“Princess.”

Emerging from the shadows cast by the building, stepping into the moonlight, was not Ruben. As expected, the crown prince, Cedric, stood there in all his elegant splendor. His striking appearance, which could captivate anyone’s gaze, failed to capture Helia’s attention. Instead, she saw an image that didn’t belong here. A figure with black hair reminiscent of the night sky, running a hand through it, approached her with a slightly furrowed brow. His casual stride was deliberate, heading straight for her without even making eye contact.

Back then, Ruben had asked if she was hurt, and she had demanded to know why he had followed her. Their words had clashed, yet they had left together in the end, his hand extended toward her. At first, she couldn’t believe how he, who so despised her, would ultimately reach out to her. Eventually, she found it endearing.

And now, she was saddened by her inability to let go of him. Why is my heart so foolish? Why do I still tend to it so carefully, knowing it will be uprooted? Nurturing a flower that will never bloom, longing for one that should not blossom. Why, when the buds form, do I not simply cut away the roots?

“Am I intruding on your rest?” Cedric asked cautiously. His voice brought Helia back to the present, and she refocused on the man standing before her.

“You are indeed,” she replied curtly. Cedric gave her a faint, ambiguous smile. Was he hurt by her words? Even if he was, it wasn’t her concern.

Despite his expression, Cedric moved closer to stand beside her. Though Helia seemed displeased, she didn’t push him away.

“Did you enjoy yourself today?” he asked.

“I’m not sure.”

Helia reflected on the day—the dress and jewelry the crown prince had sent her, the curious gazes of the people, and the dance they had shared. Objectively, it wasn’t a bad day. Yet, it felt awkward, like wearing clothes that didn’t fit. Seeing her hesitant expression, Cedric asked worriedly, “Was it unpleasant?”

“No, it wasn’t,“ Helia quickly denied. Only then did Cedric’s smile return, bright and full of relief. Watching him, Helia thought to herself how much he smiled.

“I hope you enjoyed yourself. That way, you’ll accept my invitation tomorrow,“ he said.

“Tomorrow?“ she echoed.

“I’d like to show you the imperial palace,“ Cedric explained.

Helia raised an eyebrow. It was customary for a high-ranking official to show essential guests around the palace and explain its history and significance. Royals rarely did so themselves, let alone members of the imperial family.

“You, personally?“ she asked.

“Yes, personally,“ Cedric affirmed, his crimson eyes shining as he gazed at her intently, seeking her approval. Helia, somewhat taken aback, nodded. Cedric extended his hand, and when she placed hers on it, he brought it to his lips and kissed it gently.

Helia looked down at him. Under the moonlight, his platinum hair gleamed like pure silver. His sharp features and elegant jawline formed a striking silhouette. Yet, despite his beauty, she felt no emotion. His lips on her hand were soft and warm, but it stirred nothing within her.

***

The following day, Cedric arrived early to see Helia. She had just finished getting ready and was about to take a morning stroll in the garden. Cedric offered to show her a more remarkable sight, and Helia agreed to follow him.

Cedric took her to the Crown Prince’s Palace. A grand ivory-colored structure with three stories stood proudly, crowned by a rounded tower. Instead of a clock or a statue, the tower housed a small room, traditionally used by guards to monitor for intruders.

Cedric led Helia to this very room. She was startled that he would so casually show such a place to a foreign royal, but Cedric guided her without hesitation.

“It has the best view,“ he explained.

Though the words were puzzling at first, as soon as they arrived, the view outside the window instantly clarified his meaning.

The garden of the Crown Prince’s palace was breathtakingly beautiful. At its center stood a grand fountain, spraying water nearly two stories high. The fountain extended into a long, flowing channel connected to a distant lake. Flanking the channel were orderly rows of trees, meticulously pruned by the gardeners into identical, rounded shapes. 

The symmetry was so precise that from a direct angle, the trees aligned perfectly, making it impossible to discern that others stood behind the front row. Adjacent to the trees, geometrically trimmed lawns stretched out, resembling abstract symbols that initially seemed meaningless. However, from above, the design’s significance became clear—it depicted the emblem of the Pteria Empire: the flag planted by the founding Emperor Alexander and the symbol of the goddess Prenia.

“It’s beautiful,“ Helia murmured involuntarily.

Cedric, watching her profile instead of the scenery, smiled with satisfaction as if he had known she would appreciate it.

“The view from within the garden itself is even more stunning,“ he said, extending his hand toward her. Now accustomed to his gestures, Helia naturally placed her hand on his arm.

Their tour of the garden was a delightful experience. Though there weren’t many trees, the few present exuded the fresh fragrance of nature. Situated in the empire’s southern region, the area was bathed in warm sunlight that felt more like early autumn than midwinter, adding to the leisurely atmosphere. Helia glanced back at the palace. Its grandeur was imposing yet not ostentatious, elegant without being overly ornate. The interiors, too, struck a balance—understated yet richly traditional. The empire’s architectural style was undeniably practical.

The statue of the goddess Prenia at the fountain was particularly striking. Its intricate craftsmanship made it feel like the living goddess stood before them. The statue depicted the goddess pouring water from a jar, the stream flowing continuously into the fountain. Beneath her, a figure believed to be Emperor Alexander knelt humbly as though receiving a blessing. The sight inspired an almost instinctive reverence.

“This fountain was built by His Majesty Alexander, the first emperor,“ Cedric explained.

“It’s ancient,“ Helia replied, surprised. The era of Alexander spanned more than seven centuries ago, yet the statue bore no signs of wear. It was pristine, as though it had been crafted just yesterday.

“It’s preserved by magic,“ Cedric said.

“Magic?”

“Yes. Back then, sorcerers were relatively common,“ he added.

Helia nodded in understanding. The story of Emperor Alexander, chosen by the goddess and aided by five great sorcerers, was a well-known myth even in foreign lands.

According to legend, the goddess Prenia took a liking to Emperor Alexander, gifting him the ability to perceive the world’s truths and sending him five powerful sorcerers. Their abilities were said to rival those of the gods, enabling Alexander to conquer most of the continent without shedding a single soldier’s blood. The sorcerers expanded their territory in all directions, with one remaining at the center to bless the empire.

The notion of conquering the world with just five sorcerers seemed far-fetched, even for a myth. But the empire had long used this tale to bolster its image and spread its influence.

When magic no longer existed, the myth became even more extraordinary. Magic towers were now relics, and sorcerers were extinct. Yet remnants of their existence, like this fountain, could still be found in the empire—proof, they claimed, of the goddess’s blessing.

As they strolled across the lawn, Cedric shared stories about the empire, blending them with engaging anecdotes. Surprisingly, his words lacked any overt praise or glorification of the empire. Its prominence was so unshakable that such embellishments were unnecessary. Regardless, his approach allowed Helia to listen comfortably.

For a moment, she realized she wasn’t walking alongside the empire’s Crown Prince but simply Cedric Prekin, the man.

“Are your legs tired?“ he asked.

“I’m fine, but we have walked quite a bit,“ she replied.

“Let’s head back to the fountain. There should be a place to rest,“ he suggested.

True to his word, a tea table had been set up by the fountain. While they explored the garden, attendants had prepared it in the fountain’s shade. Having tea outdoors, in the Crown Prince’s private garden, felt like an extraordinary indulgence.

Helia raised her teacup with her usual grace.

“How do you find it?“ Cedric asked.