Chapter 2

Jeffery's letters were written with emotional highs and lows, each word soaked in deep remorse.

But every single time, I'd tear them to shreds.

I'd turn to the messenger and snap, "Tell Jeffery he'd better come back and apologize to me in person."

Days kept passing by, but Jeffery still hadn't come back.

So, I decided to go and find him myself.

I heard he'd been staying at his old estate this whole time.

And he left me all alone in this chilly Eastern Palace.

On the way, my maid Neera grumbled for me, "His Highness is being way too much.

"He was the one who messed with you first.

"Now he's avoiding you and refusing to show his face. Isn't he picking on you?"

I said coldly, "Neera, relax.

"I, your lady, am not some doormat who lets people push me around."

I rode through the long street, the sound of hooves echoing beneath me.

When I passed the Broken Bridge, it was springtime, and cherry blossoms were blooming in full glory on both sides.

As I rode, I couldn't help but get lost in thought.

My mind wandered back to the first time I met Jeffery.

That day, right here at the Broken Bridge, I slipped and fell into the river. And it was Jeffery who pulled me out.

My father commanded the northwest frontier, so I grew up in the wilds of the northwest.

I spent my childhood training and sparring in the army camp with my father, handling all kinds of weapons like second nature.

But water? That was the one thing that always terrified me.

At the Spring Party, I was drawn by the sunshine and snuck out of the General's Mansion.

When I reached the Broken Bridge, the place was jam-packed. People were everywhere, shoulder to shoulder, and I ended up getting shoved right off.

I was thrashing in the water, thinking I was done for, about to drown right then and there.

Then, out of nowhere, Jeffery showed up in a black embroidered robe, looking like a god among men.

The sunlight caught the bridge of his nose, and crystal-clear droplets traced down his neck, gliding right over his Adam's apple.

He was a feast for the eyes.

I couldn't help but swallow hard.

I could hear my own heart pounding in my chest.

After that, Jeffery showed up at the General's Mansion every single day to see me.

I was honestly surprised. He liked the same books I did, and even his favorite foods matched mine.

It was almost uncanny how much we had in common, like we were ninety percent alike.

And his essays and military strategies were nothing short of brilliant. Jeffery was a true expert, overflowing with knowledge.

Three months later, he finally revealed the truth. He was the crown prince.

He also admitted he was already promised to someone else.

But he told me the emperor had arranged the match, and it was never his own choice.

He said he'd go back and beg the emperor to call off the engagement.

I looked at him, worry in my eyes. "Jeffery, you're defying the emperor. Aren't you scared?"

Jeffery answered me with a gentle gaze, "For you, even death doesn't scare me.

"Defying the emperor? That's nothing."

His words set my heart on fire.

I'd only ever marry him.

I grew up in an army camp, so people always said I was never like other girls.

But now, barely in my twenties, I'd listened to countless romance tales.

After hearing so many, I couldn't help but wish I'd meet my own Mr. Right someday.

But all the noble guys in Mornthyr called me a crazy girl, saying I cursed like my dad.

I was nothing like those prim and proper girls in Mornthyr.

No man ever had the guts to propose to me.

They seriously had no clue.

Now, someone told me, right in my ear, that he'd die for me.

Whether it was true or not, it sounded so damn good to my ears.

Turns out, it was all just an act.

Even my tumble into the river was planned.

Jeffery even practiced how to turn his head for the perfect profile when he came to my rescue. He must've rehearsed it a dozen times.

He insisted on finding his most handsome angle, claiming that was the only way he could make me fall for him.

And he'd researched all my preferences ahead of time, tailoring his every move to win me over.

Every single topic Jeffery discussed with me was something he'd practiced and studied in advance, over and over.

For this grand operation, his Eastern Palace was home to nearly thirty advisors.

Or rather, a bunch of self-proclaimed masterminds.

They spent their days gathered together, plotting nonstop about how to make me fall for him.

All that scheming and all those tricks were for Vaomi.

I had to admit one thing.

Jeffery totally had me beat.

If I didn't actually like him, I wouldn't be so pissed at his deception.

Snapping out of my memories, I suddenly found myself standing right in front of Jeffery's old estate.

I hopped off my horse.

With a swagger, I marched right up and knocked on the door.

The steward opened the door, saw me, and instantly recoiled in panic, his face drained of color as he yelled, "We're doomed.

"Her Highness is here!"

I already knew what had the butler so terrified. His fear was written all over his face.

Jeffery had his secret beauty tucked away in his estate.

He'd rescued Vaomi from the brothel and was now hiding her right here in this estate.

When I kicked the door open, Vaomi was spinning gracefully in a vibrant red gown, her movements light and elegant.

Jeffery was leaning off to the side, wine in hand, staring so hard at her that his eyes looked like they might pop right out.

I was absolutely fuming.

When Jeffery saw me, he panicked like a mouse caught by a cat. His wine cup dropped with a loud thud.