Chapter 27
Roseline didn’t nod. It wasn’t defiance—she was frozen, like a rabbit trapped under a predator’s gaze. She almost wished he would just yell at her, call her ungrateful. At least then it would feel familiar. But this man, quietly and elegantly tightening the leash around her neck, felt like a stranger.
Still, she couldn’t stay silent forever. Chewing her lower lip, she searched for words—until Valen’s hand moved, recognizing the habit.
“Huh—”
Startled, Roseline instinctively pulled her head back. His fingers, meant to touch her lips, hovered in the air.
And for the first time, the fault lines in his perfect composure showed. Valen glanced at the distance between his hand and her, then clicked his tongue.
“I said nod, not dodge.”
He was still smiling, but she could tell—if she avoided him again, his patience would snap. A primal warning. Like a trained animal, Roseline stayed still, watching his every move. Pleased by her obedience, Valen’s expression softened as his fingers brushed her cheek.
“Be smart about this.”
“…”
“You like it too, don’t you? The way I soften for you—only for you.”
She had liked it. And she understood exactly what his words implied. If she let this slide, if she stayed quiet, he would continue to be her doting lover—or doting husband.
The answer was simple. She could laugh weakly, nod, and pretend this never happened. Things would return to peace—for now. But Roseline would remember this day. She would second-guess every affectionate gesture, every tender word, wondering when he would drop the act—or worse, if it had all been an act.
“I understand, separately.”
Of course he was angry. A proposal turned rejection—who could smile and applaud that? It was natural for his pride to be wounded. But she couldn’t stake her entire life on preserving Valen’s pride or buying some hollow peace.
“…Thank you for your kindness all this time. I’m sorry I can’t give you the answer you want.”
Slowly but firmly, Roseline pushed his hand away from her cheek. The steel-gray eyes following her instantly sharpened. The shift was so sudden, so intense, it could’ve shaken even the most resolute resolve. Avoiding his razor-edged gaze, she stood.
“So let’s consider our relationship ended—by Your Highness’s decision.”
Valen, looking up at her, didn’t move a muscle. Only the angle of his jaw shifted slightly as he watched her with hooded eyes, his fingers utterly still.
It was eerie. His flawless composure felt more dangerous than any outburst. Like a predator quietly calculating its prey’s weakness, the tension coiled around her skin. Roseline clenched her fist, then turned away completely. The suffocating silence clung to her ankles, weighing down each step, but she didn’t look back.
“Stop.”
Just as she was two steps from the door, a blade-like voice stabbed into her back.
“Is there another man?”
“…”
“Not the Academy, surely. The Magical Order?”
Roseline froze, her expression twisting. Nothing today had gone as expected. This accusation was so absurd it left her speechless.
“Answer.”
But Valen didn’t wait for even a second of hesitation. Pressed by his demand, she whirled around.
“What—no! It’s not about someone else. I—I already told you my reasons. I’m not suited for you, or for the title of Duchess. This isn’t some impulsive decision. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”
“Oh? So even while taking my seed inside you, that’s what you were thinking about?”
“Your Highness—!”
“How insolent. I must have spoiled you far too much.”
He rose slowly. His steps toward her were elegant, unhurried—as if he had no reason to rush. His gaze never left her.
“Tantrums are only cute in moderation.”
“…It’s not a tantrum, so you don’t have to find it cute.”
“Are you sure? Do you really know what I’m capable of?”
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