ᴇɪɢʜᴛʜ.

She saw the Prince standing in front of her when she opened the doors. The servants are not around as they are picking up fresh vegetables and fruits from the farms. Her twin brother didn't go home last night but he informed her that he will be out for a drink with the Knights and now, she is alone. She is feeling embarrassed, realizing that she is still wearing her chemise. She just woke up. It can't be helped. 

It is the weekend. She should be preparing to attend a mass but since no one will be left in the manor, she has no choice but to stay. The Prince smiled at her and reached for her hand to leave a kiss on it. He noticed the faint bruises on her wrist, so he also left small kisses on it. She saw that he traveled alone. Perhaps, it is because everyone is at the Church. She completely opened the doors and let him in. 

"Would you like some wine, my Prince? I will get one from the cellar." She asked but he held her wrist instead. 

"No. I'm just here to give your rubies back. It fell from your hair that night." He showed the music box to her and handed it. 

She smiled softly when she opened it and started playing. She also has the same music box. She got hers from her father when she was still a little child. She remembered that there are only two pairs of these music boxes. The first pair has this melody while the other pair has a different one. She took her rubies from inside and gave back the music box. 

"No. I'm also giving the music box to you." He said but she shook her head. She handed it and he had no choice but to accept it. 

"I also got the same music box. My father gave it to me when I was still a little child and he said he got it from another country when they were out for chivalry. Thank you for finding my rubies, my Prince. I inherited my jewelry from my mother." She said before placing it on the coffee table. 

"Let me get you some wine, my Prince. I will feel bad if you leave without even having a drop of wine. That's what I can offer for now. And please, have a seat. My servants are currently at the farm to get vegetables and fruits." She continued as she proceeded to the wine cellar to get a wine bottle. 

He placed the music box on the coffee table and followed her instead. He wants to see what wines she got. Chills went down to her spine when she arrived there. Her chemise is thin, so she rubbed her palms against her arms to keep her body warm. While picking which wine they should drink, he started wandering there, smiling and nodding his head as he saw a quite rare collection. He took one of the bottles and his smile grew wider. It is his favorite wine. 

"My Prince, do you want that one? I don't know which one you want to drink." She approached him and he showed her the wine he chose. 

"I guess there is something much better than this wine." He mumbled and she blinked a few times when he put it back on the rack. 

He gently pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist. He knows she rejected him but how can you stop a heart that only beats for a certain person? She stared at him and tiptoed to leave a light kiss on his lips. He set his confusion aside and cupped her cheek to kiss her more. 

「 👑 」

The Duchess was informed that the Knight of the Hayashi family has finally returned from chivalry. Happiness grew in her heart and it eased her anxiousness because she knows how dangerous it can be for him. A few Knights were slain during chivalries and this includes the Hasegawa twins' parents. The twins' mother was the first woman that the monarchy officiated as a Knight and if ever, the Countess of the Jung family will be the second one. She can't help but to get worried about Gia but at the same time, she knows that her cousin, Archduke Reiki will not let her go to chivalries. 

"Do you have something to do?" She turned around when he heard a soft low voice from behind. It is the younger Archduke of the Aoyama family, Lord Riku. 

"What brings you here, dear cousin?" She asked, placing down the gowns she picked for her one-week travel to another country. 

"Help me. Help me convince my brother to cancel his wedding with the Countess." She furrowed her brows as she couldn't believe what her cousin just said. 

"Have you lost your sanity, Riku? The wedding preparations have started already. You can't stop it anymore. Get hold of yourself. If you think love will suffice you and your future, it is not." She whispered angrily since the servants are currently cleaning the hallways. 

"Then, it also applies to you and your love for Kazuki. Your love for him will never suffice you and your future." Her hand moved on its own and slapped him. 

"What if he dies during chivalry? What will you do? You will keep yourself here in your bedchamber and will never get out anymore?" He continued and she was just staring at him while tears were falling. 

"I never wished for him to die. I will never want that." She said between her sobs. He immediately regretted what he said. 

"I'm sorry. I'm deeply sorry." He mumbled as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her. She kept on crying silently while repeating the words, 'I don't want him to die.'