Someone Close

A guest room in an annex of the Cardenos Grand Duke's residence.

Lucia stared up at the unfamiliar ceiling and clutched the blanket tightly.

The bedding was lined with the finest silk, but it felt nothing but cold to her.

Until recently, she had been close to Astin.

But now, the distance between them felt more painfully real than ever.

-Astin might marry the princess.

Selena's words from earlier that day circled in her head like a ringing in her ears, keeping her from falling asleep.

Astin had conquered the Ashen Forest and even slain the Demon King.

It had been inevitable from the start that the Imperial Family would propose a political marriage.

Astin couldn't possibly be ignorant of the political calculations involved...