|Princess Zoey's Point Of View| A few days passed since I met the person who marked me, whose name is Micah. I tried my best to ignore that I was marked and forget that he existed. But the more I did, the more I remembered it. The more I tried to forget him, the more I remembered that he was in an underground dungeon. Also, as I am wearing a pheromone stopper ring, and he is wearing a similar one, it felt like we are wearing a pair of couple rings... During that one week, I engaged myself with my duties, mostly taking care of the budgets and checking records of every part of the palace. I did that to engage my mind in the work so I would stop stressing about shit. Plus, the fact Prince Patrick didn't visit my kingdom was good news too. But... During those days, as I walked down the corridors, my eyes always caught a familiar person... It was Micah. Though I was trying my best to forget about him, he was always there. He was given labour work in the storerooms, where he was assigne

|Princess Zoey's Point Of View| But it happened every single night for one week. Maid Pamela had to form up different lies and go check on that damn person who made me worry over him. She came every night with news like, "he's asleep as usual, your highness.", "he's having a meal, your highness.", "he's dozing off in the cell, your highness." And I can sleep peacefully after knowing that he's doing good. But... one little problem. No. One BIG problem. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING!? "I think you shouldn't go today." I finally say to Pamela, who gives me a concerned look. She has come to my room to know if I want to know about Micah. But... this is completely nuts! I should stop this before it gets out of hand! She smiles; "Your highness. I know you are hesitant about everything you do now—especially things regarding... that commoner. Your... former relationship ended badly. And I know how Prince Patrick treated you at the end because I heard your argument. He hasn't loved you, and that

|Princess Zoey's Point Of View| Duchess Winter is cunning. She walks to the underground dungeon before me and asks me to hide behind a wall. After a while, she comes out but not alone, with ALL the guards following her from behind! She winks at me before walking in the other direction, leaving me as shocked as ever. How the hell did she take all the guards out of the dungeon? Even me, being the princess, cannot do that! I should probably master her cunning skills. I quickly whip my head and look in all directions to make sure no one's around, to make sure I am not being watched. As I am sure, I slip through the door and quickly grab a flame stick from the wall. I carefully walk down the swirly stairway, lighting my path with the stick. Once I am on the ground, I go in the direction that I remember where Micah's cell is. I open the door to the separate corridor and enter, hanging the flame stick on a hook on the wall. Then I walk to the second cell where Micah is and peek in. He is

|Princess Zoey's Point Of View| "Where's Micah?" I ask as soon as we step out to the garden. "He's by the bench already. But before you go, I wanted to ask you. Why did you specifically ask maid Pamela to keep an eye on your room before we come?" she asks. "Oh. Actually, since I didn't have anything to do yesterday, I made a small plan. All the paperwork is in my room, and I don't want anyone to see them." I admit. "Okay... But why did you make a sudden plan like that?" "I-I am planning to talk with my parents tomorrow. Sooner the better, right?" I ask. "Uh-huh. I think so. Are you also planning to talk with them about Micah?" "Not yet." "Then, when?" "I don't know. When I am sure about him, I guess." I shrug in distress. The chances of my parents agreeing with my idea of letting me prove myself capable of the throne are low. And with that, their acceptance of Micah is low as well. So I might have to delay talking about Micah for another time, but it seems unfair for both him

|Princess Zoey's Point Of View| I walk out of the room, fuming in anger. I've never felt this mad toward my parents, especially my father. I know I am acting stubborn, but I believe I have ownership of the throne after him. "I will prove myself, prove him wrong and let him know how responsible I can be. No. I will plan treason against him. I will steal the throne." I say as I walk to my room. "Calm down, your highness. You aren't saying these words with your heart, but out of anger." maid Pamela tries to calm me down. But I am far from that. "How can I stay calm, huh? I know I acted stubborn, and he's worried about me as a father, but it's so unfair that he's unwilling to give me a chance! But willing to give a stranger a chance! This is something he can easily give me! A-and thinking about that shithead Prince Patrick, it boils me inside! I had to go through all that because of my parents as well. So this is my turn to do what I want." I express. I open the door to my room and wa