As the days go by, I find it increasingly difficult to ignore Elara. One day, while checking the stables, I notice her with the maids, chatting lively as she helps hang sheets. The sight of her engaging so naturally with others draws my attention in a way I can't quite understand.

During my training sessions, I catch myself pausing whenever I hear her voice or laughter in the distance, my focus slipping as I search for her presence. It's becoming a distraction I can't easily dismiss.

Now, standing by my window, I try to direct my thoughts elsewhere but notice her again, this time in the garden with the gardener, planting flowers. Frustrated, I ask myself quietly, "Why does this girl infest my mind? Why do my eyes always seek her out?"

Determined to find an explanation, I mutter to myself, "I need to get to the bottom of her story, to quench this curiosity." As if convincing myself, I repeat more loudly, "Yes, yes, this is exactly what this is—curiosity."

"Did you say something, Your Grace?" Gareth asks, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

Turning away, I feel a flush of embarrassment, having forgotten Gareth was there. "No, Gareth. I didn't say anything," I reply, hoping my face doesn't betray my inner turmoil.

Despite my best efforts to focus on my duties, I find my thoughts frequently drifting back to Elara, her presence an enigma that demands my attention. I resolve to uncover the truth about her, convinced that understanding her story will finally allow me to regain control over my own thoughts.

I decided to step out of my study to get some air and clear my mind. Gareth immediately stood up, ready to accompany me.

“Do you need me to accompany you, my Lord?” Gareth asked.

I shook my head. “No, Gareth. I’ll be back shortly.”

Gareth nodded, though I could see a hint of concern in his eyes. “Understood, Your Grace. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

I stepped out of my study and made my way down the long corridor.

***

"Just a little bit more, I almost got it," I muttered to myself, stretching on my toes to reach a book on one of the top shelves. Suddenly, a large hand reached out from behind me and effortlessly grabbed the book I wanted. Startled, I lost my balance and stumbled backward, colliding with something hard and unyielding.

Before I could react, an arm encircled my waist, preventing me from falling. I spun around quickly, my eyes wide with surprise, only to find myself face-to-face with Duke Cedric. Our eyes locked in a charged moment, his intense gaze sending a shiver down my spine. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks as I took a step back, only to find myself trapped between the bookshelf and his towering presence.

"Within The Borders of Valaria." he read the book's title aloud as he held it in his hand. "Quite a 180 degree turn from reading about pastries."

"Pardon?" I asked, trying to steady my racing heart. His arm was still firm around my waist, a reminder of how close we were.

"What has piqued your interest about this book?" the Duke asked, his tone curious yet commanding.

"I thought if I read about different places or regions, something might sound familiar and jog my memory," I explained, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded thoughtfully, then released me from his arm and started walking towards a table in the corner of the library. I followed him, compelled by a mix of curiosity and the strange, magnetic pull he seemed to exert on me. When he reached the table, he stopped abruptly and turned to face me, causing me to halt in my tracks.

"I hope it helps," he said, handing me the book. His fingers brushed mine, sending an electric jolt up my arm. Before I could respond, he walked away, leaving me standing there in a daze.

The entire encounter left me in a trance, my mind swirling with confusion and unspoken emotions. Duke Cedric's presence was overwhelming, and the brief exchange had stirred something deep within me. I clutched the book to my chest, my heart still pounding from the intensity of the moment.

“Oh my God!” Sofia squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she prepared my clothes for the day. “That is so romantic!”

“I can only imagine what it feels like to look into the Duke’s eyes for that long,” Lila chimed in, her hands gently washing my back.

“I’d be weak in the knees for months,” Amelia added with a playful grin as she held out a towel.

“Months?!” I burst into laughter at the exaggeration, the sound of my amusement quickly joined by the girls’ giggles. The shared laughter filled the room with a warm, joyful energy.

I cherished these mornings with the girls, especially today. It felt special because I got to tell them about my encounter with Duke Cedric in the library. They were engrossed in my story, and it made the morning feel even more enjoyable.

Once I finished my bath, I stepped out, and Amelia wrapped me in a fluffy towel with a gentle touch.

“You can sit by the mirror while I drain the bath,” Lila said, her voice calm as she began her task.

I walked over to the dressing mirror and settled onto the stool in front of it. As I looked into the mirror, I was stunned to see a girl with white hair staring back at me. Panic surged through me, and I stumbled, falling off the stool in confusion.

The girls, alarmed by my sudden movement, rushed to my side. “Are you okay?” they asked in unison, their voices filled with concern as they helped me to my feet.

Still in shock, I struggled to speak. I glanced back at the mirror, where my reflection had returned to normal. The girl with the white hair was gone, replaced by my familiar self. “I must be hallucinating,” I thought, my mind reeling from the unsettling vision.

Seeing the worried expressions on their faces, I managed a wary smile. “I’m fine. I thought I saw something,” I said, trying to sound reassuring despite my lingering unease.

Sofia looked at me closely, her concern evident. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I replied, my voice steadier now. “I’m sure.”

The girls exchanged uncertain glances but nodded in agreement, their concern gradually giving way to reassurance. I tried to shake off the unsettling experience, but the strange vision lingered at the edges of my mind, casting a shadow over my otherwise pleasant morning.