Damien looked taken aback by my words. He paused, studying me with his dark eyes as if trying to determine if I was telling the truth.
Then he kissed me back, his frustration clear.
"No matter how many times you run, I will always bring you back."
"Then what if I try again?"
"Do you dare?"
"I don't dare anymore. Damien, I want to be with you forever."
Damien's gaze was intense, clearly doubtful of my sincerity. But I wasn't worried; we had all the time in the world to prove it.
*****
Tristan managed to be released in just three days.
Outside the study, I overheard Damien and his men discussing it in detail.
In my past life, Tristan used me and broke my heart. I wasn't going to let him get away with it this time.
"Sarah, find out how Tristan got released," I instructed my maid.
Sarah had been left by my mother to care for me, initially just a maid. But she had incredible skills and was a high-ranking member of the Crimson Valkyries.
In my previous life, Tristan had approached me to access the world's top intelligence network, the Crimson Valkyries.
Sarah's eyes narrowed with determination. "Yes, my lady."
*****
Inside, Damien watched the direction where Amelia had left, his brow furrowed.
One of his men asked, "Mr. Hale, do you think Mrs. Hale will try to see Tristan?"
It was well known across the capital that Amelia had strong feelings for Tristan, even running away with him on their wedding night.
Damien's expression hardened, and he looked at his subordinate with an air of cold authority. "Do you think I'd let her get away?"
He thought to himself that Tristan was a man of deep and hidden motives. If he was close to Amelia, it had to be part of a larger scheme. Damien would never let him take her away.
I'm Amelia Hunter, the princess of Arcanthia. I met Tristan at Easter, and he became my tutor in the palace. He used romantic gestures to win my heart, but I was already promised to Damien, the national general.
The king insisted I marry Damien. When I resisted, Tristan encouraged me to elope with him. But Tristan had already leaked the news, setting up Damien for humiliation.
I pleaded desperately for Tristan's life, even submitting to Damien to save him.
Damien took me by force and released Tristan, and after that, Damien and I remained in a strained marriage.