chapter twenty

Selene stepped out of the library, her heart still steady, her expression as composed as ever. But beneath the surface, her mind churned with doubts. Had today's act been necessary? Had she gone too far? The rumors were already spreading, whispers trailing behind her as she walked through the academy grounds. Every glance in her direction carried curiosity, some amused, others judgmental.

She let out a slow breath, allowing the cool afternoon breeze to wash over her. The academy's sprawling pathways stretched before her, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and towering oak trees. Taking a slow walk, she hoped to clear her thoughts. The plan had gone exactly as intended, but the repercussions were beginning to feel heavier than she had anticipated.

Would this come back to haunt her? Would Evangeline seek her out for answers? Would Keith eventually tire of this act?

For a fleeting moment, she considered stopping altogether. But then she remembered—this wasn't just about her. Emperor Hadrian Everhart himself had taken an interest in her relationship with Keith. A failed engagement would not only damage her standing but also invite scrutiny upon her family.

No. She couldn't stop now. The act had to continue.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed someone stepping into her path until it was too late.

"Selene!"

She collided into Arabella, who stumbled back slightly before grabbing her arm. The auburn-haired noblewoman's emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity—and something far more mischievous.

"I was just looking for you! I heard the most outrageous rumor," Arabella said breathlessly, tightening her grip on Selene's wrist. "You and the Crown Prince—acting all sweet and affectionate in the library? What was that about?"

Selene barely had time to formulate an excuse when another voice cut through the air.

"Selene Vasari!"

Eric.

Her brother stormed toward her, his blue-gray eyes dark with barely restrained frustration. His usually composed demeanor was gone, replaced with something far more dangerous...concern and anger.

"I leave you alone for one afternoon, and suddenly you're tangled up with the Crown Prince again?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "Tell me it's not true."

Selene sighed, knowing there was no escaping this confrontation. She turned to Arabella, squeezing her friend's hand lightly.

"I'll explain later," she promised, keeping her tone calm. "But right now, I need to talk to my brother."

Arabella hesitated, clearly wanting to press further, but she nodded. "Fine. But don't think you can get away without telling me everything."

Selene offered her a small, grateful smile before gently taking Eric's arm and steering him toward a quieter section of the academy gardens. Once they were far from prying eyes and ears, she finally spoke.

"Eric, you need to calm down."

"Calm down?" he repeated, incredulous. "Selene, I warned you about this! I told you not to get caught up in Keith Everhart again!"

"I know," she admitted softly. "But this is different."

Eric folded his arms, his jaw tense. "Then explain. Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're setting yourself up for heartbreak all over again."

Selene took a deep breath. "Keith and I have an agreement."

His eyes narrowed. "What kind of agreement?"

"One that ensures our marriage is at least… tolerable." She hesitated before continuing, carefully choosing her words. "I don't have a choice, Eric. No matter what I do, I have to marry him. That's not changing. But if we can at least make this arrangement less toxic, then maybe, just maybe, it won't be a complete disaster."

Eric stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he stepped closer.

"You're doing this so you won't be miserable," he murmured, as if finally understanding.

She nodded.

He exhaled heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "Selene… I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me."

She braced herself. "Go ahead."

"Are you okay?" His voice was quieter now, gentler. "Not just physically, but emotionally. Because I know how much you once loved Keith. And now that you finally have his affection, even if it's just an act..will you be able to handle it?"

The question caught her off guard, but she didn't let her mask slip.

"I'll be fine, Eric."

He didn't look convinced.

"Selene," he tried again, his voice heavier this time. "Loving someone who doesn't love you back is painful. And pretending they do-- it's worse. If this starts to hurt you, promise me you'll tell me."

She hesitated, then gave him a small nod. "I promise."

Eric didn't look satisfied, but he didn't push further. Instead, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her protectively. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing herself the comfort of her brother's unwavering support.

After a while, he loosened his hold and sighed. "Let's get you back to your quarters."

Together, they made their way to the female dormitories. When they arrived, Eric stopped at the entrance, tilting his head down to press a light kiss to her forehead.

"Get some rest," he murmured.

Selene nodded before stepping inside.

As soon as she entered her room, Arabella was waiting, arms crossed.

"Well?"

Selene forced a smile and leaned against the doorframe. "Keith and I are working on our relationship," she said lightly. "We've decided to settle past grievances and try to move forward."

Arabella raised an eyebrow. "That's why he was so affectionate in the library?"

"Yes."

There was a long pause before Arabella sighed, her expression softening. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"I do," Selene lied.

The rest of the evening passed in quiet companionship. Arabella made it her mission to keep Selene's spirits up, teasing her, sharing gossip, and making her laugh. For a little while, Selene allowed herself to forget about the weight of her choices.

But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning.