Palace

(Virenzia POV)

I couldn't sleep all night.

I still can't believe my first kiss was snatched away by that evil duke. I mean the first kiss after reincarnation. Previously I had only done it once with the Crown Prince.

I don't think I've ever seen Duke Winterson's face behind his mask either, he's pretty decent too. Wait, why am I even fascinated by his face?

I've been avoiding it, but it still ends up with an unexpected encounter. Again that black haired man will become my husband and take my life on the edge.

Am I really unable to change destiny?

Yesterday after the incident I went straight home and locked myself in my room. Even the sweetness of Duke Winterson's lips is still felt today. That perverted duke really... Argh!

I was so annoyed, but somehow seemed to enjoy it at the time. I shook my head repeatedly.

"No! Maybe it's because I've never done it, but remembering it makes me a bit nauseous," I screamed in my head.

How should I face Duke Winterson now?

Instead of canceling the engagement, I made out with him instead. My intention to Barrack actually approached the man. I racked my brain, making the next plan.

May I just tell the truth? Duke Winterson was a pervert and his name was automatically smeared, and I didn't get engaged to him either.

However, that would be tantamount to exposing one's own disgrace, to have kissed him. I then patted the pillow non-stop. Unfortunately, I suddenly remembered the muscles covering the man's arms, broad chest and jawbone that really made him look so masculine.

Why do I even remember something like that?

Stop it, Zia!

There's no way that guy likes me. I really have no idea. What's clear for a while I'm not going to the barracks. Yes, I have to avoid it.

"Miss, there is an invitation from the palace." Milli suddenly interrupted my thoughts. I don't know since when Milli was next to me, but I immediately straightened up, sat on the bed and took the letter he was thrusting.

"Knight's coronation party?" I started reading the contents of the envelope.

"Three more weeks?"

***

Just in time for the celebration in the palace, all the soldiers were invited for the coronation of the selected soldiers to become Knights. A knight is a rank higher than a first tier warrior. Usually the knights served in the palace and entered the main army of the kingdom led by Duke Winterson.

I've been in front of the mirror for over an hour, waiting for Milli and the other maids to finish dressing me. After examining the dark purple dress with a low neck and short sleeves that clung to my body, this forehead revealed a frown.

Should I wear this?

I think the color is too dark. It looks elegant, but I don't think I've ever worn it.

"The dress is perfect for you, Milady. Your skin looks so much brighter." Milli who was straightening my long black hair knelt and I just smiled.

"Father chose it?" I asked curiously.

"Of course. It's over, your carriage is waiting," Milli replied with a big smile.

The final touch was finished by applying a muted red lip tint to my lips. I left and hoped that this night would pass quickly.

Then I had arrived at the palace. All the nobles must be here, I muttered. Including Duke Winterson. I haven't seen the Duke in almost a month. At first glance I still remember the last time with him. Hopefully he had forgotten what happened in the forest that time. Actually I wish I didn't see him tonight, but I don't think that's possible. Gosh, my heart beats faster than usual when I remember that person, but I couldn't help but get off my carriage.

Just entering the palace hall, all eyes seemed to be on me. I was last here when I was 17—a debut party—and that was three years ago. Is my make-up too much? No, maybe it's because they rarely see me.

My eyes wandered, looking for a familiar figure in this golden walled room with many pillars and giant doors. where is Mary or Diana? They are my close friends from among the nobility. We had been drinking tea together for years, of course before I came back to life.

Suddenly my eyes fell on a man who was wearing a shirt of almost the same color as me. Even more surprising, the man was wearing a silver mask to cover his eyes and nose. Yes, who else but Duke Winterson. So this dress was deliberately designed for me and her? Gosh, I can't dodge anymore.

For a few seconds I stopped walking, stood like a statue and when I realized he was walking towards me, I immediately turned around.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince arrived!"

Suddenly a palace guard's voice said loudly to the Crown Prince. The people standing in front of me seemed to be starting to step aside, making way for the very famous figure. Then a golden-haired man who was almost the same height as Duke Winterson walked with steady and manly steps.

I can't believe I've met him now. He is the only Crown Prince of Barbaria, Prince Alpha, my savior and first love. I remember well in my previous life, the first time we met at a funeral and he said he had fallen in love with me at first sight.

Then why have I met him here?

I forgot this was a palace, but still something was weird. My relationship with him actually shouldn't have happened because at that time I was already a Duchess. Because of that too, the cold war between Duke Winterson and the Crown Prince was intensifying.

How could this happen?

I shouldn't meet him now.

***