable.
Below, Sky paced restlessly.
In the shadows, Brian stood still, hands behind his back.
And inside the room—
Selene smiled sweetly as she continued brushing her hair.
Soft.
Caring.
Perfect.
Too perfect.
Because behind that gentle smile…
Something far more dangerous was quietly unfolding.