Chapter 68.1

Subtle light played upon Lia’s closed eyes. On this early winter morning, the cold, humid air smelled of impending snow and caused her to shiver.

Is the fireplace unlit?

As Lia curled up, someone pulled a blanket over her shivery skin.

Who is it? Who came into the room?

The sound of her clothes dropping to the floor and the feeling of her hair being brushed back disrupted her sleep, prompting her to close her eyes harder and bury her face into the pillow.

Last night’s dream seemed so real that she wondered what she would behold when she opened her eyes. It was such an embarrassing dream that she resisted waking up.

“Stop being a baby. You’ll get hurt if my patience runs out, Canillia.”

“You fooled me until now with this body.”

She couldn’t tell if the voice was angry or trying to hold back laughter, but it was definitely Claude speaking.

Lia was embarrassed that she had looked for Claude even in her dreams.

She recalled being covered by only a large towel, sitting in the arms of a naked Claude in front of the roaring fireplace. She tugged the throw blanket from the sofa around herself and leaned against his rock-hard chest as he kissed her earlobes, neck, and shoulders.

When his large, warm, rough hand climbed from her stomach to her breast, all her senses exploded into a mixture of fear, embarrassment, and sensuality.

Everything about last night was dreamlike—her appearing naked before Claude and Claude calling her Canillia.

That never could have happened in real life.

After organizing her thoughts, Lia opened her heavy eyelids. The morning light swarmed her green eyes.

She focused on the wallpaper; its pattern resembling melted gold helped calm her dizzy mind.

Then she smelled butter. The table was laid with warm bread, soup, bite-sized sausages, and eggs.

She was the only one in the bedroom. There was no trace at all of last night.

Let me wash up first.

She rolled off the bed, put on a robe, and went into the bathroom.

She had no memory of moving from the fireplace into the bed last night.

The moment she stepped on the bathroom tile, she froze.

The flower petals were on the floor, retaining their alluring scent and sharpening her memory.

“Am I a beast?”

How can I dream of such a thing?

Lia felt sad, but began arranging her hair. Suddenly she was interrupted by the entrance of Baron Tenan who held clothing for her.

“I prepared clothing for you to wear for the ball as the Princess ordered. The parade to honor the Prince will start soon.”

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Baron Tenan smiled while staring at Lia as she whirled around to face him.

“Along with the Grand Duke as well,” he added.

***

That afternoon the entire population of the city crowded together in noisy celebration. People flooded toward the gates of the Palace, greeting and hugging their loved ones who made it home from the war.

Tears flowed and hugs abounded as volunteer and career soldiers alike turned out.

The royal guards and horses processed through the Capital.

Lia and Rosina were among the revelers along with Kieran, Anastasia, and all the high nobles.

Everyone was eager to show their love and gratitude to the soldiers—their husbands, brothers, or sons–and no one complained about the cold. Lia had goosebumps from the vibration of the crowd.

Everyone shed tears of joy as they waited for the castle gate to open.

Cheers outside the gate prompted a soldier’s command and the gates opened wide.

The Empire’s Army flag flapped in the air. The nobles cheered as they saw the Prince and the Grand Duke on horseback leading the army.

“Ha!” Rosina smiled brightly while scoffing at Prince Wade’s beard.

But Lia looked at Claude. She couldn’t laugh.

He’s the same. The exact same as in my dream last night.

He stopped in front of her, emanatin3g clear cold winter air. She held her breath.

The thick black cape around his shoulder flapped heavily in the wind.

Claude caught everyone’s attention in his full-dress uniform with a sword in its scabbard and a holstered gun on his belt. He dismounted.

Claude stared right into her eyes and lifted the tip of his lips. Lia couldn’t take her eyes off of the oddly lewd red marks on Claude’s neck.

She could hear the ladies behind her whispering and gasping, reading into the origin of the marks.

Oh, my God, this can’t be!

The victorious soldiers stopped parading and went into formation, filling the palace garden—an impressive sight.

The Emperor opened his arms and hugged Prince Wade as all the soldiers saluted.

Thunderous applause greeted the soldiers and then they were swarmed by their family and friends who showered them with hugs, kisses, and tears.

Gliad passed by Lia as she was staring blankly at Claude. Kieran and Anastasia hugged the Marquis who limped into their arms and cried tears of relief.

Lia stood alone longingly in the midst of this sea of happiness and joyful celebration. She clenched her fist; she was sweating.

As she faced forward, a large shadow covered her back.

“What are you looking at?” asked Claude, his voice clearly ringing above her head. Her heart sank.