Meanwhile, while the duel raged in the arena, away in a separate chamber, two women sat face-to-face across a small table.
One had flowing black hair and matching eyes—Mia. The other possessed violet locks and similarly colored eyes—Isolde. Both radiated an aura of innocence and refinement, their composure graceful and dignified.
On the table between them sat a silver tray adorned with an assortment of delicate snacks and two golden-lined cups filled with gently steaming tea.
Isolde leaned forward first, lifting her cup and taking a sip with elegant restraint. Mia followed her lead, perfectly imitating her grace and poise, a far cry from how she behaved around Cassius.
After a few moments of silence, Isolde set her cup down and turned her unwavering gaze toward Mia. Her smile remained intact, but her eyes sharpened with focused intent.
"So," she said softly, folding her arms. "Who exactly are you? Care to explain?"
Mia nearly choked on her tea but quickly composed herself. "Sorry," she coughed. "But what do you mean by that?"
Isolde rolled her eyes, her expression both amused and weary. "I know you're not Lucian's bastard child. Nor are you adopted. Lucian and I never wanted another child. Cassius was enough for us."
Mia smiled gently, trying to formulate a response, but Isolde raised a hand to silence her.
"Don't try to lie. Lucian may have accepted your story, but only because he feared how I'd react. He wanted to protect me from unnecessary worry," she said with a wistful glance toward the window. "He loves me too much to cheat."
Her tone turned icy as she turned back. "So how, exactly, did you end up in his chambers exactly when he was changing clothes?"
Isolde's voice dropped to a low simmer. "At first, I thought you were just another social climber trying to latch onto nobility. But your conduct with the servants suggested something else entirely."
Mia froze. She hadn't realized she was being watched so closely. Her spine tingled as a chill crept up it. Isolde had been observing her in ways she hadn't even sensed.
Isolde, now clearly enjoying the change in Mia's expression, pressed on. "The reason I arranged the engagement was because I didn't want you under my roof. But you were a kind girl, so I found a good match for you. Still..."
Mia's brow glistened with sweat. She felt exposed—as if her entire being had been laid bare.
Isolde continued. "Cassius, my pacifist child, made his first real demand—not for himself, but for you, a girl he never even spoke to. He even accepted a duel in your name. That alone raised too many questions."
She sighed, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I suppose he's already won."
Mia's eyes widened, but she restrained herself from confirming it. Isolde caught the subtle shift in her gaze and smiled.
"So, tell me, Mia. Who are you really? And don't lie."
Cornered, Mia scrambled mentally for an escape, but there was none. With a trembling voice, she finally confessed, "I'm not from this world."
Her eyes shut tightly, bracing for Isolde's reaction. But it didn't come.
Isolde merely rested her chin on her hand, intrigued. "Now that's interesting. Go on."
Mia blinked. She had expected disbelief, maybe even panic—but not this calm acceptance.
"Why aren't you surprised?" Mia asked, unable to contain her confusion.
Isolde tilted her head, puzzled. "You didn't know about other worlds? Was your world... primitive?"
Mia choked on air. Her Earth would absolutely label this world as primitive, with its swords and castles. But when it came to magic?
She lowered her head and muttered, "Yes."
Isolde laughed, amused. "So that's why you didn't say anything. I suppose that makes sense. You're forgiven."
Mia's eyes brightened. "Thank you!"
Isolde turned back to the window, her voice softer. "Was Cassius someone you knew... from your world?"
Mia opened her mouth, then stopped. She simply nodded.
A flicker of sorrow passed over Isolde's face. She smiled faintly, eyes distant.
"So the soul inside my son isn't the same. But it doesn't matter. It's still his body, and that makes him mine."
Mia felt warmth spread through her chest. For the first time since arriving here, she didn't feel like she had to hide. She no longer had to live in fear of being discovered.
But while Mia basked in relief, Isolde was lost in her own thoughts.
'So that's why his soul felt different... almost hollow. This new one sure is fascinating, she thought.'
She closed her eyes and offered a silent prayer for her Cassius. 'Whatever you were seeking, child, I hope you found peace.'