“My goodness, isn’t that Prince Claude?”
“No way. He’s been secluded in his castle for years. Why would he be here?”
“No, look at that black hair and red eyes. Only royalty have those. And is there anyone that handsome in the empire?”
“You’re right… it is him! So Prince Claude saved that lady?”
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Soon, they gathered like a swarm of clouds, bowing respectfully to Claude.
“We greet His Highness Claude, the small sun of the empire.”
The noblewomen’s eyes sparkled as they beheld the legendary beauty of Claude up close.
They huddled, murmuring softly.
“He’s even more handsome than the rumors!”
“Did you see him subdue that wild horse in one strike?”
“With that face and swordsmanship, he’s the perfect man. The sickly rumors must’ve been lies.”
The ladies gazed enviously at Claude and Aselin, whom he supported.
Amid their stares, Alex, sprawled on the ground, gritted his teeth and stood.
That damned prince made a fool of me.
The sight of Claude, swooping in from nowhere to save his fiancée and be hailed a hero, twisted Alex’s insides.
“Oh, Aselin, my love, are you hurt?”
Alex rushed over, yanking Aselin’s wrist toward him.
Claude’s face darkened instantly.
His piercing gaze locked onto Alex’s hand, gripping Aselin so tightly it left red marks.
“Are you Lady Rondinella’s fiancé?”
Claude’s flat tone carried a sharp edge of menace.
Alex flinched, releasing Aselin’s hand and bowing.
“I greet Your Highness. I am Alex of House Wade. As you said, I’m engaged to Lady Aselin.”
“I hear you cherish your fiancée, showering her with lavish gifts daily?”
Claude smirked, stepping in front of Aselin.
His movement, as if shielding her, grated on Alex’s nerves.
As Alex narrowed his eyes, Claude took a step closer.
Though Alex was tall, Claude towered over him by a hand’s breadth.
Alex, unaccustomed to looking up at anyone, felt a strange unease.
Claude’s icy, disdainful stare made Alex’s breath catch.
“Yet it seems you’re the kind of vermin who’d throw his fiancée to danger to save himself.”
A chilling sneer curled Claude’s lips.
Alex gasped under the unmasked contempt.
“With respect, Your Highness, you’re mistaken. Throw her to danger? I’d give my life for my fiancée.”
Alex protested loudly, turning to Aselin.
“Aselin, I was coming to save you. If His Highness hadn’t appeared, I would’ve gotten there first.”
“…I’m sure you would have.”
Aselin replied blandly, adjusting her dress.
“But are you alright after that fall? My shoulder aches from when you pushed me, so you must be in pain too.”
Claude’s lips twitched upward at her words.
Fuming, Alex scrambled for another excuse.
“I slipped while rushing to save you. Anyway, my love, are you hurt?”
He scanned her body with feigned concern, then froze.
The hem of the expensive dress was torn.
His gaze fell to the ruined pearl bracelet, its beads scattered.
Like those precious pearls, my heart’s tearing apart.
Damn it, how much did that cost?
Can’t women be lighter, more agile? Why so careless?
Grumbling inwardly, Alex picked up the beads.
Smoothing his scowl, he spoke reluctantly.
“…The bracelet and dress… we can replace them. As long as you’re unhurt.”
His voice trembled with forced kindness.
Aselin, seeing his pained expression, let out a hollow laugh.
“No need for that.”
Just disappear from my side, that’s all.
As she thought this, someone ran up.
“Viscount, you must come quickly. Your mother summons you.”
“What? Mother?”
Panic flashed across Alex’s face.
He was a mama’s boy who’d leap up even in his sleep at her call.
Seeing him squirm like an anxious puppy, Aselin said, “We can date another time. Go to her.”
“Is that okay?”
He hesitated, and Aselin nodded readily.
“Of course, I’m fine. Go.”
Despite her permission, Alex wavered, glancing at Claude warily.
“Aselin, why don’t you come with me in the carriage?”
“No, I have places to visit. You go ahead, Viscount.”
“Walk around in a torn dress? Come to my estate, bathe, and stay the night. How about it?”
As Alex reached for her wrist, Claude stepped in front of Aselin.
His voice dropped like a glacier.
“Viscount, leave. I’ve prepared a new dress for Lady Rondinella.”
“With all due respect, Your Highness, why would you provide a dress for my fiancée?”
“Do I need your permission to gift my personal apothecary?”
Claude’s icy stare bore into Alex.
Alex’s eyes narrowed, recognizing the implications of such actions between men.
What’s this prince doing, making moves on my woman?
Sparks flew in his eyes.
Before he could argue further, Claude’s voice cut through, laced with menace.
“It’s an order. Lady Rondinella returns to the castle now to change and treat me.”
Alex gritted his teeth but boarded the carriage.
Defying a royal command meant execution under imperial law.
Just you wait, Claude.
The day Breffny becomes Emperor, your head will roll first.
Sneering out the window, Alex’s lips curled.
With Alex and the onlookers gone, the street fell silent.
Gas lamps flickered on, their warm glow gilding Claude’s black hair.
He looked like a painting, and I stared, dazed.
“Let’s go.”
Claude’s low voice broke the moment.
Following his leisurely pace, I asked, bewildered, “Your Highness, are we really going to the castle?”
“What, you plan to stay here?”
He replied flatly, climbing into the carriage.
With no choice, I sat across from him and cautiously spoke.
“I left medicine with the butler this morning. Why the sudden trip to the castle? Is there an issue with the new medicine?”
No response.
His neat brows twitched, signaling displeasure.
Oh no, maybe the new medicine didn’t suit him.
Fidgeting with my fingers, I glanced at his face as the carriage rattled off.
After a stretch of silence, I tried again.
“Your Highness, if the medicine didn’t agree with you, could you describe the symptoms? It’ll help me adjust the formula.”
“The medicine’s fine. Better than before, actually.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. So it’s not about the medicine—you just want a checkup since we ran into each other?”
I sighed in relief.
Leaning back, Claude said indifferently, “It wasn’t a coincidence.”
