The aftermath of the attack still lingered in the cold night air. The captured noblemen were dragged away, their muffled protests swallowed by the darkness.
Alex stood motionless for a moment, his sharp gaze fixed on their retreating figures.
Maria, still trembling from the chaos, wrapped her arms around herself. The fear hadn't left her.
Alex turned to her—and in an instant, without a word, he scooped her into his arms.
"W-Wait, what are you doing?" Maria gasped, her hands gripping his shoulders as her face burned red.
"You're shaking," Alex said simply, his voice calm but firm.
Maria felt her heart hammering in her chest. It wasn't just the lingering fear from the night's events—it was the feeling of being so close to him, her body pressed against his warmth.
Elisha, who had been watching the entire exchange with a smirk, leaned against the doorway and drawled, "Well, well… isn't this a rare sight?"
Alex shot her a sharp look. "It's late. Go back to your room. We'll talk about this tomorrow."
Elisha raised her hands in surrender. "Of course, Your Grace. Don't let me interrupt."
Maria, mortified beyond belief, buried her face in her hands. She could still hear Elisha's teasing chuckle as Alex walked away, carrying her down the dimly lit corridor.
When they reached Maria's bedroom, Alex gently set her down.
"Rest here," he said, straightening up as if nothing had happened.
Maria, her mind still reeling, gripped his sleeve before he could walk away.
"I… If possible, can you stay here?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Alex stilled. He turned to her, his golden eyes searching hers.
Then, he smiled—a rare, knowing smile.
He could see right through her. She was scared.
"Alright," he said, stepping back. He turned to the maids who stood frozen in shock. "Prepare hot water for my bath. I'll be staying here tonight."
The maids exchanged glances, then grinned.
"Oh my," one of them whispered.
"How bold…" another giggled.
Maria, horrified, grabbed a pillow and pressed it against her face. What had she just done?!
Meanwhile, Alex entered the adjoining bathroom, leaving Maria to drown in her embarrassment.
As she sat on the bed, she scolded herself internally.
"What was I thinking?! I actually asked him to stay?!"
Her cheeks were burning. Her whole body was burning.
The sound of water splashing filled the room.
She tried to distract herself, but the thought of Alex taking a bath right there, in her room, was impossible to ignore.
Maria swallowed hard. Focus. Just focus.
After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open.
She turned her head—and immediately wished she hadn't.
Alex walked out, steam rising behind him. His damp hair clung to his face, water droplets trailing down his toned chest. But Maria's eyes weren't just drawn to that—
She saw the scars and fresh cuts on his back and arms.
A sharp pang twisted in her chest.
Without thinking, she stood up and walked toward him.
"Does it still hurt?" she asked softly, reaching out.
Her fingertips brushed against a scar on his back.
Alex froze.
Maria's touch was light, barely there—but it set his entire body on fire.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The tension between them was suffocating.
Then, he turned to her—slowly.
Maria gasped when she realized just how close they were.
Their eyes met.
The air crackled between them.
Her fingers were still on his skin. His golden gaze darkened.
And then—
A knock on the door shattered the moment.
Maria practically jumped away, her face a deep shade of red.
Alex exhaled, running a hand through his damp hair.
The tension snapped, but something undeniable lingered in the air between them.
Neither of them would forget this night.
Neither of them wanted to.
The lingering heat between them still crackled in the air. Maria's heart pounded. Had she really just touched him like that?
Alex, ever composed, turned toward the door, his golden eyes narrowing. Whoever had interrupted them had impeccably bad timing.
Maria, still reeling, quickly stepped back, but her fingers tingled from where they had touched his skin.
A maid's voice came hesitantly from the other side of the door.
"M-My Lord, I have brought fresh linens and—"
"Leave them," Alex ordered, his voice firm, but lower than usual.
A moment of silence. Then the soft sound of retreating footsteps.
Maria exhaled, barely realizing she'd been holding her breath.
Alex, now standing completely still, finally turned back to her.
"You should rest," he said, but his voice wasn't as steady as before.
Maria swallowed. "You… You're hurt."
Alex's brow lifted slightly in amusement. "I've had worse."
But she wasn't amused. "That doesn't mean you should ignore it."
She turned, stepping toward the vanity where a small box of medicinal ointment had been left earlier. Carefully, she picked it up before turning back to him.
"Sit," she commanded, surprising even herself.
Alex arched a brow. Commanding him?
Maria glared. "Don't look at me like that. You're injured."
He chuckled softly but obeyed, lowering himself into a chair. His back faced her now, broad and riddled with scars—some old, some fresh.
Maria bit her lip. How many battles had he endured?
She dipped her fingers into the cool ointment, hesitated for a brief moment, and then pressed them gently against his back.
Alex let out a quiet breath, his muscles briefly tensing before he relaxed under her touch.
Maria worked in silence, applying the medicine with careful fingers. She had never touched him like this before.
She could feel the heat radiating from his skin.
She could feel his breath slowing.
"…You're gentle," he murmured suddenly.
Maria stiffened.
His voice was low. Rough.
She didn't know how to respond. Her hands faltered for just a moment before she continued.
"You wouldn't say that if you saw my archery skills," she muttered, trying to lighten the mood.
Alex smirked. "I'll be the judge of that."
A soft silence fell between them again.
Maria found herself lost in thought.
Alex wasn't just a warrior. He was a man who had endured pain, who carried scars—both seen and unseen.
And she… She had never been this close to him before.
When she finished, she pulled her hands away quickly.
"There," she said, stepping back. "All done."
Alex stood, testing his movements. Then, to her surprise, he turned to her fully and said, "Thank you, Madam."
Her breath hitched.
It was the first time he had ever said her name so… softly.
She suddenly felt far too warm.
Turning away hurriedly, she moved toward the bed. "Y-You should get some rest too," she stammered.
She didn't hear him move, but she felt it—his presence behind her.
"Maria."
She turned.
And froze.
He was closer than she expected—too close.
Her breath caught in her throat.
His golden eyes were unreadable, watching her, studying her.
The air between them was charged.
Maria swallowed hard.
"…What?" she whispered.
Alex's gaze flickered over her face.
Then, he smirked.
"Don't stay up too late worrying about me."
And with that, he turned and walked toward the couch, leaving Maria completely speechless, flustered, and utterly unable to sleep.
A sharp knock at the door broke the silence of the early morning.
Alex, still shirtless from the night before, ran a hand through his tousled hair before striding toward the door. He opened it, his golden eyes narrowing as he met the familiar gaze of his sister, Elisha.
She looked grave.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.
Behind him, Maria stirred, slowly sitting up as sleep faded from her eyes. She blinked, sensing the tension in the air.
Elisha's lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke.
"The prisoner from last night… he's dead."
A chill ran down Alex's spine.
"…What?" His voice dropped an octave, dark and dangerous.
Maria's breath hitched. She sat up fully now, eyes wide.
Elisha exhaled, shaking her head. "Somehow, he was poisoned."
Poison.
Alex's jaw clenched. "Poison?" he repeated, as if confirming it would change the reality.
Elisha nodded. "Yes. But I don't understand how. Before we locked him up, we thoroughly searched him. There was nothing on him. No hidden weapons, no vials—nothing. So how?"
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Alex's mind raced. This wasn't just an accident.
Someone wanted him dead. Someone had silenced him before he could speak.
"There's only one explanation," Alex finally said, his voice edged with steel. "Someone helped him. Someone on the inside."
Elisha's expression hardened.
"Who?" she demanded.
Alex's gaze darkened. "It could be anyone."
Elisha frowned, deep in thought. Then, as if making a sudden decision, she said, "I'll personally check every single guard, every servant—whoever it is, I'll find them."
"No."
Alex's sharp command made her pause.
He shook his head. "If you start investigating so openly, the real traitor will know we're onto them. They'll become cautious… or worse, disappear."
Elisha clenched her fists, frustration evident in her stance. "So what do you propose?"
Alex exhaled slowly. "We wait. We let them think they're safe… and then we strike when they least expect it."
For a moment, Elisha hesitated. But then, seeing the unwavering determination in Alex's eyes, she relented with a nod.
"…Fine. But don't take too long."
"I won't," Alex assured her. "Now, go get some rest. I'll handle this."
Elisha studied him for a moment before turning on her heel and walking away.
Alex closed the door, his mind already working through possibilities.
Then, he turned—and found Maria wide awake, staring at him.
"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was too loud."
Maria shook her head, her voice softer than usual. "No… I'm okay."
But she wasn't.
Alex could see it in her eyes. Fear. Uncertainty. Worry.
Something inside him tightened.
Without another word, he stepped closer, reaching out—a silent reassurance.
Maria's gaze flickered to his hand for a moment, then back to his face.
She nodded, drawing in a steady breath. "…What happens now?"
Alex's expression hardened. "Now… we hunt the snake hiding among us."
And this time, they wouldn't escape.
Maria sat on the bed, still lost in thought.
The morning's conversation replayed in her head—the poison, the dead prisoner, the traitor hiding in the shadows.
How could someone do that? Poison him right under their noses? But how…?
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. It was unsettling, but she knew Alex would handle it.
Just then, the door creaked open. A group of maids entered, all beaming like they were about to burst from excitement.
Maria blinked. "Uh… good morning?"
Instead of responding, the maids exchanged knowing glances, their smiles widening.
Then—
"Congratulations, My Lady!"
Maria froze. "…What?"
The maids giggled, practically glowing with excitement.
"No need to be shy! We all know what happened last night," one of them chirped, winking.
Maria's brain short-circuited.
What… happened last night?
Another maid clasped her hands together. "We're so happy for you! The Duke is truly a fine man. He must have taken such good care of you!"
Maria blinked once. Twice.
Wait… wait… wait…
Her entire face turned red as realization hit her like a brick.
They think… last night was… THAT?!
"W-WAIT! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! NOTHING HAPPENED!!" Maria flailed her hands, but the maids just exchanged knowing looks.
"Oh, My Lady," one of them said, sighing dreamily. "There's no need to deny it. It was your first night. Of course, it must have been special."
Maria nearly choked on air.
Her first night?!
"I—We—HE JUST STAYED HERE BECAUSE I WAS SCARED! NOTHING ELSE!" she practically screamed.
The maids, however, didn't look convinced.
"Of course, of course," one of them said with a mischievous smile. "We'll pretend to believe you."
Maria wanted the earth to swallow her whole.
After an awkward breakfast (where Maria swore everyone in the dining hall kept throwing her secretive glances and smiling at her), she found herself with nothing to do.
Alex was busy dealing with the aftermath of the prisoner's death, which meant… she was left alone.
Since there were no lessons today, Maria decided to roam around.
Somehow, her feet led her to the grand library.
The scent of parchment and old books filled the air as she wandered between the towering shelves. That's when she spotted a familiar figure—
Elisha.
The acting Duchess sat near a window, flipping through a book with a blank expression.
Not wanting to disturb her, Maria turned to leave, but Elisha's cold voice stopped her.
"Did you need something?"
Maria hesitated before shaking her head. "No, I was just… looking around."
Elisha didn't say anything. Instead, she closed her book and stood up, gracefully walking past Maria.
Just as Maria thought she was leaving—Elisha suddenly stopped.
Then, she turned back, walking right up to Maria.
Maria blinked in confusion.
Then—
"Congratulations."
Maria blinked again. "Huh?"
Elisha smirked. "I heard you and Alex finally spent the night together."
The words hit Maria like lightning.
Her brain froze.
Her body froze.
Her soul left her body.
For a moment, she just stood there—completely blank.
Then, realization sank in.
Maria's face exploded into flames.
"W-WHAT?! N-NO! YOU'RE GETTING IT ALL WRONG!!"
Elisha crossed her arms, clearly enjoying Maria's flustered reaction. "Oh? Then why is the entire mansion talking about it?"
Maria staggered back. "I—I DON'T KNOW! BUT IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! WE DIDN'T—NOTHING—NOT EVEN A SINGLE—!!!"
Her words turned into a flustered mess.
She covered her burning face with her hands.
Elisha, watching Maria practically combust, chuckled.
A genuine, amused chuckle.
"You're fun to tease," she remarked, smirking.
Maria peeked at her through her fingers, still bright red.
Elisha gave her one last smirk before turning around.
"I'll leave you to recover."
Then, just like that, she walked away, laughing softly.
Maria, still standing in the same spot, wanted to dig a hole and stay there forever.
Alex had a plan.
To lure out the traitor hiding among them, he spread false information—a rumor that an immense treasure was hidden in the basement.
The news spread quickly through the mansion, just as Alex had intended.
Tonight, they would catch the culprit.
Maria, however, was completely unaware of all of this.
The night was eerily silent.
Alex and his men were hidden in the shadows, watching… waiting.
Then—footsteps.
A shadowy figure moved toward the basement door.
The trap was sprung.
The moment the person stepped inside—the door slammed shut!
"Got them!" someone whispered excitedly.
Everyone tensed, waiting to unmask the traitor.
But then—
BANG! BANG!
A loud, frantic knocking came from inside the locked basement.
Then—
A voice.
A familiar voice.
A woman's voice.
Alex's eyes widened.
No… it couldn't be…
He rushed forward, unlocking the door immediately.
And the moment it swung open—
Maria ran straight into him, trembling, and her face was pale with fear.
She clung to him tightly, burying her face into his chest.
"I… I was scared," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Alex could feel her trembling against him. He gently wrapped his arms around her.
Maria's hands clutched his coat desperately. "I don't know how… how the door locked on its own…"
Alex softened. He had set up a trap—but somehow, Maria had walked right into it instead.
He gently stroked her back, trying to calm her down. "It's okay. You're safe now."
Maria nodded against his chest, her body still trembling.
But then—
"FIRE! THERE'S A FIRE IN THE WAREHOUSE!"
Elisha came running, breathless.
Alex's entire demeanor changed instantly.
He pulled away from Maria, his expression darkening.
"Elisha, take Madam with you," he ordered firmly.
Then, without another word, he ran toward the warehouse.
The warehouse was in flames.
The fire crackled wildly, engulfing everything in its path.
Soldiers and workers were desperately trying to put it out.
After what felt like hours of struggle, they finally managed to extinguish the fire.
Alex stood there, his face shadowed with fury.
He kicked over a bucket in frustration.
Nearby, soldiers whispered among themselves.
"Could it be true? Is Madam… the traitor?"
Alex's eyes snapped toward them.
One soldier immediately elbowed the other. "Shut up! Don't say such things without proof!"
But Alex had already heard it.
And for the first time… he wondered.
Could Madam really be involved?
No.
No, it didn't make sense.
But something wasn't right.
When Alex returned, he found Maria sitting with Elisha.
She was still pale, still shaking from fear.
Seeing her like that, his anger faded slightly.
But he still needed answers.
He walked up to her, gently taking both of her hands in his.
"Madam…" His voice was calm, but firm. "What were you doing in the basement?"
Maria looked up at him, confused.
"I… I was waiting for you."
Alex's brows furrowed. "Waiting for me? In the basement? Why?"
Maria hesitated before replying.
"In the evening… a maid came to me. She brought me a letter."
"A letter?"
She nodded. "It was from you… Or at least, I thought it was. The letter said you had something to show me and to come to the basement."
Alex's grip on her hands tightened slightly.
"…Madam." His voice was dangerously low.
"I never wrote any letter."
Maria's eyes widened.
She stiffened. "W-What…?"
Elisha, who had been listening silently, immediately spoke up.
"Do you still have the letter?"
Maria nodded quickly. "Yes! I kept it in my room."
Elisha turned to a maid. "Go retrieve it."
The maid left.
A few moments later—she returned.
Holding a half-burned letter.
Elisha frowned. "What happened to it?"
The maid hesitated. "When I entered the Duchess's room… I saw something burning."
Maria's heart dropped.
Elisha's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying someone was destroying the letter?"
The maid nodded slowly.
"I sensed someone else was in the room… but when I checked, they were gone."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Alex's jaw clenched.
Elisha crossed her arms. "Someone was trying to erase evidence."
Maria swallowed hard.
Then, Elisha turned back to her.
"Do you remember the maid who gave you the letter?"
Maria shook her head.
"No… I've never seen her before."
Another heavy silence.
Then—Elisha opened her mouth to ask more questions—
But Alex raised a hand.
"Elisha," he said calmly, but firmly. "Enough for now."
She frowned. "But—"
"Look at her."
Elisha turned to Maria.
She was still shaking. Her hands were ice-cold.
Alex sighed. "She's had enough for today."
Elisha hesitated, then nodded.
"…Fine. But we'll talk tomorrow."
Maria looked at Alex, grateful that he had stopped the questioning.
Alex met her gaze and gave her a small, reassuring squeeze on her hands.
"Get some rest, Maria," he said softly. "I promise, we'll get to the bottom of this."
Maria nodded, exhaustion and fear weighing down on her.
Elisha left first, followed by the maid.
Alex lingered a little longer, watching Maria carefully.
And in that moment—
He swore to himself.
He would find the traitor.
And he would make them pay.
After everything that happened—the trap, the fire, the whispers of betrayal—Maria was shaken.
Alex saw it in her pale face, in the way her hands trembled, in the unsteady way she walked.
She wasn't just scared.
She was terrified.
So without a second thought, he took her to her room.
Maria didn't protest.
She simply followed, exhausted and overwhelmed.
When they reached her chamber, Alex helped her sit on the bed.
"Get changed and rest," he said softly.
Maria hesitated, but eventually nodded.
Alex stepped away to change as well, giving her space.
Once they were both ready for bed, Maria hesitated again before lying down.
Even as she closed her eyes, her body refused to relax.
She was still shaking.
Her breathing was uneven, her thoughts racing.
Alex noticed.
Without a word, he reached over and gently pulled her into his embrace.
Maria froze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Her entire face turned red.
"A-Alex—"
"Just sleep," he murmured, his voice low and soothing.
Maria was flustered beyond words, but…
His warmth was comforting.
For the first time that night, she felt safe.
So she didn't pull away.
Instead, she closed her eyes and let herself relax in his arms.
And just like that—
They both fell asleep.
When Maria woke up the next morning, the first thing she felt was warmth.
The second thing—
She wasn't alone.
Her eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep.
And then—
She saw Alex.
Sleeping peacefully beside her.
Her entire body tensed.
W-What?!
Her first instinct was to jump away, but then—
Her gaze lingered on him.
For the first time, she saw him like this.
Peaceful. Relaxed. Vulnerable.
His usual sharp, commanding presence was gone.
His face was… soft.
…Cute.
Before she realized it, a small smile formed on her lips.
She murmured, "I never thought he could look this cute while sleeping…"
And then—
Golden eyes fluttered open.
Alex woke up.
Maria froze.
For a moment, their faces were inches apart.
Too close.
Maria's heart pounded.
Then—she panicked and pulled back so fast she nearly fell off the bed.
Alex sat up slowly, stretching, his gaze locking onto her.
Maria's face was already burning, but when he started moving toward her—
She nearly died on the spot.
He leaned in slightly.
Maria felt her breath catch in her throat.
Then—
His hand landed gently on her head.
His touch was warm.
Then, he took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her skin.
"Madam," his voice was soft yet firm. "Are you feeling better? Did you sleep well?"
Maria swallowed hard, her heart racing.
She couldn't trust her voice, so she simply nodded.
Alex studied her for a moment before sighing in relief.
"Good," he said. "Since you're feeling better, I'll head back to my room now."
He stood up, preparing to leave.
Maria instinctively watched him go—
But then—
She saw it.
A scar on his neck.
Her breath hitched.
A memory flashed in her mind.
The maid.
The one who brought the letter.
She had a scar, too.
A big one—on her hand.
Maria's eyes widened.
"Your Grace, wait!"
Alex stopped immediately.
She took a deep breath and said, "The maid who gave me the letter… she also had a scar. A very big one on her hand."
Alex's expression changed instantly.
His mind raced.
A scar.
He had seen someone like that before.
His gaze sharpened.
Without another word, he turned to a nearby maid.
"Call Elisha," he ordered. "Tell her to meet me in the office. Immediately."
The maid bowed and hurried away.
Maria watched as Alex turned to leave.
But just before stepping out—
He paused.
Then, turning back, he leaned down and—
Pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Maria's entire body locked up.
Then—her face turned crimson.
Alex didn't say a word.
He simply left, his presence lingering like a storm that had passed—but left chaos behind.
Maria sat there, completely frozen.
Her mind was blank.
And then—
Boom.
Her heart exploded.
D-Did he just kiss me?!
She grabbed her pillow and buried her face in it.
"What was that?! What was that?!" she mumbled into the fabric, her entire body burning.
Then, a new thought hit her.
Her lips parted in realization.
Why a kiss on the forehead… when he could've…
Her heart skipped again.
STOP!
She shook her head violently.
"What are you even thinking?!" she scolded herself.
But no matter how hard she tried—
The warmth of that kiss stayed with her.
And her heart refused to calm down.