The Border Between You and Me: This is My Letter to You, Abelard

“This sigil… it’s from Princess Varentina.”

Duke Abelard carefully opened the sealed envelope. As his eyes scanned the contents, his face turned pale.

“Why do you look like that?” an aide asked.

“…Princess Varentina has been taken as a hostage by the Charmonia Empire.”

Just then, the sound of a beeping notification interrupted the silence. Abelard tapped the lid of his portable monitor. A video message appeared.

“Father,” the voice said urgently. “No matter what happens, don’t return to Varantia. My intel says a revolution is brewing again in the kingdom. Stay in Athanasia, no matter what you hear. How are your studies going?”

“I’m fine,” Abelard replied. “But… what about my fiancée? Why was she sent there?”

“She was sent to Charmonia under the name of peace—to build a political alliance. But you know as well as I do, the Shin family is behind it. They’ve sold out the royal family for their own benefit.”

“I can’t let this stand. I have to go back to Varantia.”

“Please, young Duke,” his aide warned. “It’s too risky.”

“I don’t care. I have to save my family… and my fiancée. Wait for me, Varentina.”

Arrival in Charmonia Empire

“Princess, we’ve arrived at the mansion prepared for you.”

“Thank you.”

The place was vast and beautiful—unlike anything Varentina had seen in her homeland.

“Welcome, Princess Varentina,” said Chancellor Val. “You’re a guest from afar, and we’ll treat you with the utmost hospitality. This is Anna, your personal maid. Please ask her if you need anything.”

“My lady, allow me to lead you to your room,” Anna said kindly.

“Okay. I’ll settle here.”

“Please rest. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

The door closed behind her. Varentina sat in silence.

This world is a novel, she thought. But then… who is the Scarlet Thorn of Varantia?

She remembered—the first princess. Timid. Obedient. Forgotten. Used again and again until she broke. Until she became a villainess to burn her country to the ground.

The Chancellor’s next move will probably be to propose marriage—to control me instead of the Empire’s Crown Prince. But what should I say?

My family didn’t even try to stop it. Maybe they hoped I’d die without my hemophilia medication. If I bleed, I die… Easier for them that way. I’m disposable.

But I won’t die so easily. I’ll survive here.

That Evening

Knock. Knock.

“My lady, it’s time for dinner. The Chancellor awaits you.”

Varentina followed Anna to a long dining table, where only two places were set.

“Please, have a seat,” Chancellor Val said. “You must be exhausted from traveling.”

“Thank you.”

“I want to discuss something with you. I have a proposal… Will you marry me?”

Varentina took a breath. “Your Excellency, I know my place. I am a hostage—at your mercy. But I must be honest: I am an ill woman. I may not bring you any benefit.”

“I understand,” Val replied. “But if we can benefit each other, there’s nothing to fear. Take your time—I won’t force you. But you will understand soon.”

At least I need allies, Varentina thought. Can I trust him? In the novel, he was complex—cold but powerful. The man behind the strings of the empire.

“Once you finish eating,” Val said, “please rest. Or have Anna show you around.”

“This is the garden,” Anna said. “You may walk here whenever you like.”

“This is the library—you may use it freely.”

“This is the Chancellor’s workspace. If you need him, he’ll often be here.”

“And finally, this is the ballroom. Tomorrow, Chancellor Val will host a welcoming ball in your honor.”

“Thank you. I think I’ll rest now.”

I need to plan my next move, Varentina thought. This place is too strange…

That night, her guest room was larger than she expected. It had two beds. Then—

Knock. Knock.

“May I come in?”

“Chancellor? Why are you here so late?”

“I’m just letting you know,” Val said calmly, “the room you’re in… is my room.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean exactly that.”

“Then I’ll sleep on the floor—”

“No. Sleep in the bed. I’ll sleep here.”

Varentina lay awake, stiff.

“You still can’t sleep?” he asked. “You’ve never slept near a man before, have you?”

“No,” she admitted.

“I understand. But please bear with me. I know it’s not proper for an unmarried woman, but tomorrow we’ll write a contract. Something to help you trust me. For now, just sleep.”

What is going on in his head…?