•?••? ? ?••?•

“I cannot comply with that command.”

Upon hearing Ray’s words, the three people present wore distinctly different expressions.

Claude simply looked at Ray, as if expecting such a response, while Julian’s eyes narrowed with unease. Iva’s face registered pure shock.

Until now, Ray had never disobeyed an order while serving the royal family. He would do anything, especially if the request came from Claude, with whom he shared a close bond.

Yet the one time Ray chose to defy an order was when Claude displayed defensiveness towards Claude, who was interested in Iva.

It was too out of character for the current situation

Ray had always been protective of Julian, and it was inconceivable that he would let harm come upon Claude’s younger sister.

So why was he resisting an order now? On the other hand, at this peculiar timing, all Iva did was blink in bewilderment.

“There’s knight training right after the meal. If I escort the princess, I might be late.”

“Just because you’re late doesn’t mean the knights will blame you.”

The air around the two was strangely dark.

“They might not blame me, but a knight’s foremost duty is responsibility.”

“That’s right.”

“And if I can’t keep a basic promise regarding time, they might lose their trust in me.”

Even though there was nothing visibly present between the two, why did it seem like sparks were flying?

At this point, Iva just wanted to leave the place as soon as possible.

“Is that the only reason?”

“Pardon?”

“Is there no other reason?”

With blue eyes that seemed to pierce through anything, Claude, who had been staring intently at Ray, subtly shifted his gaze toward Iva.

“I’m sorry, but…”

Before his gaze even landed on her, Ray’s voice intervened. He clearly didn’t want Claude’s attention on her, even if for a fleeting moment.

“We’re running out of time and must depart. The training grounds are closer to the west entrance, so I’ll escort Miss Iva.”

“Ra-Ray, what about me?”

Fearing Ray would leave her behind, Julian hurriedly tried to grasp his arm.

“Allow me.”

But Claude’s response was quicker.

“I’ll take my leave first.”

Hoping Claude might change his mind, Ray swiftly moved towards Iva with his long strides and extended the very arm Julian had tried to grab.

“My Lady Iva, allow me to escort you.”

Confused by the situation, Iva hesitated to take his arm. Then, a sharp glare came from the front.

Julian was glaring at her, eyes full of jealousy.

As if saying, That place by Ray’s side is mine. Reject him now.

With a look that of a wicked villainous, Iva quickly took Ray’s offered arm.

She wanted to leave this place quickly, but she couldn’t stand Julian further.

“Yes, I’d appreciate it, Your Grace.”

“We’ll take our leave first, Your Highness.”

Ray bowed hastily, leaving Iva slightly behind in her courtesies.

“Lady Iva.”

“Yes?”

Seizing the moment, Claude stopped Iva in her tracks.

“We’ll have reasons to meet again. Make sure you’re available.”

His words were directed at Iva, but his gaze remained locked on Ray. It was a provocative gesture, flaunting his authority to summon Iva anytime he wished.

“We’ll depart now.”

Before she could even respond, Ray had already answered and quickly departed with Iva in tow.

Left alone, the siblings, with their blue eyes sparking a silent flame, watched the receding figures.

Only after their shadows vanished did Julian break the silence.

“Brother, there’s something I want to discuss.”

“I thought you were dizzy. Let’s talk later.”

“No. It needs to be discussed now.”

Julian’s voice was different—lower, tinged with irritation.

Taken aback by her changed demeanor, Claude scrutinized her face. “What is it?”

“What do you think of Lady Iva?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Claude concealed his mouth with his hand.

“What do I think? What do you mean?”

It was Claude’s habit to hide his expressions. Seeing this, Julian smirked. 

“Just as I said. How do you view Lady Iva? It’s unlike you to organize a meal for someone, even if they’ve performed well at a party.”

“When you fainted, it was Lady Iva who maintained the party’s atmosphere. I merely acknowledged her contribution with this gesture.”

Claude with his face hidden behind his hand, spoke in a measured tone.

“Really? That’s all? How disappointing.”

“Disappointing?”

“I thought Lady Iva would be a perfect match for you. Even as the crown prince’s consort. I even considered mentioning it to His Majesty.”

Claude’s eyes narrowed.

“His Majesty always heeds my words.”

Julian jutted her chin out, her eyes narrowing in a way strikingly similar to Claude’s.

“You seem to have changed quite a bit during your recuperation, Julian.”

“No, I’ve always been this way. You just remembered me wrong.”

Her eyes sparkled mischievously as if she had caught his weakness.

“So, if I were to recommend Lady Iva as the crown princess, would you object?”

Still hiding the corners of his mouth, Claude stared at Julian for a moment before opening his mouth.

“I…”

* * *

“Your Grace.”

“Yes?”

“Are you angry?”

Iva might be oblivious to many things, but she could instantly recognize Ray’s anger. In her past life, she had seen his many varied angry expressions all too often.

Just seeing that face still unnerves her.

•?••? ? ?••?•