A bitter smile tugged at Ethan Roscente's lips.

He should have known.

In her heart, he would never measure up to Miles Valentine. Now, he couldn't even compare to a mere maid.

What was he still hoping for?

Time and again, the truth stared him in the face—he meant nothing to her.

Why humiliate himself further?

"Ethan—" Jenna Roland moved to follow him.

Liam Hill grabbed her arm. "Princess! The Duke's injuries need tending!"

"He smells of Chloe's medicine!" Jenna's eyes burned. "Chloe's missing!"

Liam remained level-headed. "The Duke wouldn't harm Chloe."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Princess," Liam sighed, "you're being reckless tonight."

Jenna sheathed her sword.

She had lost control.

Now, clarity returned—Ethan would never hurt Chloe.

But that faint medicinal scent didn't lie.

They'd crossed paths.

"I'm finding her." Jenna turned toward the exit.

Liam stepped forward.

"Pack our things," she ordered without looking back. "Be ready to leave."

If Chloe had truly gone to assassinate Sophia or Vanessa...

Attempting to kill a royal heir meant execution in Nanjin Palace.

She had to prepare for the worst.

Ethan's chambers.

Nathan Watson set down the medical kit. "Your Grace—"

"Send Zachary to locate that maid."

"Chloe's really vanished?"

"She wounded Vanessa's attendant and disappeared." Ethan clenched his fists. "Prepare to depart. If she's in danger, we break her out and leave immediately."

Nathan paled. "Your Grace would storm the dungeons?"

For a maid? Abandoning everything in Nanjin?

Even forsaking the Duchess?