It had been a long time since I last had such a deep, restful sleep.
My old habit of waking up before dawn from military days seemed to have vanished. By the time I opened my eyes, the sun was already high in the sky.
Xavier was still holding me, his breathing steady and calm. I lifted my head from his chest and looked up at the peaceful face in slumber.
It was the first time I really had a chance to take in his features. There were no sharp, rugged lines, his face was unexpectedly gentle. Long lashes cast shadows across his cheeks, lips slightly parted, and his nose was tall and straight.
He looked every bit the noble. And yet, he was a slave. Hard to believe, honestly.
I reached out and poked one of his cheeks gently, lost in thought.
"Do you like this view?" His voice suddenly broke the silence, though his eyes remained closed. A playful smile curled at his lips.
So he was awake, just pretending.
I flicked the tip of his nose. Xavier scrunched it and pouted before finally opening his eyes.
"Good morning, little princess."
"I am not little."
I tried to push off his chest to sit up, but he lazily wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me still.
"You're still little in my arms."
I snorted inwardly. If only he knew the soul in this body was a thirty-five-year-old woman, would he still call me little?
"Alright, get up already."
I had to meet Dylan for a debrief on the bandit suppression. Just thinking about facing that silver wolf again gave me a headache.
Politics had haunted my past life, and it looked like I wouldn't be escaping it in this one either. Truly, some things were just cursed to follow you.
"Just a little longer."
Xavier pulled me back onto the bed, clinging to me like a koala and nuzzling his nose into my neck, making me squirm.
"Stop… that tickles…"
But Xavier didn't stop. Like a child discovering a new toy, he doubled down on the spot that made me twitch.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The sound of knocking interrupted us. I lowered my voice and called out.
"Who is it?"
Before I could grant permission, the door swung open. I frowned slightly as Drake stepped in, as if he owned the place.
Did Davina really let men come in and out of her bedroom like some abandoned mansion?
Drake stopped at the edge of the bed, his expression unreadable. His gaze passed over Xavier, still nuzzled into my neck, before settling on me.
"I've come to assist you in preparing for the day, Your Highness."
That was his daily duty, wasn't it?
But I still felt awkward having a man help me with such… personal tasks. Didn't Davina have any maids? Or had she refused to be waited on by women?
Either way, I'd have to change this. I needed a personal maid for the delicate stuff, one from outside the palace, of course. I no longer trusted anyone within these velvet walls.
"You don't need to do anything today." I said, turning to Xavier. "Xavier will help me."
I didn't want to keep stepping on Drake's pride. It felt like signing my own death warrant. Besides, I was more comfortable with Xavier. At least I didn't have to constantly tiptoe around his emotions.
Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a smug little grin flash across Xavier's face. But when I looked again, it was gone.
Was I seeing things?
"As you wish, Your Highness." Drake's voice was cool as he bowed, then turned to leave.
I didn't catch his face as he walked away, but the flickering affection meter above his head shifted again.
[-35%]
What now?
Be nice, doesn't work. Be mean, makes it worse. What's wrong with these male leads anyway?
No matter what I do, they're destined to hate me. After all, I'm the cursed Davina.
"Come on, Xavier. Let's get ready."
Sensing the change in my mood, Xavier wisely let go and stood up.
"Yes, Your Highness."
He wasn't as practiced as Drake, but he was quick and efficient. Before long, I was fully dressed in a gaudy, overdecorated dress I could only call ridiculous. Still, I had no choice but to adapt.
When I stepped out of the room, Drake was still waiting outside like a motionless statue, eyes averted.
As I was about to walk past, Xavier tugged gently on my hand, his expression like a puppy begging for attention.
"Can I visit you again tonight?"
Who could say no to that face? Not me.
"Alright." I smiled, giving his cheek a gentle pat before heading off.
The administrative wing was quite far from the princess's quarters, a testament to how massive this castle was.
It took me a good ten minutes of walking before I finally reached Davina's office.
Dylan was already inside, lounging leisurely with a cup of tea, he didn't exactly look like he'd been waiting.
"Apologies for keeping you, Duke."
I took a seat behind the mountain of paperwork that greeted me, momentarily overwhelmed.
Had Davina really neglected her duties this badly? And now I was the one who had to clean up the mess.
"No worries. I just got here myself."
I glanced at his teacup, cold with no steam, but I let it slide.
"Please proceed. I'm listening." I laced my fingers under my chin and looked at Dylan seriously.
He stared at me for a moment, as if trying to read my mind. I kept my expression neutral, giving him nothing.
Eventually, he gave up and started reporting on the southern campaign.
Nothing too complicated, his forces had successfully wiped out the remaining bandits in the southern villages.
Even if he was plotting to overthrow Davina, the man clearly had a sense of justice. Who knows, maybe he'd make a decent king one day.
"Alright, I've got it."
I nodded, looking down at the notes I'd taken, only to realize I had instinctively written them in my native language. I quickly flipped the paper over.
That small movement didn't escape Dylan's sharp eyes, but I feigned calm, acting like nothing happened.
"If there's nothing else, you may go."
"So eager to dismiss me, Princess?" Dylan arched a brow.
I glanced at the glaring affection meter above his head and wished I could run the other way.
"You're a busy man, Duke. I wouldn't dare waste your precious time."
I grabbed a stack of documents to cover up my notes, feigning busyness.
Dylan stepped closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over my desk.
"Then shouldn't I be rewarded for my efforts?" He placed both hands on the desk, leaning in until his voice tickled my ear like a devil's whisper.
I didn't look up. Ignored his proximity.
"What kind of reward are you after?"
He didn't lack wealth or status. Maybe he wanted permission to take Aurora out of the palace?
"Well, this is the first time you've yielded to me so easily." Dylan chuckled. "I'd be a fool not to treasure the moment."
"Go on. I'll grant it."
I stopped flipping through the pages, holding my breath for his request.
"Since it's so precious, I think I'll save it for later." Dylan said calmly, stepping back and out of my line of sight.
I looked up, locking eyes with him. What is he scheming now?
But Dylan merely bowed, so formally it almost felt like mockery.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
What an unpredictable man. I was already sick of his type.
Regardless, I had more pressing matters. A kingdom neglected by Davina was waiting to be saved. Hopefully, my past-life knowledge could be of some use here.
I picked up the quill again, ready to dive into work. But just as I did, a familiar window popped up in front of me, glowing bright.
[Hidden Quest Activated!
Cassian and Aurora are secretly meeting in the greenhouse. Interrupt them before their feelings deepen, steal Cassian's kiss from Aurora.
Reward: Cassian +10% Affections. Unlock one Davina Memory Chapter.
Failure: Cassian -20% Affections. Aurora activates "Fated Love" effect, attracting all male leads for 7 days.
Time remaining: 1 hour 59 minutes.]
Are you kidding me?
Can I not just be a responsible princess for one day?
***