Chapter 3
The royal decree for the diplomatic marriage had officially arrived at my estate.
But the marriage edict that would bind Garrick to Selene was delayed.
Following my suggestion, my father told Selene privately. The plan was to keep it quiet until the wedding day.
As for me taking her place… that secret stayed sealed inside the Princess’s estate.
A quiet surprise my way of repaying Garrick for saving my life in the past life.
It was also our ending
But Garrick remained oblivious. He was still doing everything he could to prevent Selene from going
One afternoon, I passed through the royal gardens–and saw them. Selene and Garrick.
Now that the pressure of the marriage had been lifted, Selene was all smiles.
“Your hands are so skillful, Garrick. Do lots of girls beg you to carve little trinkets for them?”
He was holding a piece of wood, eyes lowered. There was worry in his gaze, but also fondness.
“No. I only carve for someone I care about.”
His words pierced like thorns
That woodcarving skill? It had come from my mother.
She used to make me little toys to cheer me up..
After she passed, Garrick had taken over–quietly carving things for me.
But then Selene came along. And suddenly, I wasn’t the only one he’d carve for.
I had hated Selene’s mother for what she did to mine. I’d forbidden Garrick from giving Selene anything he made
In return, he grew distant and impatient.
“What would you like?” he asked gently.
Selene spotted me. Her eyes gleamed, lips curling with hidden malice.
“Hmm… how about a little wooden sword?”
Garrick froze.!
I turned and walked away.
The wooden sword it was what my mother used to make for me the most.
After her death, my jewelry box had been full of them.
Selene had never liked them.
It was a deliberate provocation.
I didn’t hide my footsteps as I left.
He looked up as I turned, catching a glimpse of me–but I didn’t look back
Later, Maude set a box o
on my table. Inside was a long wooden sword.
The craftsmanship was exquisite–polished, lacquered, detailed. At first glance, it looked almost real.
Chapter 3
I knew. There was only one person with that kind of skill.
“Childish, “I muttered
I shoved the box aside
Walked a few steps. Then turned back.
And fastened the sword at my side.
