A fairytale of a beautiful maiden, the beloved Frost Flower Princess was supposed to be staying in the comfort of her castle masquerading as a cage to protect her from the dangers outside, imprisoned by her own brothers.
That is, until a mysterious...
Y/n slept peacefully in her bed, the afternoon sunlight casting soft rays over her form. Isfrid had been by her side the entire time, his protective gaze never straying from her, while Anvindr knelt beside her, carefully wrapping a new frozen bandage around her still-healing hands. Anemone, meanwhile, was preoccupied with something else—standing at the front door, where a mysterious guest had arrived and was now making his way toward Y/n's room.
Anvindr's gaze never left Isfrid, a cold smile curling at his lips. "My lord... might I ask why you've been staring at my Lady for the past ten minutes?" His tone was calm, but the underlying tension in his voice was palpable.
Isfrid huffed in response, his eyes flicking upward toward Anvindr. "Quite bold of you to question your Lord, Schariac. Do I need a significant reason to satisfy your curiosity?" His voice was laced with subtle challenge.
Anvindr smiled, the expression almost too sweet to be genuine. "Well, a butler must know everything about the one they serve, no? And anything concerning Y/n is my business as well." He said this with an unsettling calmness, eyes fixed on Isfrid with barely concealed judgment.
Isfrid's smile remained, though it was tinged with the unmistakable edge of possessiveness. "Right." His gaze softened ever so slightly as he addressed Anvindr. "But my sister is in safe hands with me, so perhaps it's best if you go and do other things." The offer was laced with an unnerving sweetness, though the threat was clear.
Anvindr's smile deepened, his posture unchanging. "Oho? I wouldn't dare leave my Lady's side, especially when it's my job as her personal servant to be with her at all times, don't you agree?" His voice was honeyed, but there was a certain coldness to his words.
Isfrid's expression hardened, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "I can have you executed for defying an order from a prince," he warned, his tone dark, though his smile remained eerily placid.
Anvindr's smile never wavered as he responded smoothly, "Oh? But you wouldn't dare jeopardize your love for Anemone or risk my Lady's unhappiness, would you?" He leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing. "And I'm certain Her Majesty the Queen wouldn't approve either."
The words felt like a dagger to Isfrid's chest. He glared at Anvindr, his jaw tightening in frustration. The butler's smirk only deepened, relishing the discomfort he caused.
Before either could speak further, Anemone's voice rang out from just outside the door. "Lord Malleus, now is not the best time! My lady is still sleeping!" The words were sharp, laced with urgency, but also with a hint of irritation.
The door swung open abruptly, and in stepped a tall, imposing figure. His horns framed a face that could only be described as regal, and he wore the same Diasomnia uniform as Isfrid. Anemone stepped in behind him, her expression tense.
"I knew you would be here as soon as the humans spread the news," Isfrid said with a smirk, standing from his chair as he turned toward the intruder. "Malleus Draconia." His voice was dripping with a dangerous blend of mockery and challenge.
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