Though I’m a Homebody, I Found Myself in a Dark Captive Genre

“Who is it?”

The question didn’t linger for long.

“It’s Liam.”

I had already been meaning to ask him about Polletta leather, so I lit up and stood.

“Oh, Liam! I was just about to ask you something—”

But something was off.

He stood halfway in the doorway, leaning against the frame, rubbing his brow as if exhausted.

Hmm, he looks like he has a lot on his mind. But why?

‘If he had something to say, he’d usually blurt it out right away. Is something wrong?’

“Liam?”

When our eyes met, his expression became troubled.

Although he didn’t respond right away, my instincts were already screaming at me—something was definitely up.

“I need a private word. And make sure the ‘bodyguards’ leave the room.”

“Oh… okay.”

At this unusual request, I sent both Bonita and Ian out of the room.

Once it was quiet, Liam finally got to the point.

“An invitation has come from the royal palace.”

“For His Grace the Grand Duke?”

That made sense.

I nodded to myself. For someone like Grand Duke Blaire, it wasn’t unusual to be summoned to the palace now and then.

But why was Liam telling me this?

Desperately ignoring a growing sense of unease, I asked again. The answer came much faster than expected—and caught me completely off guard.

“No. The invitation is for all participants in the comic book project.”

“Ah… really?”

My voice wavered slightly.

Surely, they don’t mean me, too…?

I wanted to deny reality, but Liam’s silence forced me to ask again.

“Wait… am I included?”

Sometimes, when people are shocked, they repeat themselves without realizing it. I guess this was one of those times.

And it wasn’t like I could just reject a royal invitation.

“Yes, you are.”

“Do I really have to go? Me specifically?”

“Yes. His Grace will explain more when he arrives…”

Liam glanced at the clock on the wall.

“He’s a bit late.”

Wait… is the Grand Duke coming here?

I tilted my head in confusion, and just then, as if on cue, the Grand Duke burst into my room, breathless.

“I’ll explain,” he said between gasps.

“Then I’ll leave the rest to you, Your Grace.” Liam, as calm as ever, bowed and left the room, leaving me with the panting Grand Duke.

“Um… so, what is it you need to explain?”

Was he mad? Had something happened?

Just a few days ago, I’d thought we’d finally moved past the whole captor-hostage dynamic. Apparently not.

Finally catching his breath, the Grand Duke spoke.

“You must go as well, Princess.”

“Do I have to?”

To the royal palace?

My first thought: I don’t want to!

Staying under the Grand Duke’s protection was one thing—it even had its perks. But moving to the imperial capital was a whole different story.

Kayan Blaire.

The Grand Duke. The emperor’s biological son, although he’d renounced any claim to the throne upon inheriting his title. Still, his royal blood alone drew enough attention to make heads turn.

And if I showed up with him? The entire social circle would be buzzing.

Just my appearance alone could cause serious trouble.

That thought alone made me queasy.

Before I could even process my dread, the Grand Duke stepped closer. His quiet voice followed.

“You’re the one responsible for this comic book.”

“But I…”

I just want to stay home.

I’m a homebody…

But my thoughts didn’t seem to matter. His expression stayed grim.

“Disrespecting royalty is a grave offense, punishable by death. If you don’t answer their questions properly, innocent artists might be accused of deception.”

That shut me up.

He was right—I knew more about the comic’s story and characters than anyone else. And I couldn’t stand by while others got dragged into trouble for something I knew.

So, I had no choice.

As long as I don’t get caught, it should be fine, right?

Resistance was futile. I could only accept it.

If I could stay under the radar, it wouldn’t be so bad… right?

After much deliberation, I turned to face the Grand Duke, who was still staring me down.

“If I go as one of your distant relatives…”

I finally forced out my reluctant answer.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

“Good. I’ll take that as agreement.”

The Grand Duke nodded and turned to leave.

But then, out of nowhere, a rush of frustration surged in my chest.

I was being dragged to the imperial palace without even putting up a proper fight!

And it all came down to me relying on the Grand Duke in the first place.

Maybe it’s time… to execute that plan.

My finances were stable. Though I couldn’t afford a mansion, I could at least get a small house.

With that in mind, I called out just as he was about to step through the door.

“Um, Your Grace, one more thing…”

“What is it?”

His calm question made me feel small, but I squared my shoulders.

“Maybe it’s time I thought about… independence?”

“…Princess. Did you just say independence?”

His tone was icy.

Why does he sound mad?

His face was the same as always, but I could feel the chill.

It didn’t make sense. Shouldn’t he be glad to get rid of me?

Maybe he’s just worried about losing a loyal servant?

I tilted my head at the thought, but quickly straightened up to press my point.

“Yes, my position here is… awkward. Staying any longer would be burdensome.”

It was true.

At first, I was a kidnapping victim. But once the mistake was realized, my role became strange.

Technically, the easiest solution would’ve been to silence me permanently. But instead, I stayed of my own accord, and now…

I’m more like a guest—or even a lady of the house.

But it didn’t feel right. It felt like I was freeloading.

Plus, trouble always found me here. If I stayed, more headaches would surely follow.

No way. I can’t let that happen.

My peaceful, homebody life was at stake.

“I’ve been a burden long enough. It’s time I moved out.”

“And?”

“When we return from the palace, I’ll move right away. It won’t take long.”

I bowed my head, determined.

Since he’d already referred to me as a ‘guest,’ he had no reason to stop me.

After a pause, he finally spoke.

“Is that so? If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you.”

Nice!

His regretful tone and apparent willingness to let me go were reassuring. I smiled and raised my head.

But then.

“…Huh?”

He was smiling.

Not just any smile—a radiant smile.

And I immediately broke out in goosebumps.

Something’s wrong.

Whenever he smiled like that, disaster followed. I’d learned that lesson the hard way.

Step by step, he approached with a leisurely pace. Stopping just in front of me, he looked down and spoke.

“But before you leave, Princess… let’s settle our accounts, shall we?”