Chapter 16: The Chaos

SOPHIA'S POV

"Duke?"

For a few seconds, he simply stared into my eyes, his gaze unwavering, before it drifted upwards—straight to my forehead.

My stomach churned. Oh no. No, no, no! I wanted to scream in fifty-five languages, but I only knew English and annyeong.

This is ridiculous. Why of all people, why did it have to be him?! Lord, have you forsaken me? Is this my punishment for all my past sins?!

I wanted to raise my hands and shield my eyebrow from his scrutiny, but it was already too late. His eyes were locked onto the disaster that was my half-shaved brow.

"Sophia…" He said my name in a slow, deliberate murmur, his gaze fixed on my eyebrow as if he had just witnessed an unnatural phenomenon for the first time in his life.

Mygosh! This is beyond embarrassing! I want to sink ten feet below the ground and never resurface!

What do I do now?! Should I punch the Duke so he faints and I can escape? No, that's ridiculous! Should I just faint on the spot? Waaaah! I cannot handle this!

"Good day to you, Your Grace. It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance in this setting." a familiar voice called from behind me.

I swallowed hard. That voice. Oh, dear heavens. It's Princess Anastasia.

I heard Friedrich's polite response. "A good day to you as well, Colonel. I am most pleased by your timely arrival. However, pray, who might this young lady be who stands in your company?"

I felt my soul completely leave my body.

As if things weren't bad enough, the Duke's gaze returned to me. He parted his lips, about to speak, when I grabbed both of his sleeves and clung to him like my life depended on it. My wide, pleading eyes locked onto his, the beginnings of tears welling in my own.

Please, I begged silently. Please, have mercy. Do not expose me!

For a moment, his lips twitched at the corners. And just like that, all hope abandoned me.

Ack! This heartless man! I am officially un-crushing him! How could he betray me like this?!

Feeling the last shreds of my dignity slipping away, I loosened my grip on his sleeves, ready to retreat and accept my fate. But before I could step back, he moved quicker than a breath of wind, pulling me into his chest and pressing my head against him.

Thump. Thump.

Wait. What—

"Deputy, pray, escort us to a vacant chamber at once."the Duke commanded, his tone sharp, brooking no argument. Then, without warning, he draped his coat over my head, shielding me from view.

"As you command, Colonel. This way, if you please." Friedrich responded without hesitation.

My heart pounded so wildly that I feared it might burst from my chest.

Wait, what is happening?

With his strong arm wrapped firmly around my shoulders, guiding me forward, I could do nothing but follow in a daze. The scent of his coat, warm and faintly spiced, enveloped me completely. It was almost dizzying.

Shet. Is this really happening? Is this real life?!

"We have arrived, Colonel. The room is at your disposal." Friedrich announced, snapping me back to reality.

"I shall join you in the hall anon." the Duke replied before stepping inside the room with me.

Silence filled the space, heavy and suffocating, until his voice finally broke it.

"Now that we are alone," he murmured.

Thump. Thump.

Just him and me? Alone? In a room?!

My brain malfunctioned. My thoughts spiraled into oblivion. My body felt like it was about to short-circuit.

Before I could process anything, he smoothly pulled off the coat covering my head. I gasped, instinctively jerking back as he tilted my chin up with a single touch, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Whatever is the cause of your blush?"

His voice was low, almost teasing. My eyes darted away, but he didn't release my chin.

Ack! Is he insane?! Who wouldn't blush in this situation?! And I'm not even mentally prepared to exchange carbon dioxide with him yet! This is madness!

"Pray, tell me, what befell—"

"Waaah! Shut up!" I shrieked, slapping both hands over my mangled eyebrow.

He blinked at me, then let out a small chuckle."What purpose does it serve to conceal it now, when mine eyes have already beheld all there is to see?"

I wanted to die on the spot. Just let the floor swallow me whole! I could only gape at him, and in that moment, I truly saw him—his relaxed expression, the hint of amusement in his eyes.

Thump. Thump.

The instant he met my gaze again, I quickly looked away.

Damn it, Sophia. Control yourself!

"I shall not compel you to reveal what misfortune befell your brow," he said after a pause, his voice now gentler, laced with an almost imperceptible warmth. "Yet, there is something I wish to impart to you…"

He tilted my face up once more, holding my chin between his fingers.

"Appearance is but a fleeting façade, an external trait of little consequence. It does not define the essence of one's being. What truly matters is the soul that resides within. So tell me, why hiding yourself?"

I bit my lip at his words, feeling something unfamiliar twist inside me.

"I don't want the person I like to see me like this. It's embarrassing!" I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Wait. Wait, wait, wait. What did I just say?! Damn it, Sophia! What in the world are you thinking?!

"Even were you to lose both your eyebrows, if one holds true affection for you, their sentiments shall remain steadfast and unshaken."

I stiffened. Slowly, I turned to look at him.

Thump. Thump.

In that moment, as we stared at each other, something inside me clicked. There was no doubt about it anymore.

I like the Duke.

"...the person who likes you?"

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. As he moved to step back, I instinctively grabbed the hem of his uniform, stopping him in place.

"About what happened that night…" I swallowed hard. "E-everything I said was true." My eyes lowered to the floor.

"Right, I like you!" I forced the words out, squeezing my eyes shut in mortification.

Gosh! What am I saying?! But I've already come this far. There's no turning back now!

I took a deep breath and dared to ask, "And you, Duke? D-do you like me?"

The silence stretched unbearably. Then, he gently pried my hand from his uniform, his grip firm but careful.

"If you possess the strength to depart this chamber," he said evenly, his gaze unwavering, "then pray, follow to the hall."

Without another word, he turned and exited, leaving me standing there, completely dumbfounded.

What? What just happened? Wait. I confessed. I asked him directly. My question was clear. So why— Why?! Did I just get rejected for a fvcking second time?!

Argg! This cannot be happening! I sacrificed every ounce of courage I had stored for nineteen years for that moment! Not to mention, I had no eyebrows and wasn't even drunk this time!

And yet—AND YET?! I collapsed face-first onto the bed, muffling my scream. How could this happen again?! What have I done to deserve this? Lord, why?! Does heaven truly despise me?! What sin have I committed? What?!

I bit my lower lip, repeating the question over and over in my mind. If only I could reclaim the dignity that had been stripped from me, I would—but how? It was far too late.

My sanity was slipping with everything that had transpired, until suddenly, a realization struck me.

Wait a moment…Just like before, he had not given me an answer, had he? He simply ignored my question! That's right! I refuse to give up until he responds to me.

Steeling myself, I quickly exited the room and carefully descended the stairs. The grand hall was filled with people, all engaged in lively conversation, their voices blending into a soft hum. No one paid me any mind as I slipped past them.

My eyes immediately sought out the Duke.

There he was—standing near the grand window, deep in conversation with Friedrich and several other officials and nobles. Without hesitation, I stepped outside and quietly moved closer to the window, just enough to listen in on their discussion.

Wait… What are they talking about? Is the Duke gossiping about how he rejected someone?! Waaaah! Nooo!

I edged closer, making sure no one was outside to witness how ridiculous I must have looked. At last, I could hear them clearly—but my face immediately twisted in frustration.

Like, what the actual—?! They're speaking in German! I can't understand a thing!

I was still straining to listen when a woman's voice suddenly joined the conversation. Frowning, I peeked through the window to see who it was.

The moment my eyes landed on her, my fists clenched. It was Princess Anastasia. She was smiling—graceful, radiant—as she spoke with the Duke. He, too, mirrored her expression.

I stared at them for a long moment until something dawned on me.

At first, I only found her presence irritating whenever she was with the Duke. But now… now, I think I might actually be jealous.

My gaze drifted to her again.

In terms of beauty? She doesn't stand a chance against me. It's just unfortunate that I currently have no eyebrows. Grrr. Ugh, I remembered my damned eyebrows again!

In height? Well, she's taller than me. But duh! Petite is in! And besides, she's too thin! As for her demeanor—she is poised, delicate, the kind of woman who wouldn't even dare break a plate.

Meanwhile, me? Well… I think I've shattered every possible kind of dish in the kitchen. Ah, whatever.

And lastly, she looks intelligent. Meanwhile… me… Ah never mind.

I looked at them again—the Duke and Princess Anastasia, standing there, effortlessly perfect together. There was no denying it. He liked her. And… they truly did look good together. I tore my gaze away and turned my back on them.

Hah… What am I even doing?

I'm only fooling myself. The Duke? For me? That's a reach, a fool's dream. Besides, who here would ever fall for someone like me?

"Lady Sophia."

A voice called out to me, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned, frowning when I saw Prince Ludwig's infuriatingly handsome face. I stared at him, confused—until, suddenly, he burst into laughter like an absolute lunatic.

What the hell did this madman inhale now?

I was about to walk away when I realized what he was laughing at. "Waaaah!" Instinctively, I clutched my left eyebrow to hide it.

"HAHAHAHAHA! My sincerest apologies, Lady Sophia, but I simply could not contain myself! You bear the countenance of one who could fell ten men with that brow alone! HAHAHAHA!"

Oh, this lunatic!

"Should I just knock you down first?"

"Hahahaha! Threatening a royal once more, are you? With that missing brow of yours, I daresay I ought to tremble in fear!"

Oh, really?

I took a step forward, fully intent on smacking him, but before I could even lift my hand, he swiftly caught my wrist. His eyes locked onto mine. For a brief moment, it felt like the air around us shifted.

Eew. Creepy.

"But in all honesty, Lady Sophia, I am most glad to have found you," he said, his voice uncharacteristically sincere. "In truth, I have been awaiting your arrival."

Wow. Corny.

"Prince Ludwig, has anyone ever told you how ridiculously corny you are?"

"Corny?" He raised a brow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Is that some foreign term for 'handsome'?"

Wow. I have no words for this man.

"Can you let go of me now? I'm not in the mood for your jokes." At my request, he immediately released me.

"My apologies, Lady Sophia. Is something the matter? Are you troubled? Does this concern your eyebrow?"

I shot him a deadly glare. "Would you like me to shave yours as well?"

"Hahaha! Oh, come now, I was merely jesting. But in all sincerity—what troubles you?"

At his question, I found myself looking down. How am I supposed to tell him that I'm brokenhearted?

"And if I did tell you, would you actually be able to help me?"

He studied me seriously for a moment before breaking into a small smile.

"For the most extraordinary woman I have ever had the privilege of meeting… why, pray tell, would I not?"

I couldn't help but smile back.

Well then.

It's time.

It's time to drink. HAHAHAHA!

Later…

"Lady Sophia, you are truly unparalleled. What manner of noblewoman extends an invitation to a prince for a drink— and in another's residence, no less?"

"Oh, come on, Prince Ludwig. Can't you see? They're all celebrating inside! We should too!" I declared, already feeling the effects of the alcohol.

A moment later, I found myself staring at him.

"Prince Ludwig, you know… you're actually quite handsome. Not only that, but despite being a rebellious troublemaker, you're also incredibly kind. Look at you! You even thought to wrap a bandage around my head just so my missing eyebrow wouldn't be seen. Too bad it made me look like a zombie! Hahaha! You're such a sweet little boy! I just wanna pinch you with a nail cutter!"

Laughing, I threw my arms around him—only for him to quickly pull away.

"Lady Sophia!"

"What? Why are you turning red?" I teased, watching as he flushed even more.

"Ohoho, do you have a crush on me? Ayiee~ Prince Ludwig has a crush on me~" I playfully poked his side, but as I grinned, my smile gradually faded.

"But… I already like someone else, Prince Ludwig. And the one I like… already likes someone else."

His expression shifted as he averted his gaze. "And tell me, Lady Sophia—how grievous is the agony of loving one whose heart belongs to another?"

For some reason, hearing those words from him hurt far more than I expected.

"What? Why do you look so sorrowful?" he mused, tilting his head slightly. "I daresay it is far too soon for you to surrender."

"And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"The one whom you hold dear… and the one who holds their heart… have they yet been united?"

I thought for a moment. "No… not yet."

"Then, my lady, you still have a chance."

I stared at him before breaking into a smile. "Woah,You, little prince, seem to have quite the experience with love, huh? Come here, you—" I stood, ready to pull him into a hug.

But before I could, a firm arm suddenly blocked my way.

I furrowed my brows and immediately turned to see who was responsible for that. Just as I looked back, my heart started pounding uncontrollably.

Shit.

Could you, for once, not betray me, heart?! You're already hurting, yet you're still charging ahead. What are you, a martyr?!

I swatted his hand away and was about to walk past him when he suddenly leaned in close to me, making me gasp in shock.

Ackk!! What the hell does he think he's doing?!

"Your scent," he murmured near my ear. My soul nearly left my body.

I clutched my skirt tightly. Don't be weak, Sophia. For the love of everything, don't be weak! Just walk past him. Walk. Past. Him!

"May I pass, Duke?" I asked, forcing a smile. I deserved an award for acting composed when, in reality, my entire system was going haywire.

He didn't say a word, his expression blank. Taking that as my cue, I stepped forward to leave, but to my surprise, he blocked my path again with his arm.

"You reek of alcohol. Have you been drinking… again?"

I swallowed hard. Pull yourself together, Sophia.

"And what if I have, Duke? I'm a grown woman!" I huffed, attempting to move past him again. But before his hand could reach out to stop me, another hand grabbed his wrist.

"Prince Ludwig?"

"Duke, pray forgive me. This is entirely my fault. I implore you, do not be vexed with Lady Sophia."

My heart pounded violently as I watched Duke turn to face Prince Ludwig, gripping his collar with alarming force.

"What, pray, did I impart to you the last we met, Prince Ludwig?" he asked through gritted teeth, his jaw clenched with rage. "The last time we met, I made myself exceedingly clear..."

But what shocked me even more was that Prince Ludwig didn't back down.

He grabbed Duke's wrist, refusing to be intimidated. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I shall not distance myself from your sister."

"Duke!" A voice cut through the tension. It's Princess Anastasia.

She strode toward them, her expression filled with concern, yet Duke remained unmoved, still gripping Prince Ludwig's collar tightly.

"Tell me, has my word lost its weight with you, Prince Ludwig?" Duke demanded.

Eh? Why would the Duke speak to the Prince, the future king, in such a manner? Wouldn't that be considered treason? Or is it true that Prince Ludwig is no match for the Duke, given that even the King seems to favor him over his own son?

Prince Ludwig averted his gaze for a moment, but then, to my astonishment, he smirked.

"Duke, I hold you in the highest regard, more than anyone in this kingdom. But let me be clear—nothing and no one shall keep me from Lady Sophia's side. Even if it means defying you… or the king himself."

"Prince Ludwig!" Princess Anastasia gasped. "Cease this insolence at once, young man!"

But it was too late. Duke's fist connected with Prince Ludwig's face in a brutal strike.

I covered my mouth in shock. I stood frozen, staring at Prince Ludwig, when I noticed Duke reaching for the sword at his waist.

Wait—what is he doing?! No, this can't be happening! Ludwig is… he's still a royal. A prince!

I moved quickly, grabbing his wrist just as his fingers curled around the hilt of his blade.

"Duke, stop this." My voice was steady, but my heart was pounding.

I could still feel the tension radiating from him, but I knew he was slowly coming to his senses.

"We are returning home." he finally said, his voice calmer now. He reached out to take my hand, but I quickly pulled away.

I lowered my gaze. "No, Duke. I'm staying to tend to Prince Ludwig's wounds," I declared as gathered all of my courage.

His face remained blank, his silence unnerving. Had I just made a mistake? But I had already spoken—I couldn't take it back now. Besides, this was my fault. I couldn't just leave Prince Ludwig like this.

When he still didn't respond, I turned my back on him and stepped toward Prince Ludwig.

Just as I was about to reach for him, Duke's voice cut through the air.

I froze.

"Sophia, return here at once!"