When Artemisia left her room, she nearly jumped a foot in the air. The reason? Emerging from the room next to her was no one but Duke von Loambarn.

  Goddammit! He was in the room next to me after all!

  “Duke von Loambarn!” she exclaimed, more out of shock than actually addressing him.

  Why didn’t he appear out on the balcony then? Author, you missed a trick there! You should have had the female lead in my room instead!

  If she’s here, of course.

  “Good morning, Lady Artemisia,” he replied. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. Why do you ask?”

  “Because… you seemed out of sorts yesterday. Forgive me, I did not mean to offend.”

  “Ah!” I’d all but forgotten about having that funny turn yesterday. “No, no, it’s perfectly alright. It was only a momentary thing.” A moment passed. “Was it really obvious?”

  “I would say most people took notice of you, yes.”

  “I see.” Artemisia groaned internally. I mean, that’s what I expected, but still – it’s not pleasant to hear that everyone saw you go all pale and weird in the middle of a dance.

  Oh shoot, I forgot to greet him formally. Is it too late to do it now? Will I just look like a weirdo? Argh, to hell with it!

  “Um!” she blurted. “Good morning, Your Grace! Are you well? Sorry for being rude just now.”

  “You don’t need to be so formal,” he said offhandedly, giving her an odd look. “But yes, I am well, thank you for asking. I assume you are making your way to the breakfast parlour?”

  “I am.”

  “I would escort you, if you would permit it.”

  “Um, yes, I would.” Artemisia glanced behind her to a following Lizzy. The maid gave a nod of acknowledgement and slipped away down the corridor. She looked back to see that the duke had extended his arm to her.

  Oh, he’s properly escorting me. I suppose the only polite thing to do is accept.

  “I assume you know where we’re going,” said Artemisia as the two of them proceeded down the corridor.

  “I do.”

  “Have you dined with Her Highness before?”

  “Not intimately, no.”

  “I suppose you mainly interacted with Prince Fulbert when you visited before,” she said half to herself. “The two of you are friends, correct?”

  “We are,” replied Duke von Loambarn. “It would be odd if we were not, considering we were childhood companions.”

  “Oh! That makes sense!” No wonder he had permission to enter the prince’s private art gallery. I wonder… “Have you ever met my brother?”

  He’s in a similar age range, so I can imagine him being part of this group of young noble lads too. Although, he’s never brought it up, even when he heard I would be going to the palace.

  “Of course I have,” he replied, a note of incredulity in his voice. “Do you not remember?”

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Oh no, not those words!

  Artemisia froze, unable to hide her aghast expression. What do I say? I should just laugh it off. Laugh… it off…

  “Hahahaha…”

  The duke looked at her like she’d lost her mind. Clearly her flimsy cover-up was good for nothing. “Lady Artemisia, are you sure you’re well?”

  “I… uh…” Damn it, what do I do?

  “Perhaps you should see a doctor. I don’t think you’re fully recovered yet. I’ll call a member of staff.”

  Oh god, no, don’t yell – shit!

  As he opened his mouth to shout, Artemisia grabbed Duke von Loambarn’s lapel, glancing around to make sure they were not being watched. “Your Grace, I beg of you, please keep what I am about to tell you a secret.”

  “My lady, what…?”

  “When I had my accident, I lost my memories. I remember nothing before a month or so ago. That’s the reason I act oddly sometimes. I’m not ill or anything, I promise. I simply don’t want it to become common knowledge, that’s all.”

  “Oh…” The cogs were whirring in Duke von Loambarn’s brain as events slotted into place. “That would… explain a fair amount of your actions.”

  I’m not sure how I feel about the way you’ve worded that, mister! At least he appears to believe me.

  Artemisia let go of the duke’s lapel and stepped away from him, fiddling with a stray curl. “Well, now you understand.”

  “I do. I understand why you might wish to keep such sensitive information a secret.” Duke von Loambarn rubbed at his face, before taking a deep breath. “If I might be so bold as to ask, however: why have you told me this?”

  I don’t know! I panicked and acted impulsively! This is why I should always think things through, or I end up doing something weird.

  “I…” What reason do I give? Saying I panicked feels like a stupid thing to say, and I don’t want him to think I’m stupid! But I also… think that he’s a safe person to tell. “Your Grace, to me you are an honourable and respectful gentleman. I believe I can trust you with this knowledge, and that you will not use it against me. That is why I told you.”

  “You… your words are too flattering, my lady.”

  Wait, is he blushing?! Oh my god, he’s going as red as a tomato. He really doesn’t get complimented often, does he? Artemisia couldn’t help it. She had to turn away so Duke von Loambarn didn’t see her crack a smile. What can I say, seeing a man blush like that is pretty cute.

  ?

  “Good morning!” Princess Sissi was already seated when Artemisia and Duke von Loambarn entered her private breakfast parlour. Originally, they had headed to the larger, general use one, but a servant at the door had told them that instead the crown princess’ guests were to attend upon her in her private rooms.

  “Good morning, Your Highness,” the two of them said in unison, curtseying and bowing respectively.

  Princess Sissi folded her hands underneath her chin and looked at them with glee in her eyes. “I did not expect the two of you to enter together, and to be the first to arrive either.”

  “We happened to exit our rooms simultaneously, and so it was the most logical option,” Artemisia said quickly. “After all, I am much less familiar with the palace than His Grace.”

  “I see, I see. Well, sit down! Lady Artemisia, come sit down next to me. Lord Simon, you may sit wherever you choose.”

  Next to her?!!!! No no no no no, this is way too stressful! Under the skin, I’m just an ordinary woman – I can’t sit next to a proper flesh-and-blood princess!

  However, it wasn’t like Artemisia could disobey, and she sat next to Princess Sissi. The table was round, and Artemisia found herself recalling something she’d once read about King Arthur.

  His table was round so that all who sat at it were equal… I wonder if this table is supposed to represent something similar.

  The duke sat on the opposite side of the table, as if he was trying to sit as far away as possible. I forgot his first name was Simon… I think I’ll refer to him as that in my head from now on – it’s much less wordy than Duke von Loambarn.

  “Shall I pour the tea?” Artemisia asked, the duke’s daughter somehow being the person of lowest status at the table.

  “That’s very kind of you, Lady Artemisia,” Princess Sissi replied.

  Artemisia’s hand trembled a little as she held the teapot, but she managed to serve without any trouble. Duke von Loambarn – no, Simon – however, waved her away when she went to pour him a cup. “I appreciate the offer, but I would prefer coffee.”

  “Coffee gives me an awful headache,” said Princess Sissi. “I don’t understand how anyone could drink the stuff.”

  I used to like it, but since entering Artemisia’s body, I get awful shakes whenever I try it, and I’m not even a fan of the taste any more – far too bitter! I didn’t realise that inhabiting a different body would mean my tastes would change.

  Artemisia had learned to settle for strong tea, although she occasionally missed the energy boost coffee would give her in the morning.

  I’m definitely sleeping better as Artemisia than I did as my old self though, so I can get by. Perks of not living and breathing a high-stress environment I guess.