Chapter 4

When Alexander saw Bradley, who resembled him so closely, a brief moment of recognition flickered in his eyes, followed quickly by a complex wave of emotions he couldn't quite place.

"Brad..." Alexander hesitated, carefully choosing his words as he glanced at Bradley.

"Hey, Alex," Bradley said, nodding at him. "Daniela, your future sister-in-law, couldn't stop talking about you on the way here. It's nice to meet you in person."

"Future sister-in-law?" Alexander's voice faltered, his eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at me.

"You didn't know?" Bradley blinked, clearly surprised. "Well, I can see why. You've been stuck in a temporary palace, so, understandably, you might not have heard. My mother arranged the engagement when Daniela was still in her mother's womb. So, yeah, she's your future sister-in-law."

"Oh, that's how it is," Alexander murmured, dragging out each word. He looked at me, his expression torn between laughter and tears. It was an almost unsettling sight.

I lowered my gaze, feeling uneasy.

"Relax, Alex," Bradley said with a smile, standing behind me. "Daniela's smart, lively, and brave. You two are about the same age, so I'm sure you'll get along well."

Well, Bradley was so generous. He treated Alexander like a younger brother, but it was obvious Alexander wanted to snatch me from his side.

"I'd never distance myself from you two, right, Daniela?" Alexander said, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at me.

I could only pretend to be embarrassed, lowering my head.

But Bradley, sensing I might be uncomfortable, gently pulled me closer. "She's still young. Don't scare her. I heard you and Daniela had an encounter back in the small town when you were kids. Don't tell me you've forgotten Alex?

"Daniela's a bit timid, and she's a girl. As a boy, how about you join me in looking out for her?"

I was timid, and Alexander was supposed to be my protector? Yeah, right.

Alexander's big, deep eyes scanned me, taking me in. Bradley might see me as some witty, clever girl, but Alex had seen me obliterate an assassin without batting an eye.

"Daniela's always been a bit of a scaredy-cat, growing up in that small town. Now that she's suddenly back in the capital, she'll probably need some time to adjust," Bradley said.

Alexander was turning the necklace pendant he had taken from me over in his hand, his expression unreadable. When Bradley called me timid, his head snapped up, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Why was he wearing that look? Was I not a weak, timid girl?

Alexander slid the necklace pendant back into his sleeve, looked up with a grin, and said, "Brad, I'm honestly jealous. You'll have Daniela by your side someday."

"No need to be jealous, Alex. I've heard you and Rayne always hang out together. Childhood sweethearts like you are destined to have a deep connection someday," Bradley said.

But Alexander's expression darkened the moment Bradley said that.

"Brad, Daniela," Alexander said awkwardly, forcing the words out. "Father has sent me to investigate the corruption in Kosolton, so I'll excuse myself for now."

Once Alexander left, Bradley followed suit and headed out as well.

I pleaded with Bradley not to hang out with Alexander so much, especially when I was around.

Bradley insisted Alexander was worth getting to know. He explained that Alexander had a rough upbringing.

Alexander's mother was only a maid and died right after he was born. With so many royal children, the king barely noticed the one left to grow up in the temporary palace.

Alexander had never really had anyone to play with, so Bradley found it rare that I actually didn't mind Alexander and wanted to be close to him. As his brother, Bradley was honestly glad. There was no reason he would push Alexander away.

"Daniela, don't you like spending time with Alex?" Bradley asked.

"Of course I do." I lied instinctively. "The more friends I have, the happier I am."

Maybe Bradley seemed too perfect in my eyes. I couldn't help but always show him my best self, even if it meant pretending.

When we first met, I had carefully planned my entrance to be lively and cute, all to make a good impression.

Before coming to this world, those romance novels I read had taught me that guys like Bradley, born with so many burdens, were always drawn to girls who were innocent and full of energy.

As I expected, I had him laughing the whole time, and he was putty in my hands.

I didn't dare try to explain things to Alexander, so I decided to talk to Rayne and see if she could give me advice.

Luckily, Rayne was in the backyard. I grabbed the book I had brought from the small town and went over to her.