Chapter 1

During the war, Matthew Richards, the Grand Chancellor, took me hostage to trade for the daughter of a loyal official who had been captured.

Someone asked him, "Isn't Princess Cecilia the one who likes you the most? Why did you pick her?"

He answered with indifference, "I just wanted some peace and quiet."

For three years, I suffered unspeakable torment in Aurelion. Only then did Matthew finally decide I was worth retrieving.

When we met again, just like he wanted, there wasn't a shred of desire left in me to approach him.

But now, regret consumed him, and he begged me to love him once more.

After three years as a hostage in the enemy's land, I was finally brought back to Valencrest.

Stepping into the Empyrean Hall, the place I'd called home since I was a child, everything felt surreal and unfamiliar.

"Your Highness, would you like some coffee to warm up?"

I was lost in thought when a maid suddenly handed me a cup of hot coffee.

The cup was hotter than I expected, and my hand trembled, nearly dropping it to the floor.

"Sorry," I whispered, setting the cup down on the table. "I can't hold it steady right now, so I think I'll skip it for now."

Out of nowhere, the maid dropped to her knees and slapped herself hard across the face.

"Your Highness, this servant truly didn't mean it! I didn't check the coffee's temperature properly! I won't ever make this mistake again! Please, Your Highness, don't punish me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

I was completely stunned.

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the door.

"What's all this noise about?"

In that instant, I felt my blood freeze. I turned my head, and of course. It was him.

Matthew was the man I used to love with all my heart, the one who sent me off to Aurelion three years ago.

"Everyone, leave," Matthew said, his eyes lingering on the maid for a moment before giving a dismissive wave.

It was just the two of us now.

"I brought you back thinking you'd have learned how to behave after three years," he said, his back to me, voice cold and distant. "But it seems you're still just as defiant. Don't you realize…"

"I know," I interrupted.

Stunned, he turned to face me.

"I know," I repeated. "I'll behave. I won't make any more mistakes."

Silence hung in the air.

"Is that all?" he asked.

I hesitated for a moment.

'What else does he want? A promise?' Cecilia thought.

Things were nothing like they used to be. After my brother's death, the House of Ravenshield and the entire Valencrest were all under Matthew's control. 'What could I possibly do to defy him now?

Maybe he was just worried I would go after Jennifer.

After all, Matthew only sent me away in the first place to get her back.

"I promise I'll stay out of trouble and won't bother anyone here in the palace," I said.

He looked a little surprised, but seemed satisfied with my answer.

"Didn't expect you to pick up some manners after three years in Aurelion..." he remarked, stepping closer.

As soon as I felt him approach, I instinctively recoiled, taking a step back.

"Your Excellency, you have so much on your plate. There's no need to spend your precious time on me," I said.

"What did you just call me?" he asked, a frown creasing his brow.

Our eyes met, and I recognized that look instantly. It was his signature expression whenever he was annoyed.

Not like I could ever call him "Matthew" again, and he'd never allow it anyway.

Honestly, "Your Excellency" was the only respectful title that came to mind.

But that still didn't please him.

I kept my eyes down, voice shaky. "Your Excellency, whatever you wish me to call you... I'll do as you say." I almost let it slip and called myself 'servant' again.

That habit had been drilled into me during my years in Aurelion.

If I ever forgot to call myself 'servant' over there, Jonathan Howard, the Prince of Aurelion, would make sure I paid for it, usually with bruises all over.

Silence stretched on for what felt like forever.

"Tired?" he asked, his gaze lingering on me for a long moment.

"You've had a long journey. I should've thought of that," he said, stepping closer and reaching out to straighten the hairpin on my head. "Your hair's a mess from the trip. Go get some rest early."

Just as he reached the door, he suddenly turned back.

"Your hand," he said, his gaze dropping to my hand. "Did you get frostbite on the way? I'll have them bring you some good soothing cream."

My hand wasn't actually frostbitten.

It was just a lingering problem from the past three years. Whenever I touched something too hot, my hand would turn bright red.

I was Cecilia, the third princess of Valencrest. I was my father's youngest daughter, born when he was already getting on in years.

Growing up, I was spoiled rotten. My father and brother showered me with love and gave me everything I wanted. In the palace, I was the classic pampered princess, always getting my way.

But I ended up falling for Matthew, the talented and ambitious Grand Chancellor.

From the moment I first saw him, my whole world revolved around Matthew. He was all I could see, all I could think about.

For him, I tossed aside every bit of princess dignity. I stitched little gifts, penned cheesy poems, even rolled up my sleeves and cooked for him, just hoping that maybe, somehow, he'd notice how much I loved him.

Day after day, I chased after him, wishing my feelings would finally break through.