Why me

The carriage rolled to a stop, the oppressive heat and salty breeze of the coast doing little to alleviate the knot forming in my stomach. As I dismounted from my horse, I caught sight of her. Calira.

Standing tall and elegant in her flowing, sea-green robes, Calira exuded an air of authority that could make even the most confident knight quake in their boots.

Her silver hair was pinned back in a neat twist, her piercing blue eyes locked onto me with the intensity of a predator sizing up its prey.

I swallowed hard, forcing my expression into something neutral. But internally? I was screaming.

Calira had been one of my instructors during my time with the Knight Mages. Back then, she was renowned not only for her exceptional magical prowess but also for her unrelenting discipline. Her students either rose to greatness under her guidance or crumbled beneath the weight of her expectations.

For a while, I was in the former category—until the incident.

It was supposed to be a casual night out, a brief reprieve from the grueling training regimen. And then I met her: Lucindra. Gorgeous, fiery, and wearing a dress that should've been illegal. One thing led to another, and we ended up having a wild, unforgettable night.

I left before dawn, as I always did, intending never to look back. What I hadn't known at the time—because fate has a twisted sense of humor—was that Lucindra was Calira's daughter.

The realization came weeks later when Calira started making my life a living hell. Subtly at first, with extra assignments and grueling sparring sessions, but then escalating to public humiliation during lessons. She never openly mentioned why, but her pointed glares and veiled comments left no doubt in my mind.

Now, years later, here we were again. And to make matters worse, Lucindra was standing right beside her mother, looking just as stunning as I remembered. No, scratch that—she looked better.

Lucindra's long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves, and her form-fitting dress left little to the imagination. Her mischievous smile widened when her gaze landed on me, and her eyes sparkled with unmistakable amusement.

Great. Just great.

"Ren," Calira said, her voice cool and clipped. "I see you've been keeping yourself busy."

Oh, here we go.

I straightened, trying to suppress the wave of dread. "Lady Calira," I replied, inclining my head respectfully.

Her lips curved into a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Still getting into trouble, I assume?"

"Only the usual kind," I said, forcing a grin.

"Hmm." She arched a brow, clearly unimpressed.

Meanwhile, Lucindra stepped forward, her smile turning flirtatious. "It's been a while, Ren," she purred, her voice like velvet.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from groaning. "Lucindra," I said carefully. "You look… well."

"Better than well," she teased, her gaze sweeping over me. "But then, you've always had a way with compliments."

Calira's glare intensified, and I felt like a deer caught between two wolves—one ready to pounce, the other enjoying the spectacle.

Xyra chose that moment to step out of the carriage, her expression set in its usual haughty disdain. Her gaze flickered between Calira, Lucindra, and me, and I could practically see the questions forming in her head.

"This is Lady Calira," I said quickly, gesturing toward the older woman. "One of the most esteemed Knight Mages in the kingdom."

"And my mother," Lucindra added with a smirk, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Xyra's brows lifted slightly, her lips curving into a faint smirk of her own. "I see," she said, her tone dripping with amusement. "Ren, you didn't mention you had such… interesting connections."

"Didn't think it was relevant," I muttered.

Calira cleared her throat, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Welcome to my estate," she said, her tone brisk and professional. "I trust your journey wasn't too taxing?"

"It was fine," Xyra replied, her regal demeanor firmly in place. "Thank you for hosting us."

Calira's gaze shifted back to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I trust you'll behave yourself, Captain Ren. I'd hate for history to repeat itself."

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to snap back. "Of course, Lady Calira."

Lucindra chuckled softly, clearly entertained. "Come now, Mother, don't scare her off before we've even started."

Calira shot her daughter a warning look, but Lucindra simply shrugged, her smile never wavering.

The next few minutes were a blur of polite introductions and veiled barbs. Calira managed to subtly remind me of every mistake I'd ever made, while Lucindra seemed intent on rekindling whatever spark we'd had during that fateful night.

By the time we were escorted inside, I was already counting down the seconds until I could escape.

The estate's interior was as grand as I remembered, with high ceilings, marble floors, and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. The scent of salt and jasmine hung in the air, a strange but not unpleasant combination.

As we walked through the halls, I felt a sharp nudge in my side.

"What's with the tension?" Xyra whispered, her tone both curious and amused.

"Long story," I muttered, keeping my gaze straight ahead.

"Does it involve the daughter?"

I shot her a warning glare. "Drop it."

She smirked but thankfully didn't press further.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we were shown to our rooms.

Lucindra lingered in the hallway, leaning casually against the wall as she watched me with that infuriatingly alluring smile.

"Don't be a stranger, Ren," she said, her voice low and suggestive.

I gritted my teeth, giving her a curt nod before practically sprinting into my room.

The door clicked shut behind me, and I let out a heavy sigh, leaning against it for support.

"Why me?" I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair.

If the rest of this trip was going to be anything like today, I was doomed.