Morning light streamed through the windows warming Austin’s room. Alina lay sprawled on her stomach near the foot of the bed, one ankle swinging lazily in the air as she flipped through the poetry book Austin had brought her the previous day.

A half empty breakfast tray sat between them on the blankets with tea that had gone lukewarm, a toast lay untouched, and strawberries that were slowly disappearing into Alina’s stomach.

They had chosen to have breakfast in the room instead of the great hall, away from all the hostile gazes and judgements that now followed her everywhere.

Austin sat propped on the headboard with several reports open on his lap. His full attention was on the papers, but every few seconds his hand moved absently towards her leg under the blanket.

"Stop glaring at the reports like you want to kill them. It’s unhealthy," Alina murmured without looking up from the book.

"So does eating all the strawberries meant for two people," he replied.

She smiled and popped another one into her mouth.

"I didn’t know you were this humorous in the mornings," she commented.

"Wait until I read all the reports," he sighed.

She laughed at his response. Austin finally lowered the reports he was reading and looked at her. Her hair was loose, falling over her shoulders in messy waves. She had tucked one pillow under her chest while her one leg was covered with the blanket. After days of tension she finally looked happy and relaxed.

Alina reached for another strawberry but Austin caught her wrist before she could grab it.

"That one was mine," he said.

"You weren’t eating it," she replied, trying to pull her wrist free.

"I was about to."

She finally freed her wrist and tried to eat it when Austin leaned forward at the exact same moment and ate the strawberry from her fingers.

Alina stared at him as if he had betrayed her while Austin looked far too pleased with himself.

"That was so petty of you," she complained.

"I agree," he said, eating the strawberry with exaggerated satisfaction. "But why are you still staring at my mouth? Want some?"

She shook her head.

"I’m planning revenge."

"I’m looking forward to it."

She narrowed her eyes and started to lean forward when someone knocked at the door. Alina immediately straightened up and sat properly.

"Enter," Austin called.

A young servant stepped inside, looking intimidated the moment Austin looked at him.

"Your Grace... the advisors are waiting for you in the study."

"At this hour?" Austin frowned.

"They said they have some urgent matter to discuss."

Of course they had.

Austin’s expression changed immediately. The warmth on his face was replaced by calculation now. He muttered something under his breath and set the papers aside. He stood up and reached for his coat.

"What happened?" Alina asked.

"Something bad for sure," he replied. "But don’t worry. I’ll manage."

Then he leaned down and kissed her forehead softly.

"I’ll be back soon," he said and left the room.

Alina stared at the closed door for a few seconds then turned back to the poetry book in her lap. But she could no longer read it. Her mind kept drifting to the study and whatever "urgent matter" the advisors wanted to discuss with Austin.

In the study, several senior advisors were already waiting when Austin entered. They stood near the desk, looking uncomfortable. Austin decided to keep standing as well instead of taking his seat.

"What do you want to talk about?" he asked.

The oldest advisor cleared his throat and began speaking.

"Your Grace... circumstances in the castle have changed significantly following yesterday’s announcement."

"Get to the point."

They looked at each other and another advisor stepped forward.

"Now that Miss Ashworth has been acknowledged as Princess Alina by the king himself, certain adjustments within the household are necessary."

Austin curled his fists, understanding where this conversation was going.

"What kind of adjustments?"

All of them exchanged nervous glances because everyone was hesitant to say it directly, especially to Austin.

"We recommend that Princess Alina be given her own royal suite immediately, with maids and attendants. She can no longer spend nights in your private room."

Austin stared at them in disbelief.

"She already has her own room."

The advisor shook his head.

"With respect, Your Grace...Princess Alina is no longer a bed warmer. If rumours spread that she is sleeping in your private room before marriage, it might cause a scandal. It reflects on the honor of both the duchy and her royal heritage."

Austin couldn’t believe his ears for a moment.

"Even Lady Audrey resided in a separate suite during your engagement."

Austin’s entire posture changed on the mention of Audrey. He looked so angry that all the advisors stiffened.

"Alina is not Audrey."

The advisor nodded.

"But royal protocol..."

"I do not care about protocol."

"You have to."

Austin was surprised by their audacity. He took a step forward before speaking again.

"This is Ravenmoor. I decide what happens here."

"Your Grace," Another advisor said, joining the conversation. "If the kingdom of Arcasedia hears their princess is sleeping with the Duke of their enemy kingdom before marriage, it may destroy her chances of being acknowledged by them."

The words hit him hard. Austin hated them for being right. The tension in the room sharpened suddenly.

"So this is what everyone is panicking about," someone spoke from the door.

Everyone turned and saw Alina standing there holding the poetry book against her chest. The advisors straightened immediately and bowed to her.

"Your Highness," one of them said.

Alina flinched at the title. But then steadied herself and stepped into the study.

"Apparently," she smiled bitterly. "I’m too royal to steal Austin’s blankets now."

The joke landed awkwardly. Some advisors looked horrified while others looked confused and uncomfortable. Austin was just a few seconds away from ordering every one of them out immediately.

Then the oldest advisor cleared his throat.

"Princess Alina, this is only because of diplomatic necessity and protecting your reputation."

"Of course it is," Alina replied. "How thoughtful of you all."

The advisors then bowed awkwardly and left the study. Austin paced across the study, stopping abruptly near the fireplace, running a hand through his hair.

"This is ridiculous," he almost growled.

Alina leaned against the desk, her arms still folded loosely around the book.

"They aren’t entirely wrong," she said.

"They are completely wrong," Austin snapped, turning to her. "The title is already changing how people look at you. And now they want to put you in a separate wing like some political ornament?"

Alina looked down at the poetry book in her hands for a second before speaking.

"You know what...as a bed warmer, I could walk through the castle corridors unnoticed, I could sleep in your bed without anyone questioning it. I could even come to your study just because I wanted to," she smiled. "Apparently I had more freedom when I was a bed warmer rather than a princess."

Austin walked towards her and pulled her into his arms.

"I won’t let them do this," he said fiercely.

"We may not have a choice, Austin. Not if we want Arcasedia to acknowledge me."

She was right.

"I hate that we have no other option and they are right," he whispered.

"So do I."