‘Oh my goodness.’

As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, a fragrant and unique spice aroma hit her nose. Brightly colored dyed fabrics were draped across the shops.

The kingdom’s palace, with its white domed roof, wasn’t large, but it was beautiful and elegant.

“The Duke and Duchess of Delcliff from the Ardgold Empire have arrived.”

On the road guarded by soldiers in neat rows, a splendid tapestry was laid out. Princess Serin, who had been standing atop the stairs, could be seen running down.

With her bright pink hair braided in one strand, she wore a light, flowing dress with a high neckline but exposed shoulders, making her look incredibly lovely.

Rohana, filled with joy, hurried her steps. Perhaps because she hadn’t moved for so long, her foot suddenly got caught in the long hem of her skirt. Her body pitched forward abruptly.

In that moment, a strong arm caught her securely by the waist and arm.

“Careful.”

“Princess Serin.”

Rohana greeted the princess with a calm smile, as if nothing had happened. At that moment, she made eye contact with the queen, who was standing behind the princess with wide eyes.

“You’ve traveled a long way. You must be tired.”

Queen Isla.

The queen, whom Rohana had only heard of, looked strikingly similar to Serin, shockingly glamorous, and astonishingly young.

“Duchess.”

Rohana smiled lightly and bowed in greeting.

“You’re surprised at how young I am, aren’t you?”

“Mother, please stop.”

“It’s been a long time.”

Kaiden also bowed in greeting. The queen extended her arm, adorned with beautiful tattoos that covered her hand and forearm. The designs were unusual.

“Kaiden Delcliff, Duke of Delcliff. It’s been a while.”

For a moment, the queen turned her gaze to Heath, who stood beside him.

“It’s been a while.”

Heath simply closed his eyes briefly in acknowledgment. For someone who usually greeted Rohana and everyone else with an almost excessive kindness, his behavior was unusual.

The queen took in Heath’s expression for a moment, then smiled brightly again.

“Shall we go inside?”

Her white dress fluttered gracefully as it almost touched the ground.

The palace was a colorful blend of various marbles. The queen, leading the way, suddenly spun around and spoke.

“Actually, we’ve prepared an event starting this evening.”

“You don’t mean a festival, do you…?” Kaiden stepped closer, frowning, and Isla nodded.

“We’ve prepared everything inside. I’ll be waiting at the front, so come out quickly!”

“Mother, I—!”

“The child can stay behind.”

The queen quickly disappeared, almost fleeing from Serin’s angry protest.

Rohana, a bit bewildered, looked back to see Kaiden and Heath standing side by side with somewhat awkward expressions.

***

The four of them sat on the terrace of a high-end pub, overlooking the city square.

“Tonight is the full moon festival.”

So that’s why the city looked so festive.

Brightly colored dyed fabrics fluttered vibrantly under the blue sky, and various spice aromas tickled her nose.

Cheerful music, reminiscent of Latin tunes, echoed throughout the square, making her heart race.

“This is wonderful.”

Rohana, unconsciously smiling brightly, looked up at Kaiden. His face, which had been frowning in discomfort, softened into a faint smile.

Though she was not entirely comfortable with her appearance, with her white hair hidden under a cloth and her face covered with a pale turquoise veil, Rohana knew she stood out too much with her typical features of the Arin race.

There was no need for the duchess, the center of the current conflict, to draw attention.

“I was wondering who Serin took after to be so bold.”

“This isn’t boldness, it’s recklessness.”

“Don’t be too harsh.”

At Kaiden’s dark tone, Heath spoke softly. There was something complex in his eyes. Rohana glanced back and forth between Isla and him.

“If it weren’t for the two of you, how could I enjoy myself so comfortably?”

At Kaiden’s stony gaze, the queen playfully shrugged her shoulders.

“Isn’t that right?”

Rohana was certain that when Princess Serin grew up, she would be just like this.

“What does it matter? My guards are all hidden around the area. What could possibly happen?”

At the queen’s words, Rohana nodded.

“Shatonwell holds the full moon festival every year around this time to celebrate the upcoming spring and wish for a prosperous year.”

People began to gather in groups in the square.

“The evening dance has already started!”

Isla clapped her hands and said, “Heath.”

Heath, who was standing with his arms crossed, lowered his gaze at Isla’s call.

“Would you like to dance?”

Heath smiled his usual charming smile but shook his head.

“Still?”

“It’s not that.”

For a moment, their gazes intertwined complexly. Rohana looked at Kaiden, hoping for a clue, but he simply watched her with his usual calm yet intense eyes.

“Duchess, shall we dance?” Isla practically pulled Rohana to her feet.

“Hurry, let’s go. Ah, would the Duke like to dance?”

Isla grinned as she looked at Kaiden, who had a face like he’d rather die than dance. Dragged out without much choice, Rohana felt awkward.

“I have no idea how to dance.”

“It’s just dancing.”

It had been a long time since she danced anything other than the waltz. Still, Rohana’s heart naturally started beating to the familiar Latin rhythm.

Isla quickly joined the crowd of dancers. Her movements were graceful and sensual.

Laughter bubbled out of Rohana after a long time. As she gently swayed her body, the lightweight fabric of Shatonwell swirled freely.

“We almost became family.”

Rohana recalled the arranged marriage she had long forgotten. Following the movements of the people around her, she crossed arms with someone and responded.

“Did the queen know about that?”

“Gregory Hanover should’ve moved quicker.”

“That’s true.”

“As you probably know, from ‘our’ perspective, there wasn’t anything particularly bad about that marriage… But since the Duke of Delcliff was so insistent, I wondered if Kaiden genuinely liked you.”

For a moment, Rohana’s face stiffened in surprise. The queen raised her green eyes and craned her neck to look at Kaiden.

He was staring straight at them. From the queen’s keen observation, it seemed he was looking specifically at Rohana.

Could it be true?

She was truly astonished, this duke from the east.

At that moment, the dancers formed two lines, creating a circle, separating the two of them.

Rohana linked arms with a new partner. The lively and rhythmic music made her hair flutter as excitement and speed took over.

Looking up at the terrace, Rohana waved her hand. Kaiden remained still, while Heath, as always, waved back gently.

With the quickening rhythm, the booming music, and the chatter of people’s voices and stomping feet, Rohana smiled brightly for the first time in a while.

She finished her dance with the second partner and stood before the next one. As she smiled and linked arms with her new partner, her eyes widened in shock.

The same violet eyes as hers.

“Oh, don’t stop.”

The pounding sound of people’s feet filled the air, but Rohana’s feet froze as if rooted to the ground. The music continued to play merrily.

“How… how are you here…?”

At that moment, Kaiden appeared between them. His slightly rough hand wrapped around Rohana’s waist and shoulder.

“No need to be so surprised, Duchess of Delcliff.”

A familiar voice teased her casually.

“You’ve met your brother.”

The person in front of her removed his hood, revealing short black hair that gleamed under the twilight.

“It’s been a while, sister.”

Why was Brandt Hanover here? Even Heath, who had quietly moved to stand beside the queen, frowned.

“Why are you…?”

“Don’t be so hard on me. You left without even saying goodbye last time…”

The tall figures gathered around drew everyone’s attention. Rohana waved everyone away with her hand and led Brandt to a corner.

The lively music, the laughter shared with others, suddenly became irrelevant. It dragged her heart down to the floor as always.

“What’s going on?”

Brandt let out a small sigh as he looked down at his sister, who exhaled in disbelief.

“Sister.”

“How did you get here?”

“Rohana.”

At that moment, a surprisingly warm hand wrapped around Rohana from behind. It was Kaiden. His cold gaze bore down on his brother-in-law without showing any sign of surprise.

“Captain Brandt Hanover, where is your company?”

“I came alone.”

“Really?”

Brandt gave a small smile at Rohana’s suspicious tone.

Isla, wearing a slightly twisted smile, looked at Brandt. Still unaware of the queen’s identity, Brandt eyed her with curiosity.

“Oh… could it be?”

Finally realizing who she was, Brandt acknowledged her. He was not the same brother Rohana once knew. He had grown far more dangerous.

“It’s fine, Duchess. A guest’s guest is also my guest.”

Patting her shoulder, the queen turned and walked away with Heath.

Rohana let out a troubled sigh.

TL NOTE: Visit and bookmark the story at dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and updates of its latest release.