Astarotte sat curled on the beanbag in her dorm room, ears twitching slightly. Her long golden hair was loose, and her emerald cat-like eyes were locked on the tea set Liselotte was preparing. The other girls chatted, but Astarotte wasn't fully present. Something gnawed at her.
Then Shuna entered with a solemn expression.
"I just received word from the palace," the ogre princess said softly. "Serenil... is engaged. To the Beastmen Princess."
The room fell into still silence.
"…What?" Astarotte whispered.
Roanna folded her arms, lips tight. "Political alliance. Faeloria seeks to avoid war."
"Princess Hestia Nyveris," Shuna continued. "Six years old. Rabbit beastman. Refined, kind, incredibly young—but apparently... the Beastmen King insisted."
Piglette looked away, unable to speak.
Astarotte stood, her tail flicking with unease. "So… they're using him as a pawn?"
"Yes," Roanna said. "And he hasn't spoken to you yet, has he?"
Astarotte didn't respond. She turned and left the room without a word.
---
She found Serenil in the academy garden later that evening.
"Why didn't you tell me yourself?"
He turned to face her, the moonlight painting a silver hue across his pale skin. "Because I knew you'd look at me like that."
"Like what?" she asked, voice low.
"Like I was about to disappear."
Astarotte's hands balled into fists. "You think I'm just going to let them take you? That I'll stand by quietly while they force you into something like this?"
"I have no choice."
"There's always a choice!"
Her voice cracked. She looked away, biting her lip.
"I don't hate her," she muttered. "That little girl… she didn't ask for this either. But you matter to me, Serenil. And if this is going to happen… I swear, I'll grow stronger. Strong enough that nobody—not your kingdom, not mine—will ever get between us again."
Serenil's expression didn't change—but his eyes flickered.
"I see," he said quietly.
Then, after a moment, he stepped forward and placed his hand gently atop her head.
"Then grow strong, Astarotte. Strong enough to walk beside me when the time comes."
She closed her eyes… and nodded.