“And this is where the city is located,” Rowell said, pointing to a small bend on the map. Tuk leaned in as he explained, subtly steering the conversation with carefully planted questions. She had claimed—eyes wide and voice sugar-sweet—that she was born in Ellis but never got to explore it properly.

  “I want to make the most of this trip,” she’d told him, “you know, hidden gems and scenic spots no one writes about.” She hoped the fake excitement masked her actual goal: gathering enough local detail to sell her lie if things ever went south.

  “You’re a life saver, Rowell! Now I won’t look like a total idiot pretending to know where I’m going.”

  “Happy to help,” he said with a charming smile—though, just for a second, it looked more rehearsed than real. “I’ve always had a thing for geography. Especially cities that no longer show up on most maps.”

  Tuk let out a laugh, brushing it off. If he weren’t a historian, she would’ve pegged him for some noble in disguise. Kind, smart, composed—hell, he had the look.

  Odd, she thought, how she sometimes got the same sinking feeling around him as she did with Michaelli. That tightness in her chest.

  Maybe it was just his whole vibe—tall, dark, and princely. Well, I always have good radar for good-looking men. But that did nothing for her—she could admire a painting without wanting to touch the canvas.

  She rolled her eyes at herself as she left the library.

  Tuk absentmindedly walked down the hallway after visiting the library, her thoughts weighed down by the looming journey to an unfamiliar kingdom. As if she didn’t already have enough to worry about, now—out of nowhere—she was being sent to Ellis? Just why?!

  Her steps faltered when she caught the sound of a familiar voice from afar. That voice.

  The main cause of her suffering—Prince Michaelli. And, of course, Nixon was with him.

  Without hesitation, she spun on her heel, not caring where she was going—only that she needed to get as far away from that man as possible.

  “Royal Advisor?”

  Tuk flinched.

  That voice again.

  She bolted.

  Let’s pretend we didn’t hear it. I didn’t hear it!

  But before she could get far, something cold and slick coiled around her ankle. A sharp chill shot up her spine as she looked down—black liquid, twisting and shifting like a living shadow.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  She barely had time to react before it yanked her off balance. A startled breath caught in her throat as she lurched forward, bracing for impact—only for the same dark force to catch her at the last second, steadying her before she could hit the marble floor.

  “Where are you going in such a hurry?”

  The voice was right above her. Coming closer to her

  Tuk clenched her jaw, inhaling sharply before turning around. Suppressing the irritation bubbling in her chest, she forced a practiced smile and dipped into a small bow. “Your Highness. I didn’t realize you were here.”

  Her gaze flickered briefly to his side. “Lord Nixon.”

  The black liquid slithered away from her ankle, retracting like an obedient serpent. In a fluid motion, it coalesced back into solid form—Prince Michaelli’s sword now resting casually in his side, as if it had never moved at all.

  “I thought you were hiding the fact that you’re a Fragment Holder,” she muttered. “To think you’d use it so openly in broad daylight…”

  Prince Michaelli scoffed. “No one’s around.” His lips curved into a sly grin. “Besides, I wanted to see if I could catch a prey that was running around.”

  Tuk clasped her hands together, schooling her expression into one of perfect politeness. “Prey, Your Highness? That’s an… interesting choice of words.”

  Michaelli’s grin widened. “I thought it was fitting. You do run rather fast—for someone who is supposed to be firm and proper as my royal advisor.”

  Tuk had always been good at running—whether from people, responsibilities, or emotions she had no desire to acknowledge. But the thing about running was that it only worked when the predator wasn’t interested in the chase.

  And Michaelli? He was the kind to enjoyed the hunt.

  She let out a measured breath, keeping her tone level. “Perhaps I’ve simply learned that lingering too long in certain places only invites trouble.” She tilted her head ever so slightly, meeting his gaze with an unwavering stare.

  “Wouldn’t you agree, Your Highness? ”

  Michaelli giggled, clearly amused. “Trouble? And here I was under the impression that you enjoyed my company.”

  Tuk offered him the most diplomatic of smiles. “Of course, Your Highness. Just as one enjoys a sudden downpour in the middle of an important journey—unexpected, unavoidable, and requiring immediate adjustment.”

  From the side, Nixon coughed into his fist, failing to hide his laughter.

  Michaelli, on the other hand, looked delighted. “Ah, so you’re saying my presence demands one’s full attention. How flattering.”

  Tuk dipped into a small bow, feigning deep respect. “I only meant that one must always be prepared for the unexpected.”

  Michaelli studied her for a moment before shifting the conversation. “You’re going back to your hometown for the first time, aren’t you? You must be excited. It’s a gift from me, so you don’t have to say thanks.”

  Tuk froze for a second, then narrowed her eyes. The way he said it, with that infuriatingly casual tone, felt more like a mockery than generosity.

  “Indeed, I am so grateful I don’t even know how to properly thank you, Your Highness,” she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “In that case, why don’t you join me for a drink? ” Michaelli tilted his head, his expression never wavering.

  “A drink? ” Tuk echoed, confused.

  “Nixon will fetch you later.” He clapped her shoulder as he walked past her, not even allowing her the chance to refuse. “I’ll let you taste some fine wine—as a celebration for our victory in the trial court and, of course, your little vacation.”

  Tuk could only stand there, glaring at his retreating figure.

  “May you be buried under all your paperwork and forget the offer,” she muttered under her breath, more like a curse than a prayer.

  Of course, fate was never that kind to her.

  new and fixed schedule, and that will be on Friday at 8:30 PM (ET) / 8:30 AM (GMT+8). Hopefully, I set the time correctly because there are no AM/PM options in the schedule. release. I feel so stupid using Royal Road, really.