“Things are very different from when we were in Sarr. There will be more people watching me in Trycas, so we must always be careful.”

“I understand. I won’t speak carelessly outside. And I’ll be cautious even when we’re alone.”

Dea, her face flushed with embarrassment, bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, lift your head.”

“Are you forgiving me?”

“Of course.”

Hinael’s gentle touch on Dea’s head brightened her face instantly.

“I’ll get more hot water. It seems the water has cooled down.”

As Dea exited behind the screen, Hinael spoke softly, feeling guilty for not explaining everything.

“We talked briefly about His Majesty the King. He asked if His Highness’s early departure had upset me.”

“Ah, I see. So, does that mean tonight… Never mind.”

Dea seemed concerned about the potential gossip that Hinael had been abandoned by her husband since they hadn’t consummated their marriage. Hinael smiled awkwardly.

“I think we’ll consummate the marriage after we reach the imperial palace. He said I should rest tonight after the long journey.”

“Again?”

Though Dea showed her disappointment, she quickly composed herself.

It seemed like a long, exhausting day was finally coming to an end.

At least until she was left alone.

* * *

The night was completely silent. It was so quiet that it felt like even non-existent noises were filling her ears.

‘Maybe I should have slept with Dea.’

But hadn’t she just advised Dea to be cautious about everything? Hinael chuckled softly, shaking her head.

Still, she wasn’t entirely scared.

Even though she couldn’t see Lutz, knowing he was nearby brought her comfort. He was a strong person.

It was unfortunate that such a strong man was bedridden.

‘Please recover quickly.’

She meant it sincerely. Now that they were tied as husband and wife, she intended to give her heart to Lutz, even if he treated her coldly.

Hinael whispered a wish for his recovery, as if speaking to him through the wall, and gradually drifted off to sleep.

* * *

“Wake up.”

In her sleep, she heard a rough and eerie voice.

“Can’t you hear me? Wake up now.”

Is this a dream…

Her body felt too heavy to even turn over. The man’s harsh voice continued to ring in her ears.

It was such an unpleasant dream that Hinael tried to force herself awake, barely managing to open her eyes.

As soon as her heavy eyelids lifted, she felt a cold sensation on her neck.

“If you make a sound, I’ll cut your artery immediately.”

“…!”

Someone had infiltrated the Princess Consort’s quarters, bypassing tight security. It was so unrealistic that she couldn’t tell if it was a dream or reality.

It was only when the sharp blade slightly nicked her delicate skin that she realized it wasn’t a dream.

Without even registering the pain, Hinael spoke.

“Who… who are you?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“What do you want?”

The man roughly pulled Hinael up and gagged her immediately.

“Mmph! Mmmph!”

“Struggling is useless. Oh, you asked what I want, right? I want you to to come with me.”

“Mmmph!”

Desperately trying to escape, she pushed with her feet and twisted her body wildly. But there was no way she could overpower an adult man.

The man let out a mocking snort and effortlessly slung Hinael over his shoulder.

Hinael’s eyes widened in shock. Everything appeared upside down as she was carried.

Despite carrying a woman, the man’s steps were light. He walked briskly towards the window and jumped out without hesitation.

Hinael tightly shut her eyes, terrified she might hit the ground. But aside from the jolt of landing, her body remained unharmed.

Like Lutz, this man seemed adept at physical tasks.

‘Who ordered this… Could it be one of Viant’s half-brother? Or Chetter?’

It seemed unlikely to be Chetter.

This was Trycas territory. If she were kidnapped and discovered, the blame would fall on him for provoking Prince Viant.

No matter how favored a vassal he was, repeated offenses would test Varsel’s patience.

‘It must be someone with influence within Trycas.’

Someone who would relish seeing Lutz return empty-handed.

A chilling wind blew. The only light in the courtyard was the moonlight.

Desperately looking around for help, she realized the man was skillfully avoiding any populated areas.

‘He knows Dwen Castle well.’

If this continues, I’ll be taken away without a trace.

Hinael racked her brain.

Fighting or struggling was useless. The only option was to drop something that could serve as a clue.

She became fixated on the idea of dropping something before leaving Dwen. Despite pondering for a long time, no good idea came to mind.

She wasn’t wearing shoes or a coat.

There was nothing she could remove from her body.

Engulfed in helplessness, she sighed repeatedly. Meanwhile, the man’s steps were so fast that they were already climbing a hill and heading into the forest.

As they were about to cross Dwen’s border, Hinael grew desperate and began resisting again.

“Mmph! Mmmph!”

“I told you it’s useless. You’re just wasting your strength.”

Hinael flailed and hit the man’s thighs and back relentlessly.

“Do I need to tie your hands and feet?”

The man, who had threatened her harshly, mercilessly pushed through the forest. Moving through uncharted paths, sharp leaves and branches constantly scratched her skin.

Hinael continued to struggle, even as her face was scratched.

At that moment, she noticed the ribbon on her negligee had come loose and was hanging down.

‘At least I can leave this behind.’

Hinael discreetly tore off the ribbon and threw it into the bushes.

‘Your Highness, please find me.’

When would they realize she was missing from the mansion?

Everyone would be asleep, so it would probably be early morning.

* * *

“Evan.”

Evan, who had been by Lutz’s side all night, stood up abruptly from his chair, where he had been reading a report from the envoy.

“Your Highness! You’re finally awake!”

“How long have I been asleep?”

His voice came out rough and hoarse. Evan poured a glass of water and handed it to him respectfully.

“This is the second day.”

“Has the envoy arrived?”

“Yes. They arrived as scheduled yesterday.”

“How about Hinael?”

“She was brought safely, so don’t worry.”

“Worry? Why would I?”

Lutz rubbed his stubbly face and sarcastically remarked,

“She’s the symbol of the treaty, so we must treat her well.”

He gulped down the water, quenching his two-day thirst in one go, and glanced at the faint light of dawn breaking through the window.

“Viscount Ted must have had a hard time welcoming the envoy. Tell him to join me for breakfast.”

“Understood…”

Before he could finish, there was a loud pounding on the door.

Bang, bang, bang-. Bang, bang-.

“Your Highness! There’s an emergency!”

Lutz glared at the door, ready to silence the person causing the commotion.

Hoping to calm the newly awakened Lutz, Evan quickly ran to the door.

As soon as he opened it, his face hardened.

“Aren’t you the maid serving the Princess Consort?”

“Sh, she’s, she’s gone.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying Her Highness is missing?”

“Yes. I went to her room as soon as I woke up, but no matter how much I called, there was no answer. When I went in, she was gone. Wh-what should we do? Hic… Something must have happened to my lady. Please help us.”

Dea, who was sobbing so much it was hard to tell if she was speaking or crying, pushed past Evan and ran inside. Kneeling before the scowling Lutz, she clasped her hands together.

“Your Highness, please find our lady. She doesn’t know the area. Please, please…”

Lutz remained unmoved.

Just moments ago, he said they must take good care of her as the symbol of the treaty, but now he was colder than ever.

Seeing his stern expression, Dea’s heart sank. She didn’t even wipe her tear-streaked face as she begged.

“You married our lady. Please don’t abandon your wife. If you find Her Highness, I’ll do laundry for the rest of my life, or you can sell me as a slave. Just please find her! Your Highness!”

“Lower your voice.”

Lutz, who had been glaring at the shouting Dea, gestured to Evan.

“Take her out.”

“Yes.”

Ignoring Dea’s presence, Lutz irritably pulled off his linen shirt, revealing his well-defined abs and solid chest.

Though it was embarrassing, Dea neither left nor looked away from her half-n*ked superior.

“No! This can’t happen!”

Desperate not to let the matter go, she clung to him. Without hesitation, she threw herself flat on the floor, trembling and wailing.

“She is someone I would give my life for! I know you were upset about the high priest before. But please, think only of Her Highness now! You wanted to marry her. Please remember that feeling! I’m begging you!”

“Sigh… I’ll forever be tied to that high priest.”

“Your Highness!”

“Quiet down. If people find out Hinael is missing, it will cause more trouble.”

“Then… will you find her?”

“Yes.”

“Th-thank you!”

“I told you to be quiet.”

Dea covered her mouth with both hands and nodded vigorously to show she would stay silent.

“Evan.”

“Yes.”

“Go get the Viscount.”

“Your Highness, I’ll go.”

Dea raised her hand.

Lutz was about to reprimand her for interrupting an important conversation, but she stood up quickly, eyes shining.

“While I bring the Viscount, you two should discuss how to find Her Highness.”

Remembering Hinael’s advice to be more cautious in Trycas, Dea bowed her head.

“I’m sorry. I was in such a hurry…”

Worried that her rash actions might harm Hinael, she pressed her lips together tightly.

Seeing her resolve to remain silent, Lutz spoke with a weary expression.

“Fine. Go fetch the Viscount.”

“Yes! I’ll be quick!”

“And don’t draw attention.”

“Oh, right. Understood.”

Dea responded quietly and tiptoed out of the room.

Once the noisy Dea was gone, Evan began listing the deployed personnel one by one.

“There are thirty knights guarding the envoy, and twenty soldiers directly under the Second Prince.”

“I’ll go alone.”