The weight of her impending political marriage pressed heavily on Stella's mind. Her chest felt tight, her body weak—more so than usual. As she sat by her bedside, trying to collect her thoughts, her vision blurred slightly.
Her maid, who had been tending to her daily, immediately noticed. "Your Highness, you don't look well. Please lie down and rest. I will inform His Highness the Crown Prince."
Too exhausted to protest, Stella let herself sink into the soft mattress. Her mind was spinning—was this all fate had planned for her? She had long accepted that nobility had no say in love, but now, knowing her heart belonged to someone who still longed for another, the pain was sharper than she expected.
Moments later, Arthur arrived, his usual composed expression breaking into concern as he knelt beside her bed. "Stella, why didn't you call for me?" His voice was gentle but firm, his golden brows furrowed.
Ruby followed closely behind, worry clear in her emerald eyes. "You should rest, Stella. You've been pushing yourself too much lately." She sat at the edge of the bed, placing a cool hand on Stella's forehead. "You're burning up."
Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This is why I told Father you weren't ready for marriage." His voice darkened. "I won't let anyone force you into it if it worsens your health."
Stella managed a weak smile. "You worry too much, Arthur."
Arthur shook his head. "And you don't worry enough about yourself."
Despite her exhaustion, warmth filled Stella's heart. No matter what, she wasn't alone.
Meanwhile, at the Duke's residence, Kayden sat in his study, his fingers tightening around the royal decree he had just received.
The Emperor had chosen his bride.
Princess Stella Evermore.
He exhaled slowly, his heart heavy. No one in the empire could refuse the Emperor's command. A royal decree was absolute. He had no choice but to accept it.
For a long moment, he stared at the parchment, emotions swirling within him. He was still heartbroken—his love for Ruby, though unspoken, had been real. But strangely, the thought of marrying Stella did not make him angry or resentful.
If it had been someone else, he might have felt worse.
At least Stella was kind. She was wise, unlike the many noblewomen who only saw marriage as a power move. If marriage was inevitable, then perhaps this was fate's way of giving him a new path.
Perhaps… he could use this marriage to finally move on.
With that thought, Kayden dipped his quill into ink and penned a response.
"Your Majesty, I humbly accept. Please set a date for the wedding at your discretion."
As he sealed the letter, a strange sensation settled in his chest. Something unfamiliar. Something he did not yet recognize.
A faint warmth.
One he did not yet realize was affection.
The Emperor read Kayden's letter, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. Without delay, he sent out the royal decree—two months from now, Princess Stella Evermore and Duke Kayden Alderworth would be wed.
When the news reached Crown Prince Arthur, fury burned in his chest.
"Call off the engagement!" Arthur stormed into the Emperor's office, his deep blue eyes ablaze with frustration.
The Emperor remained seated, unbothered by his son's outburst. "It has already been decided, Arthur. The engagement is official."
Arthur clenched his fists. "You know how I feel about that man. You know what he—" He cut himself off, gritting his teeth. "Stella is too frail for this. She isn't ready for marriage."
"You are being too overprotective, Arthur," the Emperor said firmly. "She is not a child anymore. It is time for her to take on responsibilities as a princess."
Arthur scowled, his jaw tightening. He wanted to argue, but before he could, Ruby, who had been quietly listening, looked between them in confusion.
Marriage?
She knew nothing about this!
"Why… Why are you so against it?" Ruby asked, her green eyes searching Arthur's. "I don't understand, Arthur. Why does it bother you so much?"
Arthur fell silent for a moment, looking away. He couldn't tell Ruby the real reason—that Kayden had once loved her.
Before he could think of a response, a voice interrupted.
"Brother."
Arthur turned sharply, his expression darkening as he saw Stella enter the room, breathless from hurrying over.
Despite her recent illness, she had dressed hastily in an elegant gown, determination shining in her deep blue eyes.
She had heard the news. She knew what this engagement meant.
And yet, she wasn't furious like Arthur.
Her heart ached knowing Kayden had once loved Ruby. But even so, a part of her hoped—maybe—she could help him move on.
"Are you alright?" Ruby stepped forward, concern in her green eyes. "You still look pale, Stella."
"I'm fine," Stella reassured her, then turned to her father. "Your Majesty, is the engagement truly set?"
The Emperor nodded. "Yes. In two months, you will be married to Duke Kayden."
Stella clasped her had in happiness "thank you so much fathe-I mean your majesty"
The emperor laughed hearing her all excited "it's all for your good my dear daughter"
Arthur scoffed and looked away, clearly upset.
Ruby, however, smiled warmly and clasped Stella's hands. "Then let me be the first to congratulate you," she said sincerely. "Kayden is a dear friend of mine, so I'm sure you'll be happy."
Stella hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly.
Ruby didn't know.
She didn't know about Kayden's one-sided love.
But Stella merely smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Ruby."
"If you'd like," Ruby added cheerfully, "I can tell you more about him. I've known him for years, after all."
Stella's heart skipped for a moment. I already know everything about him. She had read about Kayden in the novel. His likes, his dislikes, his habits—she probably knew more about him than Ruby did.
But instead of declining, she accepted. "I would love that."
Spending time with Ruby meant spending time with Kayden.
Even if Arthur still glared at her in frustration, confused as to why Kayden had even accepted this marriage in the first place.