The last time my heart danced this much was when I was first reborn into this world.
I’m exiled and free to go to Laval. Can you believe it? I can travel to Laval, a place ordinarily impossible for me to visit—what a dream!
……And I must say, I do like traveling by carriage.
Duke’s probably worried I’ll suffer more than I already have, but to be honest, I have no qualms about staying in this cage.
The carriage comes to a sudden halt, and I lurch forward in my seat. Thanks to my daily workouts, I’m unharmed. Most noblewomen in this situation would have certainly smashed their faces against the wall.
What in the world is happening? Did he hit somebody? Are we being ambushed by bandits?
I cautiously lean out the window to see what’s going on, and the door flings open.
“Huh?”
Here’s a man, breathless, his hair disheveled, with sweat on his brow—Duke.
……I don’t usually see the calm and cool Duke looking so flustered. Did he forget to say something to me? It must really be important for him to stop the carriage so suddenly.
“Well? What do—?”
I can’t even finish my question before Duke’s hand swoops around the back of my neck, and suddenly his warm, soft lips touch mine.
My eyes widen, and my thinking stops—I can’t even register how shocked I am. His kiss is forceful yet gentle. I could drown in it.
I never imagined my first kiss would happen so casually.
Though if I count when I was sick and Duke fed me medicine mouth-to-mouth, I guess this wouldn’t be my first kiss.
Then again, this is my first proper kiss.
Duke’s lips softly leave mine. Surprise winning over embarrassment, I stare up at him blankly.
“Alicia…I’m sorry.”
Huh? What’s going on? First Duke kisses me, then he apologizes? There’s so much new information to process, my brain is a jumbled mess.
Is he apologizing for kissing me out of the blue? Or is he apologizing for exiling me so forcefully?
“This was the only way to get you free from this kingdom as quickly as possible, Alicia. I know it was extreme… I’m sorry.”
Duke’s sentiment robs me of any words.
Just how far will this man go for me?
He would sacrifice himself to make my dreams come true… My Prince Charming.
……Well, he’s literally a prince.
That amnesia act of his was a little too believable. He’s a theatrical genius.
“I could never forget you, Alicia.”
His firm tone makes me feel hot all over. Which is silly. A villainess must never blush.