The fragrance of freshly baked bread and oatmeal followed Pricilla on her way. There was something familiar and nostalgic in the early-morning pother of Ildemar’s inhabitants that reminded her of Sefis, a simple yet homely medley of scents and sounds that was never present in the gilded halls of the Imperial Palace. A little pang twisted her heart as a group of giggling maids hurried past her with loads of sheats, curtsying deeply in passing before continuing on their way.

The servants in Limris were invisible - shadows hiding behind curtains and in corners, silent but always observing, remembering, and whispering into their masters’ ears. And when they were facing the noble lords and ladies they were serving, their faces wore the most perfect smiles and their lips uttered the most precise compliments to make one feel like the center of the world. But it was all a lie. A calculated flattery, aimed at currying favors and acquiring riches, even if it meant stabbing a friend or family in the back. But here, it all seemed so natural. Every gesture, every genuflection and greeting seemed to stem from genuine respect.

Around the corner, a castle guard clicked his heels and stood at attention with a steel fist touching his heart until she passed him. Forget about Limris, even in Sefis her father’s men greeted her with a simple nod.

No! It was wrong to think this backwater fief was better than the Capital! The people here were savage simpletons who were blind to true value. The sigil! Yes, it was the Binshi’s magic that was charming those brutish people into polite, brainless puppets.

For some reason, Pricilla remembered the faces of the guests during the welcoming banquet. The moment that Beast and her sister had entered, everyone had behaved like they were in the presence of the Emperor and his consort and not of two lowly bastards. The reverence everyone showed had made her blood boil. Had they used a magic trick? Yes, that must have been the case. Her mist-born sister and that ugly monster were probably using similar sigils. Well, now two could play this game, and she was going to be the undisputed winner.

Halting abruptly, Pricilla took a few deep breaths, secretly stroking her stomach. Such tumultuous thoughts were bad for her precious child. She shouldn’t get so emotional over such petty things. It was all Castor’s fault! Her body and mind were still in disarray after their little escapade. Maybe she should turn back, pretend to be sick, and postpone the meeting with Lorelei. Even if the discussion of the Crown Prince’s visit was delayed by a day or two, it didn’t matter much. That cripple wasn’t going to arrive until the beginning of the eight month, so there was ample time to prepare.

“Lady Orten?!” A man’s voice disturbed her thoughts. “What are you doing here?”

Looking up, Pricilla yet again struggled to control her expression when suddenly standing face to face with the Beast of Norden. Those gray eyes were like two arrowheads piercing straight into her soul. The bright sun accentuated every wrinkle and imperfection of his hideous scar, as he was flaunting his deformity for all to see and fear. Unwilling to continue looking at those repulsive features, she let her gaze travel down in pretended modesty to a more appropriate territory.

Covered by a black shirt and half-open doublet, the Beast’s chest was like a wall of muscle hidden by a thin veil. Pricilla’s body, still sensitive from the recent activities, suddenly flared up again. Albeit hidden beneath the layers of clothing and letting almost everything to the imagination, the frame of the man that stood before her exuded ripe, almost primitive power that she had never felt before - not in the refined embrace of her Prince, as his sweet perfume seeped into her skin; not just now in the clumsy, passionate arms of that foolish boy. Before her stood the king of all beasts, a dangerous and mysterious entity that was ready to devour her, and she was hardly able to resist his will.

“You don’t look so well, Lady Orten.” The slight softness and the tinge of worry in the Duke’s voice shook Pricilla, making her snap from her daydream. Now was the time to make good use of her infatuation sigil.

Leaning on one of the ornamental columns lining up the corridor, she forced a weak smile on her lips and fluttered with her lashes.

“I’m fine, my lord. I was just on my way to report to the Duchess and discuss the organizations around the Crown Prince’s visit. Alas, it seems that the overbearing emotions from yesterday have taken their toll on my body.”

“I’ve heard that you have a weak constitution.” The man’s brows twitched. “It seems that the little altercation with my wife has disturbed you quite a lot. I apologize.”

“No need, my lord!” Contrary to her words, Pricilla leaned even heavier on the pillar. “It’s just that I never expected that Lorelei would attack me. It pains me to say this, but she seems like a completely different person from the nice older sister I remember.”

“And despite those misgivings, you are now on the way to meet her?”

“I have a duty to fulfill. Before the needs of the crown, personal misgivings are irrelevant.”

“Admirable mindset.” Saying that, the Duke offered her his hand. “But it would have a bad impact on my reputation if my sister-in-law and imperial envoy were to faint and get sick under my care. Rest for today. The planning can wait.”

Pricilla only looked at his outstretched hand without moving.

“I wouldn’t dare impose on Your Highness’ kindness,” she said in a low voice.

“Yesterday, you didn’t seem to have any misgivings about me touching you.”

“I was blinded by emotion and fear. I beg for my lord’s forgiveness. However, I know how much you hate me being near you. I don’t want to cause you unnecessary discomfort.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I arrived here, I slipped while exiting my carriage. I remember you treating me like a hot ember that day.”

Standing before her with a hand still outstretched, the Beast of Norden seemed dumbfounded for a moment. His gaze traveled back and forth between his palm and her figure weakly leaning against the column. With a sigh, he shook his head.

“I apologize for my rudeness at that time, Lady Orten. And also for my actions thereafter. I’ll be honest with you. Firstly, I treated you harshly due to the actions of your father towards me and my people at our last meeting.”

“Transferring your grievances to someone unrelated is unfair, my lord!”

“It is. And I’m ashamed of my unknightly conduct.”

“And your second reason?”

“I don’t have much experience dealing with fine noble ladies.”

His honest response startled Pricilla. She blinked and involuntarily looked into his eyes. He returned her gaze briefly before looking to the side.

“Both my reputation and my visage don't make me a very desirable companion. And if I remember correctly, you screamed and almost fainted the first time you saw my face. I didn’t want to subject you to my presence unnecessarily, so…”

He didn’t end the sentence but Pricilla knew what he meant. Surprisingly, this savage was showing more tact than anticipated.

“Then…” She licked her lips. “Why aren’t you wearing your mask? If you hide your scars, people would fear less. I too… would fear less.”

Her words made him visibly flinch. He lowered his head and mumbled something inaudible in his embarrassment. It took him some time, but finally, some coherent words rolled past his lips.

“My mask got damaged. Until it’s repaired, please bear with me.”

Without saying anything, Pricilla pulled out her handkerchief. It was the finest piece of silk, almost translucent in its weaving, and trimmed with golden lace. She shyly stepped forth and covered the hideous scar on the Duke’s face, tying her improvised eyepatch in a beautiful bow at the back of his head.

“Now you don’t need to lower your face, Your Highness.” She said brightly and stepped back again.

Before her, the Duke of Norden stood like a stone statue. For what felt like an eternity, he didn’t move a muscle, only his lips growing thinner and thinner and his brows closing together. Then, very slowly, his hand moved up. His fingers moved up and down, caressing the soft cloth.

“Yes…” His voice came out hoarse and absentminded. “It was a foolish decision. This should indeed be better.”

He then lifted his head and again offered his hand to Pricilla. This time, a smile stretched his stiff lips.

“Thank you for the timely assistance, Lady Pricilla. Would you allow me the honor to escort you to your chambers and have some tea in your company?”