Morning light poured through the palace's stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the velvet curtains and silver furnishings. Anya stood by the window, fingers brushing the carved frame, her gaze distant and unfocused. She had never imagined she would one day wake in such a room. Velvet carpets, a silver-plated vanity, and two maids waiting quietly nearby. It felt as if she had been transformed overnight from a street performer into a true princess.
The door creaked open.
Laian stepped in, dressed in an elegant royal-blue suit. A smile tugged at his lips, unable to be hidden. He walked gently toward Anya and lifted her hand, placing a soft kiss upon it.
"My dear, last night's performance was simply magnificent. You were the brightest star in this entire palace," he said, gazing into her eyes with warmth. "Every noble has been speaking of you. Even my father praised you more than once."
Anya's cheeks flushed crimson. Even the tips of her ears turned red.
She had never met a man like Laian. Handsome, gentle, attentive. He didn't look down on her from a pedestal, but instead took care of her daily needs himself. He asked what she liked to eat, had people bring her dresses, and treated her as if she were the most precious thing in his world.
"Thank you… Prince Laian," she whispered. Then, thinking it sounded too distant, she blushed and corrected herself, "Laian."
"It is my honor to care for you," he said gently, his gaze soft enough to melt stone. "Anya, from the first moment I saw you, I knew you were unlike anyone else. I have never been so completely captivated by a girl."
"I…" Her heart thudded rapidly. She could barely speak.
"I don't know if this is too soon, but I must say it. I like you," Laian said earnestly. "If you're willing, I hope you'll stay here in the palace. I'll do everything I can to gain my father's approval. I want to give you a title that is truly yours."
Her mind went blank. She had never dreamed happiness like this could come so suddenly. Almost without thinking, she nodded.
Laian smiled, clearly pleased. He raised her hand again and kissed her palm. "You won't regret this."
——
A few days later, near dusk.
Laian entered her room with a rare look of fatigue clouding his face.
Anya had been sitting by the window, admiring the roses blooming in the palace garden. When she saw him, she quickly rose. "What's wrong?"
He gave a tired shake of the head and sank into the seat beside her. "I thought last night's performance had gone well. But today, in front of the entire royal court, my father praised my brother Yuris instead. He said Yuris's monkey 'truly knows how to win people's hearts.'"
"A monkey?" Anya frowned slightly.
"Yes. A little monkey that can somersault, ride a bike, and even play the piano," Laian said through gritted teeth. Bitterness laced his expression. "Because of that creature, Yuris won Father's favor… and even received a crown. That crown, I wanted to win for you."
"You mean… you were going to give me the crown?" Anya asked softly, her voice trembling.
"Yes." Laian's tone was quiet, his eyes darkened with regret. "But I failed you."
She opened her mouth as if to say something, but her words caught in her throat.
She suddenly remembered what Noah had once promised: to give her the best life. And now, the best life was here, right in front of her. Banquets, jewels, a prince who adored her. It was all within reach. How could she pretend she didn't want it?
"It's all right, Laian." She forced a smile, trying to soothe him. "You've already given me more than I ever dreamed of. I never imagined I'd live in a place like this."
"But this is still not enough." He leaned closer, his eyes bright with intensity. "I want to give you the most luxurious, most noble life possible. You deserve every bit of glory this world has to offer." He paused, then suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I hate that I am not strong enough… that I cannot yet give you everything," he whispered into her ear, his voice hoarse and desperate. "If only I had something more stunning to present to my father… if only I could make him proud… then I could make you the most honored woman in this palace."
Anya's heart twisted in her chest.
She didn't want to lose Laian. She didn't want to lose any of this.
After a moment's hesitation, she began to speak. "Laian… I… actually, Noah…" The words faltered on her tongue. Her brows furrowed deeply.
Laian didn't press her. Instead, his fingers softly swept through her hair, like one calming a frightened child. "You don't have to force yourself. I know you care about me."
Those gentle words broke her defenses.
"Noah is…" She bit her lip, closed her eyes, and in one breath, revealed the secret. "He's not an ordinary puppet. He… he has a soul. He moves on his own. He's… alive."
"What?" Laian flinched slightly, as if caught off guard. But in the very next breath, he recovered. He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Thank you, Anya. I know how much trust it took for you to tell me that."
"You're not angry, are you?" she asked, voice trembling, eyes filled with guilt. "I didn't mean to keep it from you. I was just… afraid."
"How could I be angry?" Laian cupped her face gently. "You are just a girl alone in this world, struggling to survive. And now, you're willing to share everything with me. How could I not cherish that?"
Anya's eyes filled with tears as she leaned into his arms.
From the corner of the room, a silent figure stood motionless.
Noah was there, hidden in shadow, watching the two of them wrapped in one another's arms. His wooden face showed no emotion, but his eyes had grown dim and distant.
He had once promised to make her the happiest person in the world.
But now, that happiness no longer seemed to include him.