An Unsettling Feeling

  “Yes… of course.”

  It was obvious now.

  As Senya stood in the audience hall, watching the royal delegation, his gaze stopped on the fourth princess. Her posture was refined, her expression composed—but he recognized those eyes immediately.

  So it was you…

  She had saved no explanations that day. And now he understood why.

  She had sneaked out without informing her attendants.

  A tomboy through and through.

  The formal meeting passed with rigid courtesy—bows, measured words, and practiced smiles. Senya remained silent beside his father, answering only when spoken to. The princesses behaved exactly as expected of royalty.

  All except the fourth.

  She stole glances at him when she thought no one noticed.

  When the meeting ended, the eldest princess rose.

  “We appreciate the hospitality of the Northern lands.”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Chairs shifted. Footsteps followed.

  Then—

  “Senya Reigi,” the fourth princess said suddenly. “Please stay.”

  The room paused.

  Everyone looked at her.

  “…Leave us,” she added, clearing her throat.

  One by one, the nobles and attendants exited until the doors closed with a soft thud. Silence filled the chamber.

  For a moment, neither spoke.

  The princess stood stiffly, hands clenched at her sides. Then, slowly, she turned to face him. Her cheeks were faintly red, her eyes avoiding his.

  “…Thank you,” she said, barely above a whisper.

  Senya blinked once.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied plainly.

  Her shoulders relaxed—just a little.

  She hesitated, then bowed deeply.

  “And… I’m sorry. For slapping you. You didn’t deserve that.”

  That stopped him.

  Royals did not apologize. Especially not like this.

  Senya straightened. “You don’t need to—”

  “I do,” she interrupted, lifting her head. “I was scared. And I took it out on you.”

  She bit her lip, embarrassed. “That wasn’t right.”

  For a brief moment, Senya didn’t know what to say.

  “…It’s fine,” he finally answered. “You were safe. That’s what matters.”

  She looked at him then—really looked at him—and smiled faintly.

  In that moment, he understood.

  She was different.

  The door creaked open.

  “Princess?” an attendant’s voice called.

  Instantly, her posture changed.

  Her expression cooled, her back straightened, and her voice turned calm and elegant.

  “Yes. I’m here.”

  The shy girl vanished—replaced by a flawless royal lady.

  Senya watched silently as she resumed her role without missing a beat.

  When the attendant entered fully, Senya bowed.

  “Excuse me.”

  He left the room without another word.

  But even as he walked down the corridor, her voice lingered in his mind—the shy thank-you, the honest apology, the sudden switch.

  He exhaled slowly.

  “…Troublesome,” he muttered.

  Yet no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t forget her.

  And for reasons he didn’t yet understand,

  that unsettled him more than any blade ever had.

  So... how was it...?? ik it was a bit ykw