The Duke and the Girl from Nowhere

The sunlight poured through the estate's arched windows, catching the edges of Yuna's gown as she moved down the corridor. The events of the past few days played in her mind like a reel on repeat — the stolen kiss, Ji-Hwan's silence, the Crown Prince's growing attention.

It was too much.

And yet, not enough.

She reached the end of the hall just as Soo-Min appeared beside her, her steps quiet and steady.

"My lady," Soo-Min said with a low bow. "May I speak freely?"

Yuna blinked. "You always can."

Soo-Min glanced behind them before lowering her voice. "There are whispers. Some of the staff say someone was seen near your chamber last night. A figure in dark robes. I thought it was His Grace at first… but they said this person didn't move like him."

Yuna's heart skipped. "You think someone tried to get into my room?"

"I'm not sure," Soo-Min said cautiously. "But I don't trust the quiet in this estate. Sometimes silence isn't peace. It's a warning."

———

Later that morning, Yuna found herself summoned again — this time not by Ji-Hwan, but by the Crown Prince Lee Sun-Woo himself.

The note was brief.

I hope your heart still races for adventure. Meet me in the Royal Courtyard at noon. –S.W.

She sighed, folding it with shaking fingers. This wasn't just attention anymore. It was pursuit.

The courtyard bloomed with early spring flowers, royal guards standing at a polite distance. Crown Prince Lee Sun-Woo stood beneath a cherry blossom tree, hands clasped behind his back, every bit the image of charm and danger combined.

"I'm beginning to suspect you enjoy the thrill of keeping men off balance," he said as Yuna approached.

She smiled tightly. "And you enjoy chasing what you can't name."

He laughed. "Touché. But I think I've named it now."

Her brows lifted. "And what is it exactly?"

He stepped closer. "Something Ji-Hwan never expected. Someone he can't control."

Their eyes met. His were warm, gentle — and yet searching, as if he wanted to read everything she'd ever hidden. "I want to know you, Yuna. Not just who you are, but why you're here."

Before she could answer, a guard approached.

"Your Highness, forgive the interruption, but Duke Ryu Ji-Hwan has requested Lady Yuna's presence at the northern stables."

Yuna looked up sharply. The Crown Prince's jaw ticked.

"So he sends messengers now," he muttered.

"Should I go?"

He hesitated.

Then he said, voice soft but firm, "Only if your heart tells you to."

———-

Yuna arrived at the stables to find Ji-Hwan standing alone, brushing the mane of a black horse. He didn't look at her as she approached.

"You called for me?"

"I heard you've been meeting with the Crown Prince."

She frowned. "He invited me."

"And you accepted."

Silence.

He finally turned to her. "You still think I'm playing a game?"

"I don't know what to think," she whispered. "You kiss me one night, vanish the next, and then drag me away from another man like I belong to you."

"You do," he snapped. Then softened. "At least… I want you to."

She blinked.

Then, quietly: "There's something wrong, Ji-Hwan. Soo-Min said someone was near my chambers last night."

His face darkened instantly. "Did you see them?"

"No. But I'm starting to feel like someone's watching me. I don't know who to trust anymore."

"You can trust me." His voice broke just slightly. "Even if I don't always deserve it."

Then he stepped forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"I will find out who's behind this. And if anyone tries to hurt you again…"

His voice dropped.

"They won't live to try a second time."

Back inside the estate, far above them, someone watched from a high balcony — unseen.

A shadow.

A smile.

And the soft whisper of plans already in motion.

End of Chapter 11