Hearts and Swords

Books And Butterflies

Sofia stepped out of her bath, the cool air brushing against her damp skin. On her bed, Rosalind had laid out her attire. For the first time, Sofia took a proper look at it.

When the welcome ceremony was announced, she had been asked to visit the seamstress to choose her fabrics and design. But she had little interest in such things, so she left it to Natalia.

Tiana and Natalia both had impeccable taste, though Natalia's style leaned more modest, which Sofia preferred. She trusted Natalia's choices completely.

Her fingers glided over the fabric, light and soft, just as she liked. The gown was a masterpiece-golden brocade with a square neckline, and a white silk Watteau train that draped from her shoulders, trailing elegantly behind her. She loved it.

Dressing slowly, Sofia stood before the mirror. The reflection staring back at her was striking-she barely recognized herself. Soon, this would become her life. She'd have to attend ceremonies, sit through political discussions, wear clothes like these, and leave behind the simplicity of her training gear and cotton gowns.

There was no escaping it now. She had sealed her fate the moment she wielded a power that was never meant for her. The crown was hers to bear-its weight heavier than she imagined. But for whom? A stranger she didn't even know?

She had brought a man into the palace-an outsider, someone Taehyung had warned her against. She saw now why he had opposed her decision. But what choice did she have? She couldn't let the man die.

Sofia's gaze hardened. If she had brought a snake into her home, she would be the one to kill it.

She grabbed her sword from the bed and left her room, moving with purpose toward the royal guest chambers. Rosalind called after her, but Sofia didn't hear a word.

The royal guest chamber was heavily guarded. Four royal guards stood at their posts-more than usual. King William was no fool to leave a stranger under ordinary watch.

All four bowed deeply as Sofia approached.

"Don't let anyone inside-not General Kim, not even my sisters," she commanded, her voice firm.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, hearing the soft click of the lock behind her as the guards secured the door.

But all her determination, every carefully constructed decision, seemed to fade the moment her eyes fell on the man lying unconscious before her.

His chest was bound in white bandages, a stark red bloom of blood just above his heart. Despite the injury, his face appeared peaceful, almost angelic, as if sleep had softened the edges of whatever danger he might represent.

Sofia's heart fluttered in her chest, each beat louder than the last. Her hand, as though acting on its own, reached out to brush against his hair. The silky strands slipped between her fingers, and before she could stop herself, her hand traveled to his cheek, her fingertips grazing the warmth of his skin. His lips-plump and soft-looked so inviting, and she felt a strange pull toward him, something deep and unfamiliar, stirring within her.

She had never felt this way before, this strange attraction she couldn't explain, couldn't control.

Then, his voice pulled her back from her thoughts, deep and rich, with an almost musical quality.

"Is it appropriate to touch an unconscious man this way, Your Majesty?"

He opened his dragon-like eyes. A lazy smirk danced across his lips, and Sofia felt her entire world tilt.