Frederick's eyes widened slightly as his fixed gaze finally shifted, though his body remained still. His serious expression faltered, just for a moment, revealing a flicker of shock—like all the hope he once held had been shattered into pieces.
He had heard the rumors back in the village, but he chose not to believe them. Many had told him about it—about her. That Roselina was getting married to the king. But he refused to accept it. He knew her too well.
So when he was assigned to her, and her name was mentioned, he thought it had to be a coincidence. A cruel trick of fate. Surely the world was playing a prank on him. And even when he entered the dining hall, he didn't look at her directly. But he could feel it—her warm, familiar aura. Still, he held on to denial.
Until she said his name.
And in that moment, all the hope he'd been clinging to shattered completely. His heart broke, but somehow, he kept his expression intact—masking the pain within.
