Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 44 ==Doubts==

Hmph.

I walked away, pretending I didn't hear him. But Kian let out a loud sigh and suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me into a nearby alleyway. Before I could react, he pinned me gently but firmly against the wall, blocking my path.

I crossed my arms, clearly unimpressed by his behavior.

"It's been months. I told you—we need to talk," he said, his voice low and serious.

I let out a heavy sigh.
"And I told you—I don't know what else there is to talk about when I already hate you." I shoved him back a little, trying to put some space between us.

"Alyssa, this is important. We need to discuss something—put personal feelings aside."

I scoffed, unable to hide my bitterness.

"Personal feelings aside? You're the one who's been playing with mine from the very beginning. Are you happy now? First, you killed me, and now you're toying with my heart all over again." My voice trembled with rage. I wasn't just angry—I felt betrayed to the core.

"I know," he said quietly, "but—"

"And how do you even know I'm Red? I'm Alyssa Glaze Silverton now. Not Red Venice." I cut him off harshly.

He fell silent for a moment, taking a deep breath.

"That's—" he started, his eyes meeting mine.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"—a secret. I can't tell you," he finally said.

I stared at him in disbelief.

"Unbelievable," I muttered. "You're such an asshole."

I turned away and started to walk off.

"Promise me... promise you'll never accept King Frederick's proposal," he suddenly said.

I stopped in my tracks, brows furrowing.

Does he really think I'd say yes to that proposal?

I slowly turned to face him.

"Don't worry. I won't. It's already obvious to everyone," I said flatly. "But tell me... why are you asking?"

He bit his lower lip, hesitating.

"It's... a secret. I'm sorry."

Again with the secrets.

Why couldn't he just tell me anything?

"Another secret, huh? Then I guess this is goodbye. Don't expect to see me again... Lex," I said coldly, turning on my heel and leaving him behind.

⸻

Lex...

Kian...

The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed.

Was this some kind of plan?
A twisted game to fool me?

And if it was—then who was Kian really?

How did he know Lex?

And more importantly... could Lex even be alive in this world?

Before I could spiral deeper into my thoughts, someone called out:

"Lady Alyssa?"

I looked up, startled, and saw none other than King Frederick, sitting inside his grand carriage, which had just come to a stop a few meters away from me.

"Your Highness?"

Seriously? Just a few minutes after Kian and I spoke about him, and here he is—like he was summoned by my thoughts.

He glanced in the direction I had just come from, then turned his attention back to me with a warm smile.

"You really are an unpredictable lady," he chuckled. "I always seem to find you in the most unexpected places."

He was probably remembering the first time we met.

"Erm... yeah," I replied awkwardly, scratching my cheek. "I just came out to buy something, but it turned out to be out of stock."

"Oh? And what was it? Maybe I can get it for you," he said kindly as he stepped down from the carriage and walked to stand beside me.

Crap.
That question came faster than I expected.

"Well... erm..." I blinked, trying to think of something—anything.

"A Dragon's Tooth Necklace," I blurted out. "An acquaintance told me some traveling merchants were selling them, but by the time I got there, they were gone."

It was a lie, of course. I didn't even know if such a thing existed.

Dragon's Tooth Necklace? Seriously?

Frederick tilted his head slightly.
"Really? Doesn't Moonlight sell those? Why go through the trouble of looking for a merchant?"

I froze.

Moonlight?!
Panic shot through me. I needed to think fast.

"Well, um... It's a gift for my grandfather," I said quickly. "You know how he has access to Moonlight already. If I bought it there, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, would it?"

I laughed awkwardly.

He gave me a long, thoughtful look... but eventually smiled.

"I see. That makes sense," he said slowly. "Well, you're in luck."

"Huh?"

"I happen to have brought my Dragon's Tooth Necklace with me—for decoration. But if you want it..."

He snapped his fingers, and within seconds, his assistant appeared with a small, elegant jewelry box.

"I bought it recently in the Southern Kingdom. I never expected you to want something like this," he added as he handed me the box.

I blinked in surprise and carefully opened it.

My eyes widened.

It was stunning—glimmering with a bright light that seemed to catch every color under the sun.

I looked up at him, smiling genuinely for the first time in a while.

"Thank you, truly."

"It's no problem," he said kindly. "Would you like a ride home? I'm headed there too, after all."

I hesitated. It wasn't a bad idea. Walking back home would take a while, and I was exhausted.

"Umm..."

"Sister won't be riding with you without a chaperone."

A voice interrupted us.

I turned and saw my brother, standing a few feet away with a sharp glare.

Where the heck did he come from?

"To think the King himself would resort to sneaky tactics just to trap my sister into marriage," he said, folding his arms.

I blinked, confused.
Wait... trap me into marriage?! Is that a thing?!

"As I said, Your Highness," my brother continued firmly, "My sister won't be going with you. We'll be taking our leave now."