Chapter 3

After I recovered, I felt like a completely different person.

I stopped pestering my father to let me go to the training grounds, stopped asking about Alexander, and stopped embroidering those little presents I'd never get to give him.

Instead, I started focusing on what a princess was supposed to learn, including manners, poetry, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

But sometimes, in the quiet of the night, I'd open my window and stare in the direction of Hayes Manor, standing there for half an hour at a time.

Grace said I'd gotten so thin that my chin was sharp.

When spring arrived, word came from the northern frontier that the Hurrans had breached the border and captured three cities in quick succession.

The whole court was thrown into chaos, and my father summoned his ministers for an emergency meeting that night.

I stood outside the gates of the Imperial Hall, pleading with my father to let me go to the front lines.

"Nonsense." My father was truly angry this time. "You're a princess. The battlefield is not a place for children's play."

"I've studied the art of war, and I can ride and shoot as well as any man." I lifted my head and met his eyes. "Besides, I'm not asking to fight. I want to visit the troops and encourage them.

"The soldiers at the front are suffering in the cold, and I wish to represent the royal family by going in person to lift their spirits."

My father stared at me for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Are you doing this because of Alexander?"

I was stunned.

Alexander had marched out with the army three days ago. I knew that.

"No," I heard myself reply. "It's for Everland, and for the soldiers who defend our home."

But that was only half the truth.

Part of my reason for wanting to go to the front lines was Alexander. I wanted to see the battlefield he had always dreamed of, to figure out what could capture his heart more than a princess like me.

But another part of me was genuine, too.

That illness made me realize if I couldn't be the one Alexander loved, at least I could become someone worthy of him.

In the end, my father agreed and sent imperial guards to escort me north.

The day I left Brighton, my mother was in tears, holding my hand and giving me endless advice. Lucas saw me off outside the city and handed me a short sword at the pavilion.

"Charlotte," he said, "take care of yourself."

I nodded and swung myself onto my horse.

The spring breeze brushed against my face, lifting my cloak. I looked back. Brighton stood tall and magnificent in the morning light, the place I'd called home for sixteen years.

But ahead of me lay the unknown frontier, and the man who didn't want me.

Our caravan traveled for half a month, and the farther north we went, the more barren everything became.

The greenery faded, replaced by more and more yellow sand. The wind slapped my face, carrying rough grains of sand.

The day we reached Irongate Fortress, we arrived in time to witness a small skirmish.

I stood atop the fortress wall. It was my first time seeing a battlefield up close.

Sand swirled in the air, banners snapped in the wind, swords clashed, horses screamed, and soldiers shouted, all mixing in a chaos so intense it made my ears ache.

And then I saw Alexander. He was astride a black warhorse, silver armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. His spear moved flexibly, cutting through the chaos.

Wherever he charged, Hurran soldiers fell one after another. In that moment, he was so brilliant that I couldn't look away.

But he also felt so distant that it sent a chill straight to my heart.

So, that was the world he chose, a world of blood and sand, life and death. It was simple, brutal, and left no room for love or longing.

From behind me, a gentle voice called out, "Your Royal Highness, the wind is strong up here. You should come down."

I turned around and saw a young man dressed in blue scholar's robes. His features were refined, his demeanor cultured. He looked completely out of place amid the rugged chaos of the frontier.

I asked, "Who are you?"

He bowed respectfully. "I'm Edward Pierce, Lieutenant at Irongate Fortress. I've been ordered to welcome Your Royal Highness."

Edward was the guy who placed third in last year's Civil Service Exam, but he asked to come out here to the frontier.

Back in Brighton, everyone thought he was nuts for giving up such an easy life to face the cold and hardship.

"Lieutenant Pierce." I nodded.

He stepped aside to lead the way. "Your Royal Highness, your quarters have been prepared. Please, follow me."

As I walked down from the city wall, I couldn't help but glance back one more time.

Out on the battlefield, Alexander had already finished fighting. He was reining in his horse, heading back to camp. His silver armor was stained with blood, but he looked exhilarated, almost triumphant.

His lieutenant said something to him, and Alexander burst out laughing, a bright, bold smile that lit up his whole face. It was a side of him I'd never seen before.

Whenever he was with me, he was always reserved, distant, carrying a hint of helplessness and impatience.

So, it wasn't that he didn't know how to smile. He never smiled at me.

"Your Royal Highness, watch your step." Edward's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

Only then did I notice the steps were slippery. I nearly lost my balance. He hovered his hand near me, in case, then withdrew it with perfect timing and restraint.

"Thank you," I said.

He gave me a faint smile, so subtle it somehow made me feel at ease. "Your Royal Highness, it's normal to feel a bit out of place when you first arrive at the frontier.

"The wind and sand are harsh, and the climate is dry. Be sure to drink more water in the evenings."

It was a simple gesture of care, but it made my nose prickle with emotion.

On the way to the frontier, everyone treated me with more respect than warmth. I was a princess, their ruler; they were subjects, servants.

Only Edward spoke to me with such natural sincerity, as if he were advising an ordinary person.

"Lieutenant Pierce, how long have you been stationed at the frontier?" I asked.

"A little over a year."

"Have you gotten used to it?"

He paused to think, then answered, "At first, not really. But now, I actually like it. It's tough out here, but the world feels wide open, and people are straightforward."

Was it really that simple?

I watched the smoke drift away in the distance, keeping quiet.

Edward arranged for me to stay in the best courtyard within the fortress. Though the place was modest, it was spotless and tidy.

He paid attention to every detail. And the incense he prepared was the exact scent I used back in the palace.

"The frontier doesn't offer much comfort, Your Royal Highness. I'm sorry you have to put up with these conditions," he said.

"It's more than enough," I replied sincerely.

Once I was settled in, I started carrying out my duties, visiting the soldiers, checking on the wounded, and inspecting the food and provisions.

Edward was always with me. He didn't talk much, but whenever I asked him something, he always answered me directly and precisely.