When I Love You, The Fog Rises Ahead

At that moment, hiding behind the wall, it felt as though my heart had stopped.

My face burned with shame, as if I'd been slapped. The humiliation was unbearable.

I fled, stumbling over my own feet in my haste. I tripped and fell, my knees scraping against the rough stone, blood seeping through my skirts.

Later that night, Alexander came to my room.

I turned my back on him, refusing to face him, unwilling even to call him "brother."

The room was silent. Not a sound could be heard.

In the past, Alexander would have coaxed me with gentle words, but now, I could only think of his earlier words. The scene replayed in my mind, and tears flowed uncontrollably, soaking my pillow.

"Are you crying?"

His voice came from behind me, quiet and clear. It startled me.

I turned to look at him, surprised. "I thought you'd already left."

Alexander said nothing. He stepped forward, scooping me up effortlessly and placing me gently on the bed. He knelt beside me, lifting my skirt to inspect the wound on my knee.

His brows furrowed as he saw the swollen, bloody scrape.

"Why are you always so careless?"

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the tears. My voice trembled as I spoke, "This has nothing to do with you."

He didn't respond but continued to carefully clean my wound.

As he worked, I watched him, my gaze lingering on his face, lost in thought. I barely noticed my own staring.

"What are you looking at?"

Alexander cleared his throat awkwardly, catching my gaze with his own. His eyes flickered, betraying a brief moment of uncertainty.

Embarrassed, I quickly turned my head away, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

I was grateful for the cover of the night.

Alexander tilted his head, his tone shifting as he asked, "Why are you angry?"

It seemed he wasn't letting me off for ignoring him earlier.

I lowered my head, unwilling to answer.

If he discovered my true feelings for him, would he see me as shameless, disgusting even?

When I remained silent, Alexander leaned in, his presence pressing closer. I could feel his breath against my skin, the warmth of his body making me retreat further until I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

A tear slipped down my cheek.

Before I could react, the world darkened as Alexander's hand covered my eyes.

"Rest," he murmured softly, his voice dropping to a low, husky whisper near my ear.

There was something dangerous in his tone, something that sent a shiver down my spine.

From that day onward, I began to distance myself from Alexander.

But what I didn't realize was that my hidden feelings had already been laid bare for all to see.

My thoughts returned to the present, and before I knew it, Alexander was standing before me, looking down at me with his usual cold gaze.

I glanced up, accidentally locking eyes with him, and a shiver ran through me.

He spoke, his voice steady, "Prepare yourself. You'll be accompanying me to the autumn hunt in a few days."