CHAPTER 2
ONE YEAR LATER
METHILDIS MANSION
FREYA'S POV
“My Lady? My Lady, are you awake?”
I heard Amber’s voice faintly, but I didn’t want to open my eyes. I was dreaming again… about him. That annoying man stealing my first kiss.
“MY LADY! TIME TO GET UP!”
Amber’s sudden yell made me jolt upright in bed. I blinked at her, startled. “W-What am I thinking?!”
I glared at her for waking me so rudely, but she only smiled back sweetly. Ugh. The worst part? I couldn’t even remember his face properly. Why do I keep dreaming about someone I barely remember?
“My Lady, Miss Elise is having her book signing today. If you’re late again, she’ll definitely get angry!”
Panic set in immediately. I jumped out of bed and rushed to take a bath and change.
“You’re right! Let’s go—right now!” I said, scrambling.
We hurried out of the mansion. My heart was racing not from romance or dreams, but because Elise might murder me if I’m late again.
“Amber, hurry up!” I called behind me.
As I was rushing along the walkway, someone bumped hard into my shoulder.
“Hey! Who do you think you are?!” I yelled, spinning around.
But my breath hitched.
He was… gorgeous.
Tall, sharp features, with dark, cold eyes that looked right through me. He glanced down at where our shoulders had touched and casually brushed off his uniform as if… I was something *dirty*.
My jaw dropped. Did he just wipe me off?!
“My Lady, what happened?” Amber asked as she caught up.
But I was too stunned to respond. I turned to point him out, but—he was gone.
“What the hell? Where did he go?!” I muttered. “He didn’t even apologize! So what if he’s handsome—he has zero manners!”
That small encounter completely ruined my mood.
When we finally reached the venue, a large crowd was already gathered. A huge sign read:
"MISS ELISE – BOOK SIGNING EVENT"
“Wow! I finally got Miss Elise’s autograph!” a girl squealed beside us, hugging her signed book.
“Me too! I love her so much. Her books are amazing!” her friend gushed.
Amber and I slipped through the crowd. She leaned close and whispered, “My Lady, I came here two days ago to check this place out. We’ll get a good view from across the street.”
“Good job, Amber. Let’s begin,” I said, eyes gleaming as I spotted Elise.
We positioned ourselves across the plaza where Elise could easily see us through the glass.
“ELISEEEE! YOU’RE THE BEST IN THE WORLD! WE LOVE YOUUU!” I shouted at the top of my lungs.
Elise turned toward us, instantly recognizing my voice. Her smile widened, and she waved enthusiastically.
“You’re so smart!” she shouted back.
I laughed and waved harder, feeling proud. Once Elise turned her attention back to her fans, I turned to Amber.
“Alright, we’ve done our duty. Let’s go eat! I’m starving!”
Amber’s eyes lit up. “Awesome!”
We headed straight to Nlyx Restaurant. It was packed, as always.
“Hello! We’d like a private room on the second floor, please,” I said to one of the staff members.
He smiled politely. “Of course, ladies. The best room is already reserved for you. Please, head upstairs.”
We made our way up the stairs. Halfway up, someone was coming down — and the moment I saw the familiar figure, I froze.
It’s him again!
“You!” I shouted. “You didn’t apologize for bumping into me this morning!”
He didn’t even look surprised — or guilty. He just kept walking past me, calm and silent.
“Hey! Are you deaf or just rude? Apologize!” I said, stepping after him.
He still didn’t respond.
Fuming, I took another step toward him, but—my foot slipped.
“Ah—!”
I lost balance and fell forward.
I braced for impact—but it never came.
Instead… my lips touched something soft.
I opened my eyes.
I was kissing him.
My eyes went wide in horror. His eyes were already open, staring at me — emotionless. I panicked and shoved him back.
“W-WHAT… YOU… YOU—!”
I couldn’t even finish my sentence. My cheeks were burning.
He blinked slowly, then said coldly, “…So nasty.”
Nasty? Did he just call me nasty?!
“Excuse me?! You’re the nasty one!” I snapped, still flustered.
He just stared at me like I was a wild animal in a zoo.
“Your Highness,” a man in black uniform appeared, suddenly stepping between us, sword unsheathed.
“How dare you offend the Prince?” he snarled, pointing his blade toward me.
Prince? That jerk is a prince?!
Amber came running and stood protectively in front of me.
“You can't hurt my Lady!” she cried, grabbing the man’s leg. “I won’t let you!”
“Ugh! You’re so annoying! Let go of me!” the guard growled, trying to shake her off.
“No! What are you going to do to my Lady?! I won’t let go!” Amber clung tighter, eyes filled with tears.
I sighed and glanced at the prince. He was already walking away.
“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?! This isn’t over!” I yelled, stomping after him.
But a sharp edge stopped me.
A sword—resting against my shoulder.
I froze.
The prince didn’t look back. He just kept walking, the guard following behind him.
I watched their backs with fury. Who *does* he think he is?
“Sorry, My Lady… I couldn’t stop him,” Amber said softly, her voice filled with regret.
I clenched my fists. “No one has *ever* treated me like this before! Holding a sword to me?! "How dare he?!”
The guard glanced over his shoulder — but Amber quickly pulled me back.
“Get off me! Let me go!” I shouted, struggling.
“Calm down, My Lady! Don’t be impulsive!” she pleaded, dragging me inside the restaurant.
Just then, the staff approached.
“Miss, your order is ready.”
I glared at him. “I’ve lost my appetite.”
He looked confused.
“Amber, pay him — and have someone deliver the food to the street children.”
Amber nodded and handed over the coins. “Wait for me, My Lady!”
But I didn’t stop walking. I couldn’t.
My whole body was burning with frustration and embarrassment.
“What a bad day!” I shouted at the sky, storming down the street.