4 LOVERS

The morning sun rose slowly behind the bedroom window, half-covered by curtains. Its soft light crept into the room and fell directly onto my face, blinding my half-lidded eyes. With a lazy movement, I blinked slowly and realized my body was still warm from Louise's embrace.

His strong arm wrapped around me from behind, his chin resting gently on top of my head, and his breathing was calm in my ear. Each exhale felt like a protective rhythm that made me feel... safe. I didn't move. I just savored those peaceful moments, before the world outside got busy and we had to face reality again.

"Morning, sweetheart," he murmured in a husky, sleepy voice, as if he knew I was already awake.

I grimaced playfully and turned my body to face him. "Do you always wake up first?"

He gave a tired smile and kissed the tip of my nose. "If I'm sleeping next to you, I want to be the first to see your eyes open."

I held back a shy smile and lightly hit his chest. "That sounds way too dramatic."

"But you like it, don't you?" he teased, brushing my hair aside.

We chuckled softly, then slowly got up and began preparing to head downstairs. It looked like it was going to be a normal day. Louise started sweeping the bar, while I helped arrange the tables and brewed warm tea. But that peace didn't last long.

As the clock neared ten, the sound of horse hooves echoed outside. The firm thud of leather boots landed heavily on the front porch. We both looked at each other.

Louise tensed immediately. "That's... the sound of noble boots."

I frowned. "Duke Nicholas?"

The door opened slowly, and the light from outside made the figure of the man appear like a towering shadow. His neatly styled blonde hair shimmered in the morning light, his dark blue cloak fluttering lightly as he stepped in. His sharp blue eyes locked straight onto me—not Louise, not the bar's interior... but me.

"Good morning," Duke Nicholas said, his voice calm but carrying an invisible weight. "I thought it was time I visited this place."

Louise stepped forward, standing halfway between us. "Duke, what business brings you to a humble bar like ours?"

The Duke glanced at him briefly, giving a faint smile. "Am I not allowed to visit just to see an acquaintance?"

My throat went dry. That gaze—so controlled, so full of intent. He didn't come just to say hello. He wanted something.

"I simply wish to invite Airi for a walk in the palace garden. The air is pleasant today. And honestly... I miss speaking with him without interruption," he said in a calm tone that made Louise freeze.

Louise clenched his jaw. "He's busy today."

The Duke chuckled softly. "In that case, perhaps I can wait."

The air grew tense. I stepped forward, standing between them. "I can go... just for a bit. If Louise allows it."

Louise looked at me with a conflicted gaze. His eyes seemed to say: Don't leave me with that man. But I gently touched his hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

"Just for a little while."

Louise still stared at me with sharp, doubtful eyes. He stood right next to me, as if his body was the last wall separating me from Duke Nicholas. Though he said nothing, I could feel the storm raging inside him—torn between letting me go or dragging me back to the room and locking the door.

Duke Nicholas waited calmly, but his blue eyes stayed locked on me, as if the entire room's time revolved only around him and me.

"Lou..." I whispered, touching his arm. "I'll be fine. Just for a bit."

Louise frowned. "You said that too when he invited you to the ball. But in the end, you—"

"I came back to you, didn't I?" I cut in gently. "And I'm still here now."

He fell silent. Closed his eyes for a moment. Then let out a long sigh as if he had just lost a long internal war.

Slowly, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes again. But this time, they no longer held refusal. They held decision—and a possessiveness so deep.

Suddenly, before I could move an inch, Louise grabbed my wrist. He pulled me into his arms in one swift but gentle motion. I gasped.

"Louise—"

And without warning, his lips pressed against mine.

Warm. Firm. Deep.

That kiss wasn't gentle like usual. It was meaningful. Not just a sweet morning kiss, but a mark. A sign that I was his. A sign that anyone who tried to come close should prepare for a storm.

My body tensed, then slowly melted into his embrace. Louise kissed me calmly but deeply, as if trying to imprint himself on my lips before I left, even if just for a moment. And all of it happened right in front of Duke Nicholas.

When he finally let go of the kiss, I remained silent, staring at his face with flushed cheeks and a pounding heart. Louise looked deep into my eyes, then said softly, just for me, "Remember who's waiting for you at home."

I swallowed hard. "I know."

Then we both turned to Duke Nicholas.

The Duke still stood in the same spot, his expression unreadable. At first, he seemed surprised—briefly, just a flicker—then his face turned blank, like a mask of a nobleman too used to watching the world crumble and rebuild.

"Very well," he said calmly, with a faint smile. "Shall we go, Airi?"

I nodded slightly and reluctantly let go of Louise's hand, then stepped out to follow the Duke. But before the door closed, I looked back—seeing Louise standing at the doorway, his eyes filled with emotion.

And deep down, I knew... that one kiss had changed everything.

I was no longer just a stranger in a foreign land. I was someone loved. Claimed. Protected.

And anyone who wanted to come near me... had to face the man named Louise.

The royal carriage moved slowly over the cobblestone path, still wet from last night's rain. Inside, it was just the two of us—I sat by the window, trying to focus on the shifting scenery of the city, while Duke Nicholas sat across from me, silent… but not the comforting kind of silence. It was the calm before a storm.

The air in the carriage was slightly warm, yet I felt cold. I hadn't dared look directly at the Duke since earlier—especially after... the scene at the bar's doorstep. God, Louise really kissed—

I hugged my flushed cheeks.

"Your expression is quite amusing right now," Duke Nicholas suddenly said, his tone light… though I sensed hidden irony.

I turned to him slowly, a bit nervous. "What do you mean?"

"Ah… nothing. Just enjoying how honest your face is." He crossed his legs, his posture elegant and composed as always. "You're like an open book, each page written with emotion. And this morning… the 'surprise kiss' chapter was quite entertaining."

My cheeks turned redder. "That… wasn't planned."

"Was it not?" He raised an eyebrow, slightly smirking. "But it seems like he had it planned since last night."

I blinked at him in confusion.

"The morning hug. The sweet nickname. The possessive gaze. And now... that kiss. Louise isn't a fool, Airi. He knows when to leave a mark."

I bit my lip. "A mark...?"

"That you belong to him," the Duke replied smoothly and directly. "And that he doesn't like me near you."

I stayed silent.

Duke Nicholas leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but deeper. "I'm just curious... do you feel the same way?"

I looked at him quickly. "What do you mean?"

"Do you really belong to him?"

The question hit me gently but firmly. My heart pounded a little faster.

"I... I don't know yet," I finally replied, honestly. "So much has happened so fast. I do live with him, I feel safe… comfortable… but…"

"But comfort doesn't always mean love," Duke Nicholas added, his sharp blue eyes watching me.

I nodded slightly. "Yeah… maybe something like that."

He looked out the window briefly, then back at me. "Do you know why I invited you today?"

I shook my head.

"Because I want to get to know you without anyone watching. I know Louise will always stand between us if you keep living under his roof."

I started to feel nervous. "You want… to get closer to me?"

The Duke smiled slightly. "I won't deny it."

I felt like I was trapped between two walls of emotion. Louise, who was warm, stubborn, possessive, and protective. And the Duke, who was calm, manipulative, yet radiated a… captivating aura.

"I know you feel indebted to Louise," the Duke said suddenly, as if reading my mind. "He saved you. Took care of you. Made you feel needed. But you're not his just because of the past."

I replied softly, "I'm not an object to be owned..."

"Exactly," he said gently this time. "And that's why I want you to hear your own heart. Without pressure. Without obligation. Just... your own feelings."

The carriage slowed down. I could see the palace garden appearing through the window.

Duke Nicholas stood up slowly, then leaned slightly toward me. "But if you decide to stay by Louise's side... then I'll step back."

I stared at him, eyes wide.

"But if one day you feel... your soul needs more than just a protector," he leaned a little closer, his whisper nearly brushing my ear, "I'll be waiting for you on the other side of the world—a world only you can see... if you dare to leave your comfort zone."

Thump.

He opened the carriage door just as I realized my heart was racing.

"Ready for a walk?" he asked gently, offering his hand.

I looked at him for a moment, then—hesitantly—took his hand.

My steps felt light, but my heart heavy. The day had just begun... but the storm in my feelings had only just formed.