To the Northern Duke

Selena woke up to the sharp, relentless pounding in her head, each throb a painful reminder of her overindulgence the night before. She groaned, burying her face into the soft pillows, only to grumble at herself for being so careless.

"Why did I drink that much?" she muttered, her voice muffled and hoarse. She tried to recall the previous night—Alex's steadying presence, her tipsy proclamations, and that strange, warm feeling that had lingered despite the alcohol.

Her face flushed as fragments came back to her, but she quickly dismissed them. No time to dwell on that. Today was a day for victory.

Despite the hangover, a rare sense of accomplishment spurred her out of bed. The main death flag had been resolved—her engagement to Nicholas was as good as over.