The royal garden was quiet—too quiet for someone like Prince Lucien.
His steps were light but swift, golden hair tousled by the spring wind. He wasn't used to being ignored. Not by Evelyne.
And yet...
Ever since the ceremony, she hadn't spared him a single glance. Not even when they passed each other in the corridors. Not even when they were seated side by side at the noble luncheon.
But worst of all—
She smiled at someone else.
A commoner girl.
---
He saw it again that morning: Evelyne, gently brushing a petal from Elisse Vernal's hair.
Lucien froze behind the hedge, fingers tightening on the stem of a rose.
She never smiled like that at him—not even when they were engaged.
Not before the execution.
Not even now, when she was… back.
Was she truly different?
Or was she just punishing him?
The thought burned.
---
Later that day, Lucien cornered Evelyne near the rose garden, where no one could overhear them.
"You've been avoiding me."
She didn't look up from her book. "I've been busy."
"With her?" His tone sharpened.
Evelyne finally met his eyes, calm and unreadable. "Why does it matter?"
He stepped closer. "Because you're mine."
A pause.
Then—her laugh. Soft, bitter. "You once said that. Right before you let them take off my crown and chain me."
Lucien flinched.
"You want the girl who loved you, Lucien," Evelyne whispered. "But she died the night you watched her fall."
He stood frozen, unable to answer.
She walked away, the scent of roses clinging to the air she left behind.
---
To be continued...