𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒲ℴ𝓃𝒹ℯ𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹： 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓌 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝓇ℴ𝓏ℯ𝓃 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉

𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛'𝑠 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑： 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 2

*
"Sleep, my darling, safe and sound. For in this river all is found."

**
Revontulet Palace

After a relaxing hour-long bath, once Anemone finished her soothing 45-minute massage, Anvindr carefully poured Y/n a cup of chamomile tea and placed it on a small, ornate plate. He handed it to her, observing as she bit into a chocolate-covered strawberry—leaves and all. Meanwhile, Anemone brushed Y/n's hair, weaving it into a braid similar to Raiden Ei's.

Y/n gazed down at the black bunny plush resting on her lap, its green-colored magical gems forming its eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, though she couldn't quite place why. The plush seemed harmless enough, but something didn't feel right deep down. 'Why does it feel like someone is always watching me?' she thought to herself.

A knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. Anvindr looked at Y/n, who nodded slightly, giving him permission to let the guest inside.

As Anvindr opened the door, he bowed low. "Greetings, my lord," he addressed the figure standing in the doorway.

The third prince, Isfrid Aqulio Frostinelle—Y/n's overprotective twin brother—stepped inside. His icy blue eyes locked onto Y/n as if nothing else in the room mattered. "Anvindr, is my sister inside?" His voice was stern, laced with a hint of possessiveness.

Y/n sighed softly, sitting up straight. "I'm here," she replied quietly, her tone a little distant. Anvindr stepped aside, allowing Isfrid to enter before gently closing the door behind him.

"Need something?" Y/n asked, trying to hide the slight unease she felt as her brother's intense gaze followed her every movement.

"I wanted to spend some time with my precious sister before I head back to Night Raven College," Isfrid said, holding up a formal invitation. His smirk was both playful and dark as he leaned over the table where Y/n sat, his hand bracing himself on the wood. "But, I do have to ask... will you be alright without me here? Especially after what happened last time..." His voice faltered for a moment, and his fingers lifted Y/n's chin gently, forcing her to look up at him.

Y/n's brow furrowed in confusion. "Last time?" she repeated softly, trying to recall what he meant. She had trouble remembering the events surrounding his departure for Night Raven College and the days following it.

Anemone and Anvindr exchanged knowing glances. 'She doesn't remember...' Anvindr thought darkly, his jaw tightening. The memories of the failed assassination attempt against Y/n, the fiery arrows that had set her carriage ablaze, and the half-year-long fever that had left her bedridden were still fresh in his mind. And now, Isfrid seemed ready to pull Y/n into an even tighter grip.

"Perhaps it's best to have my lady stay in the Blue Rose Tower for safety," Anvindr suggested, his tone colder than usual.

Isfrid's eyes narrowed. "The barrier is stronger now, but you're right. I don't feel comfortable leaving her in the open," he said, his voice smooth and cold. He glanced toward Anvindr with a look that sent a chill through the room. "Perhaps it would be better if Y/n stays in the tower where she'll be safe. Isn't that right?"

Anemone stiffened, frowning at the idea. "Isn't there a way to increase security here instead? Putting her in that tower feels... like a prison," she argued, her discomfort with the suggestion clear.