🌑 Alexander's POV
Sleep hasn't been my friend for years.
Every night, the ink on my skin burns like a reminder. The tattoo carved into my flesh is not just art — it's memory. It's her.
Camellia.
My flower.
A devil's queen in this devil world.
I don't even know how she manages to hold my love, my anger, my chaos — all in her delicate hands without even trying.
I've seen blood. Betrayal. Death.
But nothing haunts me the way her eyes do.
Tonight… I saw her again.
Standing under the balcony light like she was never meant for darkness.
For a second — just one second — I forgot who I had become.
All I wanted…
Was to pull her into my arms.
To feel if she was real.
To bury my face in her hair and breathe.
To make sure she was still mine.
Mine to protect.
Mine to keep safe from this cursed world.
But I can't.
Because the moment I reach for her… she steps away.
She always escapes before I can explain.
Before I can tell her why I became this devil.
If she stands in front of me again — just once —
I won't let her walk away without hearing the truth.
Not to cage her.
Not to imprison her.
But to make her understand…
That everything I became…
I became to survive.
And to protect her.
She thinks I'm heartless.
But the truth?
She is the only reason my heart still beats.
And if fate dares to bring her to me again…
I might just lock her inside my room — not as a prisoner, but as the only place where no one can steal her away from me again.
This time…
She won't escape my world.
And I won't let her slip through my fingers twice..
-----------
Just as Aira approached the city gate, she noticed a group of guards moving back and forth, scanning the crowd carefully.
"They're looking for someone… someone who looks like… a person with blue eyes?" one guard murmured to another.
Aira's heart skipped a beat. She realized immediately—they were searching for her.
From a distance, Alexander's voice rang out, sharp and commanding:
"Jay! If anyone spots a woman with blue eyes, you must report to me immediately. Understood?"
Aira's pulse raced, but she forced herself to stay calm. Her eyes darted around, searching for a safe route, knowing that one wrong move could reveal her.
She tightened her grip on Bella's reins, preparing to slip away unnoticed, even as Alexander's shadow loomed over her path in the form of his guards.
---
Just as Aira's heart pounded at the sight of the guards, a group of performers entered through the city gate, carrying colorful props and drums.
Seizing the opportunity, Aira moved quickly, slipping into their midst. She tugged at her cloak and covered her hair, hiding her features as best she could.
The performers, busy setting up for their street performance, barely noticed the new arrival.
Aira quickly changed her appearance, borrowing a loose tunic and trousers from one of the troupe members, dressing herself like a boy. Her long hair was tucked under a cap, and the vibrant mask of the drama group helped conceal her face further.
Blending into the group, she moved with them through the streets of Villin City, her heart still racing—but now filled with cautious hope. For the first time since entering the city, she felt she might actually evade Alexander's relentless search.
As Aira moved with the drama group, blending seamlessly among the performers, Alexander's guard hurried up to him, bowing slightly.
"Your Majesty," the guard said, "the queen has requested that all performers remain in the palace. Her birthday is approaching, and she wishes to be surrounded by joy and celebration."
Alexander's sharp eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly. "Very well. Ensure they are all settled in the palace," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The guard hurried off to carry out the orders, and the drama group—including Aira—was escorted toward the grand palace halls.
Aira's heart skipped a beat. She now had no choice but to follow them inside, her disguise as a boy keeping her hidden, but her nerves taut. She pressed herself closer to the group, every step bringing her nearer to Alexander—and closer to the dangerous truth he sought.
---
After some time, Alexander finally stepped out of the hall, leaving the palace buzzing with activity.
Seizing the opportunity, Aira quietly slipped away from the drama group and made her way to Queen Zara's private chambers.
As she entered, Queen Zara's eyes immediately fell on the figure in front of her. "Who… who are you?" she asked, her voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Aira took a deep breath and removed her disguise, letting her true self be seen for the first time since arriving in Villin City.
Queen Zara froze, her eyes widening in shock. The girl before her—the blue eyes, the Rajput aura, and the unmistakable presence—was none other than Princess Aira herself.
For a moment, the room was silent, the air thick with tension and recognition.
---
Aira took a deep breath and began explaining everything to Queen Zara—the journey from her palace, her encounter with Alexander, the butterfly birthmark, and the danger she faced in the city.
Zara listened intently, her eyes softening with each word. She nodded slowly, understanding the courage and determination behind the young princess.
Finally, Aira looked up, her expression serious but hopeful. "For a few days… I will stay here, Mother," she said softly. "I'll stay hidden and safe under your care."
Queen Zara's lips curved into a gentle, reassuring smile. "Very well, child. You are safe here. For now, no one will harm you."
Aira felt a wave of relief wash over her. She knew that with Zara's protection, she could plan her next move—and perhaps, find a way to meet her father without danger.
---
Two days passed, and Aira remained safely in Queen Zara's chambers, hidden from Alexander and the palace guards.
During this time, she grew more comfortable with her surroundings—the soft carpets, the warm sunlight spilling through tall windows, and the quiet guidance of Queen Zara. Each day, Zara shared small stories of the palace, the city, and the people, helping Aira understand the world she had stepped into.
Though safe, Aira's thoughts often drifted to Alexander—the ruthless king with piercing blue eyes who was searching for her. She knew it was only a matter of time before he would sense her presence.
Yet, in these quiet days, Aira also felt a growing bond with Queen Zara, a strange mix of trust, admiration, and comfort. For the first time since leaving her own palace, she felt she had a place to breathe, plan, and prepare.
Alexander was restlessly searching every corner of the city. His soldiers and guards spread across the streets, looking for even the smallest clue. Hours passed, yet there was no sign of her.
Finally, his bodyguard Jay approached and bowed.
"My Majesty," he said quietly, "we searched the entire city… but we couldn't find the girl."
Alexander's jaw tightened, and anger flashed in his eyes. "Keep searching," he ordered coldly. "No one rests until she is found."
He turned away, hiding the strange ache in his heart — the feeling that Aira was closer than anyone knew.
---
Aira, still disguised as a boy, was playing with the other performers in the grand hall of the palace. Laughter and music echoed through the marble walls — until a sudden silence fell.
From the balcony above, Alexander's sharp gaze landed on her. Something about the boy's face caught his attention — familiar, unsettling.
"You there!" his deep voice echoed. "Who are you, boy? And why are you playing in the royal hall without permission?"
Aira froze. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest as his piercing eyes locked on hers. She bowed her head quickly, trying to hide her face under the shadow of her cap.
---
Aira stepped forward, keeping her voice low and rough to match her disguise.
"Prince Alexander… we came here for work," she said politely, eyes fixed on the floor.
But Alexander didn't look convinced.
There was something about this "boy" — the way he stood, the softness in his voice, the tiny tremble in his hands.
A strange, familiar feeling tugged at his heart.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned slightly closer, studying her face with growing suspicion.
Before he could question her further, Queen Zara entered the hall.
"Alexander," she said calmly, placing a hand on his shoulder, "he is one of my workers. I called them to prepare for my birthday celebrations."
Aira felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Alexander's eyes lingered on the "boy" as Zara guided her out of the hall.
He watched every step she took — puzzled, curious, strangely drawn.
Even as they disappeared around the corner, his gaze remained fixed on the spot where Aira had stood.
Something wasn't right…
He could feel it.