chapter Eleven

Selene and Arabella walked through the academy grounds, chatting casually as they headed to their Music & Instrumentation class. The music hall was grand, with high ceilings decorated with intricate carvings and golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished floors.

Their instructor, Maestro Lorian, was strict but passionate. He introduced them to different classical instruments, but today's lesson focused on singing. Selene had always admired the violin, but she had a naturally soft and melodic voice. Arabella, however, struggled with the high notes, much to Selene's amusement.

"Maybe I should stick to playing the harp," Arabella grumbled, rubbing her temples.

Selene laughed. "At least you tried. It wasn't that bad."

Arabella gave her a look. "Liar."

They left the hall together, making their way to the stables for their next class—Equestrian Studies.

The academy's stables were massive, home to some of the finest horses bred for nobility. The air smelled of hay and horses, and stable hands moved around, preparing the animals for the students.

Selene admired horses but wasn't the best at riding. She was determined to improve, though.

Master Edwin, the instructor, called out names and assigned horses.

Arabella easily mounted her horse, looking completely at ease. Selene, however, approached her assigned horse—a strong black stallion—and took a deep breath before trying to mount.

Then, disaster struck.

As she swung her leg over, her foot slipped.

She lost her balance and fell, but not to to the ground. She felt a firm chest.

A sharp inhale.

Strong hands caught her shoulders before quickly pushing her away.

Selene looked up and immediately wished she could disappear.

Crown Prince Keith Everhart.

His golden eyes were filled with irritation. His grip on her had been instinctive, but the moment he realized who she was, he let go and stepped back, his expression cold.

"Are you serious right now?" His voice was sharp and controlled, but clearly frustrated.

Selene blinked, still in shock. "I.."

"You just happened to fall on me?" Keith narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to scheme again? Stalk me? Seduce me?"

Selene's face burned with embarrassment.

"No! It was an accident," she said quickly, raising her hands in defense.

Keith scoffed. "Right. Just like the last time? And the time before that?"

Selene clenched her fists. She understood why he thought that way. In her past life, she had chased him relentlessly, ignoring all his rejections. But she wasn't that person anymore.

Still, no matter what she did, he only saw her.

"I don't care what you think," she muttered, stepping back. "Believe whatever you want."

A sharp gasp made her turn.

Lady Evangeline Ravenshire stood at the entrance, her violet eyes wide with shock.

The Crown Prince's fiancée.

Her lips parted slightly, her expression unreadable for a moment before she suddenly turned and ran out of the training grounds.

Keith tensed.

Without hesitation, he turned and ran after her.

Selene stood frozen, watching as he disappeared through the stable doors without looking back.

Of course.

He would always chase after Evangeline.

Selene swallowed the dull ache in her chest, pushing away the sting of humiliation.

"Selene!"

Arabella rushed to her side, concern on her face.

Eric's friends had been watching from a distance, and now they approached.

Lord Cedric Greystone, one of Eric's closest friends, stepped forward first. "Are you alright? That fall looked bad."

Selene nodded, rubbing her wrist. "I'm fine. Just my pride that took the real hit."

Cedric noticed her movement. "You're holding your wrist," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let me see."

Selene hesitated, then extended her hand.

Cedric gently examined it. "It's not broken, but you might have strained it. You should ice it later."

Selene nodded. "Thank you."

Arabella crossed her arms, glaring in Keith's direction. "That was uncalled for. He didn't have to assume the worst."

Selene sighed. "I can't blame him for thinking that way."

Cedric's gaze lingered on her. "Even so," he said slowly, "people should be given a chance to prove they've changed."

Selene blinked, surprised.

Most people never gave her the benefit of the doubt.

But Cedric… did?

Before she could say anything, Master Edwin called the students back to order.

"You should rest your wrist," Cedric added before stepping away.

Arabella linked arms with Selene, lowering her voice. "Looks like someone's taking an interest in you."

Selene sighed. "It's just concern."

Arabella smirked. "We'll see."

Meanwhile..

Keith caught up with Evangeline in the garden behind the stables. She had her arms wrapped around herself, her expression calm but distant.

"Evangeline," he called softly.

She turned to him, violet eyes searching his face. "You don't have to explain," she murmured. "I know you don't love her."

Keith felt a pang in his chest. "Then why did you run?"

Evangeline gave a faint smile, shaking her head. "Because it still hurts."

Keith sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I told you before, Selene means nothing to me."

"But she's still your fiancée," Evangeline said quietly. "And that will always put me second, won't it?"

Keith reached out, gently brushing a strand of her hair aside. "Not in my heart."

Evangeline swallowed, leaning into his touch. "Then make sure she understands that."

Keith's expression hardened. "She will."

With those words, he made a silent promise.

Selene Vasari would never have a place in his life again.