***

Up on the balcony, Crown Prince Arnold of Galkhein watched the spectacle play out from beginning to end. He gazed at the girl with the coral hair. Her appearance was that of any young noblewoman, but she moved like a well-trained knight. She’d leapt from the balcony and landed skillfully, showing no signs of distress at her ripped dress or disheveled hair. Instead, she’d knocked the heels off her shoes and dashed away.

Also, she had called him an emperor.

Playing it all over again in his head, Arnold broke out into a rare chuckle. As his shoulders quivered with laughter, his attendant approached him from behind.

“There you are, Your Highness. What are you doing out here? I’m aware you don’t desire a wife, but beginning the search would be wise… Er, Your Highness?” The attendant’s eyes flew wide. His bored and scowling master waslaughing. “Did something happen?”

“Oliver, ready my coach. Wait, no. That will take too much time. Bring me a horse.”

“At once, Your Highness. Might I ask why?”

Arnold didn’t respond—he just grinned like a hungry wolf catching scent of his prey.