Training dragged on for what felt like forever.
John worked us hard — harder than usual — drilling footwork, blade forms, and archery without a single moment of rest. My muscles screamed in protest, my body still sluggish from the punishment laps, but I forced myself to move, to focus, to not embarrass myself again.
When we finally finished the day's drills, John called us into a loose formation.
His face was grim, as always, but there was something sharper in his eyes today — something that made my stomach twist with unease.
"Listen up," he barked, voice cutting through the heavy afternoon air. "A royal banquet is happening three nights from now."
A low murmur rippled through the group.
John's gaze swept over us, cold and unforgiving. "Every one of you will be on duty. Your job is simple: protect the royal family. Keep your mouths shut. Stay alert. And above all, do not disgrace yourselves — or me — in front of the court."
My chest tightened.
A banquet? Guarding the princes?
Images flashed through my mind — Jesse, cold and furious dragging me into my room… Julius, smirking like a predator sizing up his prey…
I swallowed hard, a cold sweat prickling at the back of my neck.
"You will be given specific assignments closer to the event," John continued. "Dismissed."
The group broke apart quickly, some of the guards whispering excitedly, others groaning about having to wear formal armor.
I gathered my things slowly, still feeling the weight of the announcement settle heavy in my chest.
Guarding the princes.
Meaning Jesse.
I shook the thoughts away and headed back toward my quarters.
The corridors were quieter now, the golden afternoon light slanting through the tall palace windows. My boots echoed softly on the stone floor as I walked, feeling strangely hollow inside.
When I reached my room, I slumped onto the bed without bothering to take off my boots.
A thought crept up, uninvited:
Why hasn't Father come to see me? He was supposed to come here since over a whole week ago. But he hasn't even sent as much as one letter to me. Was everything all right at home? I was starting to get worried.
I sat up and stared at the little wooden desk shoved into the corner of the room.
Maybe I should write to him.
I started thinking of what to write. Should I tell him how training had being going or that I had been assigned to Jesse's quarters to guard?
After a while, I finally picked up the pen again and scribbled a short, clumsy letter.
Father,
I miss you.
Why haven't you come to visit me yet?
I stared at the words for a long time, debating if I should send it at all. It felt childish. But deep down, I didn't care. I just needed him to know.
I was folding the letter when a sharp knock rattled my door.
I quickly stood up, stuffing the parchment under my pillow.
"Yes?" I called out.
The door opened, and a palace guard stood there, straight-backed and serious. "The prince demands your audience. Immediately."
My heart skipped.
Prince Jesse?
"Okay," I said, grabbing my coat and quickly smoothing my hair.
I followed the guard through the winding corridors. At first, I thought we were headed to a hall or a council room.
But we weren't.
Instead, we stopped in front of a heavy wooden door—the prince's private quarters.
Before I could ask any questions, the guard knocked once, pushed the door open, and practically shoved me inside before pulling it closed behind me with a heavy thud.
I turned around—and froze.
Prince Jesse stood a few steps away, half-dressed.
His upper body was bare, a towel slung casually over one shoulder, his dark trousers sitting low on his hips. His body was all lean muscle and scars—perfect, but real in a way that made my cheeks instantly heat.
I quickly looked down at the floor, mortified.
"You asked for me, Your Highness," I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could.
"Yes," Jesse said simply, drying his hair lazily with the towel. "You'll be by my side during the banquet."
I blinked, lifting my head just enough to catch his gaze.
"Me?" I squeaked. "But… I thought all soldiers would be—"
"I don't trust your impulsiveness," he cut in coolly.
I swallowed hard. "It was just one time, I—"
His eyes sharpened, silencing me without a word.
There was no anger there. Not really.
But there was something else—something I couldn't name. Something almost…gentle?
Or maybe I was just imagining it.
I shifted awkwardly. "I'm sorry, Your Highness," I said quickly, bowing my head.
For a long moment, he didn't answer.
Then, in a tone much lower than before, he said, "Bella."
I looked up, startled, as he stepped forward.
My heart skittered in my chest.
Was he going to say something? Scold me again? Give new orders?
But Jesse only studied me for a moment—an unreadable look flashing in his golden eyes—then said curtly, "You're dismissed."
I blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift.
"Yes, Your Highness," I mumbled, backing toward the door.
Once outside, I pressed my back against the corridor wall and exhaled sharply.
Only then did it hit me.
He could've easily sent someone to deliver that simple message.
A servant. A letter. Even the same guard who fetched me.
But no.
He had made me come all the way there.
Just to tell me that in person. Was I over thinking this whole thing? I really didn't understand prince jesse. He would be gentle then cold then nice again. His actions were all just so damn confusing to me.
I groaned softly, squeezing my eyes shut.
"Ughhh… What is wrong with me? Why am I even thinking about this?"
I shook my head hard and pushed away the thoughts.
There was a banquet coming.
And it wasn't just fancy clothes and food I had to worry about.
Something told me things were about to get a lot more complicated.