RAT DISCOVERED
1094 Words
Rat discovered
Oh no!
Without thinking, I took off and ran. However, before I could even clear the bushes, a firm grip yanked me back by the collar.
As if I were a brat being scolded, he effortlessly lifted me with one hand.
I didn’t resist. There was no point. I was dragged toward the carriage that had just arrived.
As I slowly lifted my head, my eyes met his—those eyes that held the faintest trace of a smile.
A shiver ran through me, and I forced out a smile of my own… one that probably looked more like a grimace than anything else.
“Hi… Brother Arnold, good evening to you.”
I didn’t expect a warm welcome, but a little recognition would’ve been nice.
Still, to survive, I had to reveal myself—just this once—to someone who used to be on my side.
But he didn’t even flinch.
With a cold wave of his hand, he said,
“It’s useless to pull strings. Bring her up.”
And just like that, he looked away—like I was dirt under his boots.
“Yes, sir!”
The way Arnold dismissed me, like I was just some nobody, made my brow twitch.
Oh, he’s going to regret that.
He’ll choke on his own spit when he sees who I am.
I smiled. Not kindly.
Since I wasn’t moving, the knight—Marcel, I think—grabbed me by the collar and dragged me toward the carriage.
“I know how to walk, thank you very much!” I snapped.
But he didn’t let go until I was dumped right in front of Arnold.
At first, nothing. Just silence.
Then—his head tilted slightly.
His eyes finally met mine.
His grip on his wine glass slipped just a little—enough for the liquid to slosh against the rim.
His mouth parted, just slightly.
“…Lieselotte?” he said, barely above a whisper.
“You’re alive?”
“Surprised?” I said smoothly, lifting my chin.
Without meaning to, I stood straighter—like a queen returning to her throne.
His gaze scanned me—from the dirt on my dress to the stubborn clench of my fist—then settled back on my face.
There was a pause. A heartbeat. Maybe two.
Then he looked away, adjusting his grip on the glass like nothing had happened.
“I see,” he said, voice cool again. “Welcome back… Liesl.”
“It’s all thanks to the dark powers I possess,” I said with a smile.
“I’m sure you understand what I mean, Crown Prince Arnold—since we share the same power.”
Arnold’s eyes narrowed slightly.
His lips curled, but it wasn’t a warm smile—it was the kind that could freeze your blood.
“Tell me,” he said coolly,
“how much did you see just now?”
Oh… right.
The dead bodies. I had completely forgotten about them.
What should I say?
‘I saw everything’? He’d have my head on a silver tray before I blinked.
‘I saw nothing’? Only a ghost would believe that.
Even as my thoughts spun in every direction, I kept my expression innocent—wide-eyed and confused, like a foolish little girl lost in the wrong palace.
Arnold didn’t press.
He swirled his wine gently, watching the red liquid ripple.
Occasionally, his eyes flicked to my lips—now pale from tension.
His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Then, finally—
“Since you’re not providing an answer…”
He stood up.
His gaze turned sharp. Almost amused.
“Marcel.”
“Sir?”
“Bring her to—”
I didn’t hear the rest. My mind went blank.
Was this it? Was he going to kill me here and now?
Or worse—was he sending me to that monster? That bastard of an emperor?
I panicked and rushed forward—only to trip over my right foot.
Instinctively, I tried to catch myself, but my balance gave out. In a split-second decision, I redirected my fall… straight into Arnold.
My body landed on his lap, my head pressing against his broad, muscled chest—right between his collar and neck.
"...Ow," I murmured weakly.
The cool firmness of his chest sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. My entire body stiffened in horror.
What the hell?!
No matter how skilled I was at acting, I couldn't stop the heat rising to my cheeks. I coughed lightly, trying to regain my composure, but my heart was pounding like a war drum.
If I ran away now, I’d lose any chance of making my proposal.
This is insane.
Despite the chaos in my head, I maintained a calm, blank expression—like nothing had happened.
A glint flickered in Arnold’s eyes. His lips curled into the faintest smirk.
So… she’s pretending, is she?
My gaze darted nervously around the room, like a cornered rabbit. Arnold remained silent, his expression unreadable—but clearly entertained. He didn’t push me away. Instead, when he felt me shiver, he shifted ever so slightly… and smirked deeper.
His smile was not warm. It held something sharp beneath it—mischief, perhaps. Or cruelty.
He wasn’t the type to tease for fun, but if the other party insisted on acting oblivious... he wouldn’t mind playing along.
I finally sat upright, feigning innocence as I tucked loose strands of hair behind my ear.
"Forgive my impudence, Crown Prince Arnold," I said sweetly.
I could vomit.
The words were sickeningly fake. A poor imitation of naivety. I had completely abandoned any professional pride.
"You think so, Miss Lisle?" he said slowly, his tone silky and unreadable. "Then… should I make you take responsibility?"
I froze.
My face turned crimson, and I looked up at him in disbelief. I had lived through death and rebirth—I no longer believed in modesty between men and women. But right now, I sincerely wanted to faint from shame.
I bit my lower lip and forced a calm smile. "Crown Prince Arnold enjoys his jokes, I see."
"I'm not joking… Empress."
My smile vanished. I stared at him, stunned.
But before I could process what he meant, a wave of dizziness crashed over me. My body swayed.
I forgot… I’m still injured.
My vision blurred as I whispered the last thing I could manage.
“...I don’t want to die. Please… save me…”
And with that, I blacked out.
- Writer
