A Spark Unnoticed

Eva had never been one for gossip.

Most noblewomen lived for it—whispering in corridors, giggling behind fans, plotting marriages like a game of chess.

Eva?

She preferred archery, adventure, and avoiding court politics at all costs.

Yet, somehow, she had ended up in the absolute worst position.

Hiding behind a stone pillar.

Eavesdropping.

Like a common court spy.

She wasn't trying to listen in on Lucian's conversation—really. She had only been walking past the gardens when she had heard her name.

And naturally, of course she had stopped.

For strategic reasons.

Obviously.

The voice that had spoken wasn't Lucian's. It was soft, laced with delicate sadness.

Lady Selene.

One of the most admired noblewomen in court. Perfect blonde curls. Graceful. A skilled musician.

And currently looking up at Lucian with unmistakable affection.

Eva's fingers twitched.

"You are truly remarkable, Lord Lucian," Selene said, her voice almost pleading. "I know many noblewomen admire you, but I…" She hesitated. "I care for you deeply."

Eva's stomach twisted.

Then—

Lucian sighed.

Not his usual amused sigh.

But his bored sigh.

Like he had heard this a thousand times before and already knew how it would end.

"Selene," Lucian said, his voice smooth but distant. "I appreciate your words, but you know as well as I do that I am not the kind of man you seek."

Selene flinched. "But—"

Lucian shook his head. "I do not wish to marry. And even if I did…" He glanced toward the castle.

Eva froze.

Was he looking at—?

No. Impossible.

Lucian turned back to Selene. "You deserve a husband who will return your affections. That is not me."

Selene swallowed. "So… that's it?"

Lucian nodded. "That's it."

Selene's eyes filled with tears, but she curtsied gracefully before hurrying away.

Eva should have left right then.

Should have minded her business.

But her feet stayed glued to the ground.

And then—

Lucian turned.

Directly toward her.

His sharp blue eyes locked onto hers.

Eva cursed internally.

She had never been caught eavesdropping before. Never.

And of all the people—

Lucian smirked. "Enjoying the show?"

Eva scowled, stepping out from behind the pillar. "I wasn't spying."

His smirk deepened. "Really?"

"Yes!"

Lucian crossed his arms. "Then why are you blushing?"

Eva's face heated instantly.

"I'm not blushing."

He tilted his head, mocking her. "No?"

Eva groaned. "You're insufferable."

Lucian chuckled. "You say that often."

"Because it's true."

He leaned against the pillar. "If it bothers you so much, you're welcome to stop thinking about me."

Eva glared.

Then—

"I don't get it," she said suddenly.

Lucian raised a brow. "Get what?"

Eva hesitated. Then— "Why did you reject her?"

Lucian's smirk faded.

For the first time, she saw a flicker of something else in his expression.

Something careful.

Something guarded.

"I already told her," he said, voice softer now. "I do not wish to marry."

Eva scoffed. "You're lying."

Lucian's eyes darkened. "Am I?"

Eva crossed her arms. "You reject every woman that shows interest in you. Why?"

Lucian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why does it matter to you, Princess?"

Eva hesitated.

Why did it matter?

Why did hearing Selene confess to him make her stomach twist?

Why did hearing him reject her make her feel relieved?

It was stupid.

Ridiculous.

And yet—

"I don't know," she muttered.

Lucian studied her.

For a long time.

Then, slowly—

He smirked.

"Interesting."

Eva rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up."

Lucian only chuckled.

And for the rest of the day—

Eva couldn't stop thinking about it.

---

Elsewhere in the Castle…

Tobias had had enough.

Isolde.

Cedric.

Every single interaction between them was like a dagger to his chest.

And he hated it.

"Why do you look like you swallowed a lemon?"

Tobias turned, scowling.

King Aldric sat on the castle steps, watching him with mild amusement.

Tobias sighed. "I hate love."

The king laughed.

Tobias frowned. "What's so funny?"

Aldric smirked. "You're young. You'll learn soon enough."

Tobias scoffed. "Learn what?"

Aldric leaned back. "That love is a war no one wins."

Tobias hesitated. "Not even you?"

Aldric's expression flickered.

Just for a moment.

Then he stood, stretching. "Care for a game of chess?"

Tobias exhaled. "Why not."

Maybe, just for tonight, he could forget.

---

Meanwhile, Isolde…

Isolde practically floated through the halls.

Cedric had complimented her again.

For the third time this week.

Tobias didn't understand.

But she did.

Cedric was charming.

Elegant. Powerful.

And if she played her cards right…

Maybe—just maybe—he would choose her instead of his fiancée.

Her heart fluttered at the thought.

Tobias' scowl whenever she mentioned Cedric?

Unimportant.

She had bigger things to focus on.

---

Lucian, Alone

Lucian stood on the castle balcony, watching the stars.

Eva's words still lingered.

Why do you reject them all?

She didn't understand.

Not yet.

But she would.

Eventually.

Lucian exhaled.

And for the first time, he wondered—

Would he be able to reject her, too?