Before we go

"Here! Use it."

Aylin was startled, hearing the sudden, familiar voice behind her. She sharply turned her head and was greeted by Ryder whose victorious smile was still playing on his lips. He passed her a linen handkerchief as he asked again in a low voice, "Didn't you really know about Kaiser's engagement?"

Aylin's gaze was clouded with tears as she took the handkerchief from his hand silently. Leaning against the huge pillar of the balcony, Ryder was observing her expression silently. He let her calm down for a while and then, he spoke again tauntingly, breaking the awkward silence of the night, "Don't be upset. Royals can have numerous consorts. I think that your beloved Third Prince will definitely accept you as his second consort after-"