Knock, knock.

  A gentle knock sounded at the door, and Stefan stepped inside. His eyes immediately nded on the open books and scattered notes across the table. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, though he held back the question perched on his tongue. He was used to my oddities by now.

  He cleared his throat. “Pardon the interruption, young dy, but it’s time for dinner.”

  “Ah, already?” I blinked in surprise. Has that much time passed?

  Unpnned studying makes the time fly, I thought. To be fair, it helped keep my mind occupied.

  I set my pen down and rose from my seat, brushing off my skirt. With a final gnce at the books, I followed Stefan out of the room and into the warm, inviting light of the hallway, toward the dining hall.

  As soon as I stepped into the dining hall, I noticed a few people had already taken their seats. To my surprise, Father is here, he is sitting at the head of the table, beside him is Mother, graceful as ever, followed by the First Prince and Stan. Across from them were my two brothers, both engaged in lively conversation.

  I walked closer—and froze.

  My seat was right between them.

  A flicker of irritation sparked in my chest. Then I caught it—Trev’s eyes glinting with unmistakable mischief, practically urging me to sit down.

  This guy never misses a chance to get on my nerves.It was obvious—he and Theo had orchestrated this. Sitting on either side of me like a pair of smug bodyguards, they were ready to squash me between their never-ending antics.

  Just wait, I seethed inwardly. Revenge will come, and it’ll be glorious.

  “Nia, don’t just stand there. Take your seat,” Father said, his voice steady and commanding.

  I forced my feet to move, schooling my expression into practiced neutrality—anything to avoid giving my brothers the satisfaction of seeing me ruffled.

  But of course, it backfired.

  The moment I sat down, Trev leaned back with a zy grin. “Well, look who’s running te today,” he said, his voice ced with innocent mischief. “We were starting to get worried… but I figured once the food hit the table, you'd magically appear.”

  His tone was light, but the implication nded with perfect precision. A subtle jab, yet unmistakably calling me a glutton—just vague enough to be infuriating.

  I shot him a sharp gre, then drew in a slow breath to steady my nerves. Without a word, I reached for my gss of water and took a long, deliberate sip, pretending to savor it.It’s fine, I told myself. I’m destroying him in my head right now.

  Theo and Stan held back a ugh, amused at what they heard.

  “Enough,” Father said firmly, cutting in before the teasing could go any further. He ended it swiftly—likely worried about how I’d react, especially with the First Prince seated right across from me.

  “Bring out the food,” he ordered, turning to Stefan.

  Stefan gave a respectful nod and signaled the attendants, who moved promptly to fulfill the command.

  The doors to the dining hall opened once more, and a small procession of attendants entered, carrying silver trays that released tantalizing aromas into the room. The scent of roasted meats, warm bread, and fragrant herbs immediately filled the air, and even I, still mildly irritated, felt my stomach stir.

  Dishes were pced with practiced grace: gzed duck with spiced pears, herbed potatoes, soft rolls with golden crusts, and a delicate soup that steamed gently in its porcein bowl. A beautifully pted fish dish followed—pan-seared river trout, delicately garnished with lemon slices and fresh dill, resting atop a bed of sautéed greens and drizzled with a light butter sauce. Everything looked as though it had been arranged for a royal portrait.

  For a moment, the table fell into a comfortable silence as ptes were filled and cups were topped off with wine and juice.

  Father was the first to break the comfortable silence. “So, how are preparations coming along for the expedition to Skyridge Mountain?” he asked, slicing into the roasted duck with practiced ease before pcing a generous portion onto Mother’s pte.

  “They’re going well,” Mother replied with a nod. “Just finishing up the packing. I’ve added extra clothing, especially for the boys—they’ll need to be properly dressed for the cold.”

  “Mother, we don’t need that many clothes,” Theo interjected with a slight grin. “A few sets will do. Honestly, three should be more than enough.”

  At his words, Mother’s expression turned into one of subtle horror, as though he had just suggested something scandalous. But before she could speak—

  “Oh, and Aunt Alie,” Stan chimed in, “no need to pack too much food either. We pn to do some hunting along the way.”

  Father gave a thoughtful hum, setting down his knife. “Be cautious with that,” he warned. “Master Ba is known to fiercely protect the wildlife around Skyridge. Avoid hunting animals that are nursing or still young, and also their mothers.”

  It was true—spring had awakened the wilderness. With the snow long melted, many creatures were emerging from hibernation, and the forests surrounding Skyridge were alive with new beginnings.

  Mother’s frown deepened. “You may think you're ready, but the roads are treacherous. The journey alone will take two full days, and the ascent up Skyridge Mountain will take at least two more. You’ll need enough provisions and proper clothing to st the full four days—no less.”

  “The knights who scouted ahead have already charted the safest routes,” the First Prince said, his voice calm and reassuring as he spoke for the first time. “They’ve noted areas with increased wildlife activity, so we may avoid any unnecessary disturbance.”

  He turned to Mother and offered a respectful nod. “Marchioness Voschell, your concern is greatly appreciated, and rest assured—we’ll heed your advice. However, as we’re traveling without attendants and carrying offerings and provisions for Master Ba, it’s wise that we minimize our personal baggage for the sake of mobility.”

  “It’s true, darling,” Father said, nodding in agreement with the First Prince. “This journey serves as part of their training. They must learn how to navigate the wild with only their skills and judgment to rely on.”

  “We’ll be fine, Mother,” Trev chimed in with his usual confidence. “Besides, Theo and Stan have already made this trip once. I’m sure we’ll reach Master Ba’s abode without much trouble.”

  Mother sighed, clearly reluctant but beginning to relent. “Very well… I’m just worried, that’s all.” She gave a soft shake of her head. “I’ll review the supplies again and adjust accordingly.”

  As their conversation continued, I quietly enjoyed my meal. Since I wasn’t joining the expedition, I had little to add and even less to offer. I simply listened, occasionally nodding, content to fade into the background for once.

  Just as I reached for my gss of wine, a subtle gnce caught my eye—the First Prince was watching Father with quiet curiosity. His gaze lingered on the way Father attentively served Mother, carving meat and offering it with a touch of care that, while discreet, carried unmistakable affection.

  Is he surprised? I mused, watching him from the corner of my eye. ‘That they show affection so openly, even at the dinner table?’ Of course, it was all within proper bounds—polished and composed—but their bond was unmistakable. If he ever saw them in one of their usual, more... tender moments, he might very well faint from shock.

  A soft chuckle escaped me as I imagined the First Prince’s startled reaction. Unfortunately, it didn’t go unnoticed.

  “What’s so funny?” Trev asked, instantly suspicious.

  I shot him a ft look. “Nothing. Mind your business.”

  He opened his mouth to reply, but I was faster, grabbing a piece of bread and promptly shoving it into his face.

  His muffled grumble of protest was deeply satisfying.

  But as I turned back to my pte, I caught the First Prince staring at me. Our eyes met briefly—his unreadable, mine momentarily wide with surprise.

  I straightened at once and lowered my gaze, pretending to be deeply interested in the vegetables on my pte. Composed, calm, and every bit the picture of innocence.

  Please don’t react, I silently pleaded, shooting a side gnce at the First Prince. Just let it go, pretend you didn’t see that. Because if he dared say anything, I knew exactly how it would go—my parents wouldn’t drop it, Trev would fan the fmes, and since he was leaving soon, guess who’d be left behind to endure the full lecture? Me!

  A few seconds passed. Silence.

  I risked a gnce at the prince. He was calmly cutting into his food, nodding along to whatever conversation was unfolding down the table, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

  Phew.A quiet sigh of relief slipped through my lips.Maybe the First Prince isn’t so bad after all…

  Turning slightly, I spotted Trev still chewing on the piece of bread I had oh-so-kindly shoved into his mouth earlier. I leaned toward him subtly, careful not to draw our parents’ attention.

  “Open that mouth again,” I whispered under my breath, “and I’ll tell Theo it was you who lost his favorite blue rock at the ke.”

  Trev's eyes widened just slightly, but before he could respond, Theo—having heard his name—gnced over. “Hmm? What about me?”

  “Oh,” I said smoothly, straightening with an innocent smile. “I was just telling Trev how much you love bell peppers.”And with that, I scooped a generous helping of them onto Theo’s pte.

  Theo blinked in surprise. Trev, on the other hand, looked like he’d just swallowed a lemon.

  I knew for a fact he hated bell peppers and had always managed to skillfully dodge them. But now, cornered by appearances and pride—as the future heir of House Voschell—he had no choice.

  He looked at me helplessly. I responded with a sweet, smug smile, returning to my food with the satisfaction of a small but glorious victory.

  Dinner continued with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversations weaving down the long dining table. The warmth of roasted herbs lingered in the air, mixing pleasantly with the faint citrusy aroma from the wine. I found myself rexing—if only a little.

  Theo was engaged in a silent war with the bell pepper I’d pced on his pte. He chewed it slowly and painfully, stuffing it into his mouth as though enduring some noble test of character. I almost admired the theatrical grimace that accompanied each reluctant bite.

  Trev, for once, ate his food in silence—finally subdued, though I could still sense the quiet storm brewing behind his eyes.

  Father, meanwhile, discussed recent trade routes and border patrols with the First Prince, while Mother quietly shifted the pieces of the food she didn’t like onto Father’s pte. Stan joined in occasionally with calm, thoughtful input as to how things are in the Duchy, and new policies his Father the Duke implemented.

  As the st of the dishes were cleared and the golden glow of the chandelier cast a soft, cozy light across the dining hall, the hum of conversation slowly began to fade. The shared meal had done more than satisfy hunger—it had wrapped the room in a quiet sense of comfort, of something that almost felt like peace.

  Father cleared his throat gently and turned to the First Prince with a respectful incline of his head.

  “Your Highness, if you’ll excuse us,” he began, his voice calm but firm. “It’s best we all retire early. You’ll be departing before sunrise, and you must get proper rest—you’ll need your strength for the journey ahead.”

  “Of course, Marquis Voschell,” the prince replied with a respectful nod.

  Mother rose as well, her movements graceful and composed. Father instinctively moved to assist her.“Please be careful,” she added gently, her gaze sweeping over the boys. “Avoid unnecessary risks. Promise me that.”

  “Well, I know you’ll all be fine,” I chimed in casually, waving off the worry. “You’re all strong and capable and whatnot. Just don’t forget to bring back Master Ba’s sweet potatoes—they’re always the best.”

  Stan ughed. “Now that sounds more like you, Nia. I knew there’d be a request the moment you started with a compliment.”

  “You know me too well,” I grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. “Thank you. And don’t forget the berries.”

  “Of course, I’ll get those too.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the First Prince gncing in my direction. His eyes darkened ever so slightly—just a flicker of something unreadable, tinged with irritation.

  ‘What’s that look for?’ I wondered. ‘It’s not like I asked him to bring anything…’

  Brushing it off, I turned back to Stan with extra cheer. “Also, make sure Trev or Theo carries the sweet potatoes and berries, alright?” I said, throwing the brothers a pointed gnce. “You’ll probably have your hands full carrying Cece’s entire grocery list.”

  Stan groaned dramatically.

  “And speaking of lists…” I leaned in with mock seriousness. “Eri asked for spiders. Again. You conveniently forgot st time, remember?”

  Stan’s eyes widened in horror. “She actually wants those again?”

  I nodded, deadpan. “Yup. And she made sure I told you directly. This time, there's no escaping it.”

  Trev muttered something unintelligible under his breath. Theo sighed and shook his head.

  I, of course, knew exactly what I was doing. Stan was terrified of bugs—especially spiders—but he always tried to act so composed. Polished on the outside, screaming on the inside.

  “She said, and I quote, that you’re braver than my brothers,” I added with a smirk. “So naturally, I volunteered you.”

  Stan let out a groan of pure despair. He probably knew that if he came back empty-handed, Eri would hound him for weeks.

  I leaned back with a satisfied smile before rising to my feet. Turning to the First Prince, I offered a graceful curtsy.

  “I’ll take my leave as well, Your Highness—if you’ll excuse me,” I said politely.

  He gave a slight nod in return, his tone just as courteous.

  “Of course. Rest well, Lady Titania.”

  I hurried toward the dining hall doors, where my parents were already making their way out. A quiet sense of relief settled over me—I’d managed to get back at my brothers for their earlier teasing.

  A small, smug grin tugged at my lips.

  A pat on the back—mission accomplished.

  I bid my parents goodnight and made my way to my bedroom.

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