The rhythmic pounding of hooves against the earth slowed as the grand estate came into view, its towering gates creaking open at the arrival of the general and his entourage. The scent of rain lingered in the crisp evening air, a reminder of the brief shower that had passed just before dusk. Kian Kilimah pulled the reins of his steed, his sharp gaze fixed on the sprawling estate that had once been his father's favored retreat. He sat there for a moment, unmoving, his expression unreadable as his men rode past him, entering the grounds.
Kilima Estate was untouched by time, yet to Kian, it felt almost foreign now. The grand stone manor stood proud against the darkening sky, its walls bathed in the last remnants of daylight. Beyond it, the cherry blossom trees that lined the inner courtyard swayed gently, their petals dancing in the breeze like whispers of a past he had long tried to bury. He had not set foot here since his father's passing. Since Arvin had been named heir.
A servant hurried forward to take his horse, bowing deeply as Kian dismounted. He barely acknowledged the man, his thoughts elsewhere. His boots crunched against the gravel path as he strode forward, his fingers unconsciously brushing against the hilt of his sword—a habit whenever he felt the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing against his chest.
The moment he stepped into the grand hall, the scent of aged wood and incense filled his senses, pulling him into memories he had no desire to relive. His father's deep voice echoing through these halls, calling for him and Arvin to join him by the hearth. The warmth of the great fireplace where they once sat as children, listening to tales of the empire's history. The lingering presence of a man he had both admired and resented.
The servants moved swiftly around him, lighting the oil lamps and preparing the estate for its new master. He took slow, measured steps, allowing himself to take in the familiarity of the place. His father had loved Kilima. It was where he had spent his final years, away from the burdens of the imperial court, surrounded by the peace he had chosen for himself.
And yet, when the end came, Kian had not been here.
His jaw tightened. He had left without closure, without answers. The weight of unfinished conversations, of questions left unspoken, settled heavily in his chest. Why had his father chosen Arvin? What had he lacked? He had spent years trying to prove himself, carving his name into the battlefield, earning the respect of warriors and noblemen alike. And still, it had not been enough.
Drawing a breath, he forced the thoughts aside and moved towards the study—his father's study. The heavy wooden doors creaked as he pushed them open, revealing the dimly lit chamber, untouched since the late emperor's passing. A thick layer of dust coated the shelves, the scent of old parchment filling the air. His gaze swept across the room, finally landing on the large desk where his father had once sat.
He stepped forward, his gloved hand trailing across the aged wood before stopping at a single item left untouched at the center of the desk—a small, ornate dagger. Kian exhaled sharply, picking it up, his fingers tightening around the hilt. He remembered this weapon. It had belonged to his father, always resting at his side, a symbol of his unwavering authority.
A bitter chuckle escaped him. This was all that remained now—a relic of a man who had shaped the empire but left his own son in the shadows.
"General?" A voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned to find one of his men standing at the doorway, bowing deeply. "The estate is ready for your stay. Would you like supper prepared?"
Kian set the dagger down carefully, his expression returning to its usual stoicism. "No need," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I will retire early."
The soldier nodded and exited, leaving Kian alone once more. He lingered in the study for a moment longer before stepping away. As he turned to leave, he glanced back one last time, his eyes dark with contemplation.
He had returned to Kilima Estate seeking familiarity, but all he found were ghosts.
And the echoes of a past that refused to be forgotten.
---
The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the palace gardens, where Mirha and Gina strolled along the stone pathway lined with blooming peonies and fragrant jasmine. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly watered soil.
Gina had been quieter than usual, her eyes darting toward Mirha as if contemplating something. Mirha noticed—Gina was never one to hesitate with her words.
"Something on your mind?" Mirha finally asked, adjusting the silk sash tied around her waist.
Gina exhaled, her fingers grazing the petal of a white peony. "You could say that," she muttered before glancing around. "Let's sit over there."
She gestured toward a pavilion overlooking the koi pond. The carved wooden structure provided a private escape from the bustling palace life, perfect for hushed conversations. They settled onto the cushioned seats, and for a moment, Gina remained silent, chewing her bottom lip.
Then, with an exasperated sigh, she finally spoke. "I did something reckless."
Mirha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Before Gina could answer, a soft rustle of silk announced another presence. Kanha approached with a graceful air, her jade hairpin catching the light. "Did I just hear our dear Gina admit to recklessness?" she teased, settling beside them. "Now this I must hear."
Gina hesitated but pressed forward. "It's about Duke Rnzo."
At the mention of his name, Kanha's playful smirk remained, but her fingers subtly tightened around the edge of her sleeve. She leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "Oh? The persistent Duke. What has he done this time?"
Gina exhaled sharply. "It's not what he did—it's what I agreed to."
Mirha and Kanha exchanged glances, urging her to continue.
Gina tapped her nails against the wooden table between them. "We made a bet… A chess match."
Mirha furrowed her brows. "A bet? What kind of bet?"
"If I win, he'll do whatever I ask." Gina took a breath before saying, "But if I lose… I become his Duchess."
A beat of silence followed. The koi swam lazily in the pond, oblivious to the weight of Gina's words.
Mirha's eyes widened in shock. "Gina!"
Kanha's expression barely flickered, but something dark glinted in her gaze before she let out a small, controlled laugh. "How… bold of you," she said smoothly. "And here I thought you weren't interested in being courted."
Gina leaned back with a groan, rubbing her temples. "I wasn't! I mean… I don't know. He just—he's so persistent. And I thought if I entertained him just once, maybe he'd stop."
Mirha sighed. "That's a dangerous game you're playing."
Kanha tilted her head, eyes deceptively warm. "But why now, Gina? You've turned down suitors left and right. And yet, Duke Rnzo has you considering—no, wagering—your own future?"
Gina stiffened. "It's not like that. It's just a game."
"Oh, is it?" Kanha mused, swirling her tea. "And if you lose?"
Gina hesitated. "I won't."
Mirha, ever the voice of reason, reached for Gina's hand. "Gina… Are you sure about this? The Duke is not a man to make idle promises."
"I know," Gina muttered. "That's why I agreed. He swore on his honor that he'd uphold his end of the deal."
Kanha gave a sweet smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "How very… romantic."
Gina turned to her. "You disapprove?"
"Oh, no," Kanha said lightly, sipping her tea. "I think it's fascinating. I mean, imagine — you, the daughter of a mere governess, turning away noble suitors only to entertain a Duke's affections through a wager. Quite the story."
Gina frowned. "I'm not entertaining anything."
Kanha shrugged with a feigned innocence. "If you say so."
Before Gina could respond, Mirha cleared her throat. "Regardless of intentions, the bet is made. So now, Gina, you must decide—are you playing to win? Or are you willing to lose?"
Gina hesitated, then stood abruptly. "I'm going to win."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode off, the conversation clearly weighing on her.
As soon as she was out of sight, Kanha's smile faded into something colder. She set her teacup down with deliberate precision.
Mirha, watching closely, sighed. "You're not pleased."
Kanha tilted her head. "Oh, I am. It's amusing, really. A girl of no noble birth, toying with a Duke like this. It's almost laughable."
Mirha's expression darkened. "She's our friend, Kanha."
Kanha hummed. "Yes, of course."
She didn't say more, but as she sat there, a plan was already forming in her mind.
The moment Gina walked away, Kanha felt her control slipping. She sat still, staring at the ripples in the koi pond, but her mind churned with barely restrained fury.
How dare she?
Gina was playing with something she had no right to—attention, power, privilege.
A Duke. Not just any Duke, but Duke Rnzo.
Kanha's hands clenched in her lap. She had spent years cultivating her own image, positioning herself where she should be—among nobility, among those with actual power. She was the cousin of the Empress, and yet, a mere governess daughter was being courted so openly by a Duke?
And Gina had the audacity to act all high and mighty faking Modesty.
Kanha's breath was slow, controlled, but beneath the surface, her resentment burned.
Does she even realize what she's throwing away? What others would kill for?
Mirha's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You don't have to pretend, Kanha."
Kanha's gaze flicked to her, and she schooled her face into mild amusement. "Pretend?"
Mirha sighed. "I know you don't approve."
Kanha smiled, tilting her head. "Approve? Of what? Gina being Gina?"
Mirha watched her carefully, but Kanha had long mastered the art of appearing unbothered. "You should be honest," Mirha said gently.
Kanha gave a soft chuckle. "Oh, Mirha. If I were honest, it wouldn't be very polite."
She stood, brushing nonexistent dust from her sleeves. "If you'll excuse me, I have letters to write."
She walked away with measured steps, but the moment she was out of sight, her expression hardened.
There was one person who would surely see the foolishness of Gina's games. Someone who would remind Gina of her place.
Kanha entered her chambers, the silk curtains swaying as a breeze filtered in. She sat at her writing desk, the golden inkpot glistening under the light. With steady hands, she picked up her brush and began to write.
---
Letter to Misha Tiavan
To the Esteemed Lady Misha Tiavan,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and comfort. It has been far too long since you have visited the Imperial Palace, and I have no doubt that your presence is dearly missed—especially by your daughter, Gina.
I write to you out of great concern. You have always been a woman of discipline and foresight, and I admire the way you have guided Gina toward a path befitting her status.
However, I regret to inform you that Gina has been… distracted as of late.
The men who once sought her hand—young noblemen of fine standing—Duke Rnzo.
One might wonder if she has forgotten the sacrifices made for her. Or, perhaps, she no longer values the ambitions you have worked so tirelessly to secure.
I bring this to your attention only out of deep respect, as I know you have always had Gina's best interests at heart.
Perhaps a visit is in order?
Warm regards,
Lady Kanha
---
Kanha set the brush down, admiring the elegant strokes of her handwriting.
Gina could play her little games, but she would soon remember who truly held control.
Misha Tiavan would see to that.
With a satisfied smirk, Kanha sealed the letter and summoned a messenger.
By this time next week, Gina would no longer have the luxury of treating a Duke's affections as a mere gamble.
And Kanha would enjoy watching it unfold.
The Imperial Castle Gardens – A warm afternoon with the scent of fresh blossoms in the air. Gina and Mirha walk along a stone path lined with delicate cherry trees, the sun casting golden light over the palace grounds.
Mirha hesitates before speaking, her soft eyes searching Gina's face for any sign of unease.
"I don't think Kanha was entirely pleased about your little wager with the Duke," Mirha finally says, carefully choosing her words.
Gina tilts her head, pretending to be amused. "Kanha loves dramatics. She'll get over it."
"Maybe... But she didn't say much after you told us. You know how she is when she's truly upset—she doesn't lash out. She schemes."
Gina exhales, shaking her head. "Mirha, you always worry too much."
But Mirha doesn't drop it. "Just be careful. You may think you're keeping this lighthearted, but the Duke isn't treating it like a game. And Kanha—she values appearances. This situation... it unsettles her."
Gina forces a smile. "I'll be fine. Besides, I can handle Kanha."
Mirha nods but doesn't look convinced. As the conversation shifts, Gina finds herself lost in thought.
She had spent the past weeks avoiding Rnzo, yet every time she did, he found a way back into her path. And deep down, she wasn't sure if she was running from him—or from herself.
Would walking away from him be her greatest mistake?
Or was she simply delaying the inevitable?
"I only chase because you want me to."
The words that came out of the Duke's mouth ,They sounded arrogant. Infuriating. Unbearably confident.
Yet somehow... it had felt familiar.
As if he had pulled a truth from inside her before she had the chance to bury it.
She had never given him an answer that night.
But sitting here now, beneath the afternoon sun, she knew that if she were asked confirm whether its true, she still wouldn't know what to say.
Saying yes would be a lie.
But saying no would be a lie too.