I also wanted Felix to pin up my long hair with his hands that were made to write poetry.

At first, of course, he was unwilling. If I pushed him too far, he would make excuses to stay away from my manor for a few days.

He would never take more than three days, though. He would show up again, looking calm and indifferent. He would wear the sky-blue robes I picked for him, with the coronet I'd given him on his head and the pendant I'd gifted hanging at his waist.

Even just standing there quietly, his eyes as still as a deep well, he looked as handsome as if he were a masterpiece.

He wouldn't need to say anything, for I would instantly forgive him.

Man, beauty was a curse.

…

A banquet was held at the palace to welcome General Colson back in triumph.

I sat below Father. When I looked back, Felix was swallowed up by the crowd, his good looks completely lost in the sea of faces.

I was bored and meant to leave early, but the guest of honor hadn't even arrived yet. Father sat at the most prominent seat in the hall, not looking mad in the slightest.

Well, I sure was.

General Colson, whose name was Gerard Colson, had deep ties to the original princess of this world. They were childhood friends of a sort, but the princess turned into Gerard's shameless pursuer as they grew up.

He had a devastatingly handsome face and was highly skilled in martial arts, and his father was General Northguard, who watched the northern frontier. On paper, he was a good match for the princess.

Except he didn't want her.

To avoid the princess, Gerard had gone to the border to lead the troops in war. He'd stayed there for three years. Who would've known that he'd not only come back in one piece but would also be triumphant?

Now, what did that point to? It meant that the heavens were blind and that menaces lived forever.

I had all of the original princess' feelings and memories, so I didn't think much of Gerard right now. If not for how ridiculously good-looking he was in those memories, I wouldn't have come to this banquet at all.

But by now, I'd lost my patience. I excused myself and slipped out. Then, I sent a handmaiden to bring Felix over.

Even if he were used to my brazen ways, he was still utterly stunned when I pinned him against the rockery and kissed him.

He scowled, looking ashamed and angry. "Your Highness!"

I covered his mouth and giggled into his ear. "Keep quiet. Do you want people to hear us?"

Felix's breathing became ragged, and his gaze darkened.

That only thrilled me more. "Or do you want to be heard?"

Just then, voices drifted over from afar.

"I heard you had the princess thrown into a cell for… verbally harassing you the other day."

"That's my fault. It was just a misunderstanding."

"Ha, I figured. She used to chase me relentlessly, after all."

The other voice paused, then said, "But General Colson, that was three years ago."

It was Gerard and Rowan.

I frowned. Anyone else would be manageable, but being caught by those two would spell trouble.

Suddenly, the arm around my waist tightened. Then, Felix pressed his lips against mine in a fiery kiss. Unlike his usual soft, passive responses, he kissed me with fierce heat, like he wanted to devour me whole.

Was he out of his mind? Wasn't he afraid of being seen? I might act crazy most days, but even this was beyond my limit!

Gerard's and Rowan's footsteps drew closer. My scalp prickled, and my eyes kept darting to the side. The handmaiden was practically twitching as she threw me frantic looks.

I could see her perfectly fine, thank you very much. She was about to sprain her eyeballs. But Felix was the one kissing me!

The footsteps faded, and I was relieved.

I was about to discuss various kissing techniques and positions with Felix when a voice ground out through clenched teeth beside us. "Claire Sable!"

I stiffened and turned to see Rowan and Gerard. They'd somehow ended up right next to Felix and me. Their faces were cold as frost.

Well, this was awkward… so awkward that I blurted, "What a coincidence. Want to join us?"

Damn it! This was exactly the sort of nonsense that went on in the mind of a female protagonist of a spicy romance novel.