When Austin woke up, the sun was already setting. His arm throbbed immediately reninding him of the attack. But the pain faded into the background when he saw Alina in front of him.

Alina had eventually fallen asleep in the chair beside his bed. She had even stolen the blanket from his bed and wrapped it around herself. Her head was tilted awkwardly against the chair, her hair falling lossely on her face.

Austin stared at her for a few minutes with a smile on his face.

"I should wake her up," he whispered to himself. "Her neck is definitely going to hurt later, and she will complain about it for an entire day that it was because of me as I didn’t wake her up."

But, he didn’t. He just watched her sleep. Then Alina moved a little, and slowly, she opened her eyes. She blinked at the ceiling first, then at thr window in front of her, then at Austin.

"When did you wake up?" she mumbled sleepily.

"When you were snoring," he replied.

Her eyes widened immediately.

"I do not snore."

"You do," he replied with a smile. "Though very softly...like an angry kitten."

"I do not snore," she repeated.

"You definitely do."

Alina hand immediately went to her mouth, embarrassed, not knowing he was lying.

"How is your neck?" he asked.

"My neck? What happened?" she asked as she straightened it wondering why was he asking.

And then immediately she winced.

"Oh god, it hurts," she groaned, grabbing her neck.

"Should I call the physician?" he asked, worried.

She laughed.

"Who calls physician for a stiff neck?" she said. "Don’t worry, it’ll be fine in no time."

She massaged her neck gently, moving her neck in all directions when her eyes landed on his wound again. The smile on her face disappeared immediately.

"I’m glad you’re okay," she whispered.

"I’m glad too," he laughed.

"Stop laughing about it," she scolded him. "You have no idea how terrified I was."

He reached out and held her hand.

"But I’m fine now."

"You really scared me, Austin."

"I’ll try not to get attacked again," he replied.

"You better."

"You know," he said slowly, "if I had died, I never would’ve discovered that you snore."

"I do not snore," she shouted this time.

"You do."

"I’m leaving."

"What? Why?"

"So that your advisors don’t come with a petition to move me out of the castle this time."

Austin groaned in frustration.

"You’ll come back later?"

"Maybe."

"Does that mean yes?"

"It means maybe."

"So... yes."

Alina laughed and stood up.

"Take care of yourself," she said and kissed his forehead.

The cold wind brushed against Alina the moment she stepped outside. She wrapped her shawl around herself tightly as she walked back towards her suite. Her neck still hurt a little from sleeping in the chair, but somehow she felt better than she had in the morning.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost walked past Dorian standing near one of the windows. He turned his head when he heard her footsteps.

"Miss Ashworth," he called her. "Going to your suite?"

Alina nodded and was about to walk away when he spoke again.

"I’ve been investigating the attack," he said.

She stopped and took a step back, staring at him.

"Did you find something?"

He glanced around before lowering his voice.

"I have sources in Arcasedia," he said. "Rumours about you have already started circulating there, and it seems like no one is happy about it."

A cold feeling spread through her chest.

"You think someone from Arcasedia sent the attached?"

"It’s possible," Dorian replied.

"But why would they attack Austin?"

"Because he is standing beside you," Dorian answered. "And because hurting him is the easiest way to pressure you."

Alina froze.

"I’m not sure yet," he continued. "My people are still investigating. But you and Austin need to be careful."

Her throat suddenly felt dry.

"All of this...happened because of me?"

Dorian didn’t answer immediately, making that silence even worse.

"I think the moment your identity became public, it stopped being just a romance problem."

The warmth she had been feeling since leaving Austin’s room disappeared instantly.

"You should warn him."

She nodded.

"I will."

Dorian then gave her a small bow and walked away. Alina stood frozen there for a few seconds. before walking back towards her suite.

The moment she closed the door, the fear had already begun swallowing her thoughts.

The realization that Austin’s life was in danger because he chose her made guilt crash over her so sharply that she could barely breathe.

She hated being a Princess. She hated the kingdom of Arcasedia. But most of all, she hated the king and Audrey for forcing this impossible condition onto them.

"If Austin stays beside me, he could die. But if I stepped away from him..." she couldn’t even finish the thought.

She imagined him marrying Audrey and it was her worst nightmare. The pain hit her so hard that tears immediately filled her eyes.

"What am I supposed to do?" she whispered.

For the first time in months, she actually didn’t know how to move forward. Even when she was sold, she had a plan. But right now, she had nothing.

Fight for him and risk his life or leave him to protect him.

Both choices were unbearable.

Her knees finally gave out and she slid down against the door, burying her face in her arms as she sobbed loudly.

Meanwhile, in her chambers, Audrey sat at her desk, reading a letter.

The attack on the Duke of Ravenmoor was likely connected to Arcasedia. Certain factions oppose the return of the disowned heir. The duke may have been targeted as a warning.

Audrey’s expression darkened immediately.

"Austin had nearly died. And this happened because of the father’s decision," she murmured.

Without wasting another second, she took a sheet of paper and began writing.

Father,

Your decision has put Austin in danger. My sources strongly believe the attack was connected to Arcasedia. Someone there does not want Alina to be acknowledged, and Austin became the target because he is with her.

I will not tolerate Austin paying the price for stupid kingdom’s games. Resolve this matter immediately.

Audrey

She sealed the letter and called for her personal courier.

"Give this directly to the king," she ordered. "It should reach him by morning."

"Yes, Your Highness," the courier bowed and left.

I will not let anything happen to you Austin.