Rosaline's POV: The banquet was winding down. Joel and I had already finished our dance and returned to the lounge area. Still, he followed closely behind, asking me one question after another. Though I felt a bit uneasy, I reminded myself to be polite to the prince. So, I answered his questions with a smile, one by one. It wasn't until I finally found Michelle and told her I was heading out that Joel, apparently gathering his courage, called out, "It's been a pleasure meeting you tonight. Would you mind giving me your number or another way to stay in touch? I'd love to chat again sometime." He said that just as I stepped outside the ballroom doors. I turned back to face him. His eyes were filled with hopeful anticipation. Offering him a polite smile, I gently said, "I'm sorry, but I'm only here in Fostrau on a short work trip. As for keeping in touch, I'm not really comfortable with that sort of thing. So, probably not necessary. I hope you understand." Joel wanted to say something else, but before he could, a thunderous voice boomed from nearby—"Rosaline!" I froze for half a second. Caden was storming toward me with a look that could melt steel. Joel turned toward the sound, a puzzled frown crossing his face. Oddly enough, I felt a sense of relief wash over me at the sight of Caden. It looked like I had a way out of this awkward situation after all. But still— "What are you doing here?" I asked, confused. "I haven't even called you yet." Caden didn't answer. He just marched over, grabbed my hand without a word, and pulled me behind him protectively. With a glance over his shoulder, he said in a low, commanding tone, "Let's go. You're coming home with me." I sighed inwardly. So he was jealous again. Fine. I'd handle it later. Just as I was about to follow Caden, Joel had the nerve to speak up. "You can't take her!" Caden froze mid-step. Then he turned around slowly, amusement flickering in his eyes—but there was something dangerous in his expression too. "Excuse me?" He said, his voice calm but laced with threat. "I said, let her go," Joel insisted, standing tall and arguing, "I met her first—and she doesn't even know who you are.""She doesn't know me?" Caden looked genuinely stunned before letting out a sharp, mirthless laugh. He released a forceful aura, the kind only an Alpha like him could radiate. Joel instinctively took a step back. "You're an Alpha?" he asked, visibly shocked. Caden reached out and jabbed a finger into Joel's shoulder, locking eyes with him, cold as ice. "Did she tell you she didn't know me, or did you just assume that yourself? Listen here, buddy—Rosaline is mine. She's my fiancée. I don't care how you felt tonight, but you'd better stay away from her." With that, he pulled me away without another glance. Caden walked fast—too fast. I was in heels and struggling to keep up. "Caden, slow down! Hey, I can't keep up!" He didn't answer, didn't even look back. But his pace did ease a little. When we got to the car, though, he was still wearing that stormy expression. Not a single word passed between us as he drove. The silence was loud. I sat in the passenger seat, nerves prickling. I knew that look too well, and I couldn't help the twist of unease in my stomach. "What's going on?" I finally asked. "Why did you come pick me up out of nowhere?" No answer. He just hit the gas, and we sped down the road. As soon as we stepped through the front door, I barely had time to close it behind me when he grabbed my face in his hands and kissed me—hard. I couldn't dodge in time. A startled, muffled sound escaped my throat as his mouth crashed against mine. The sharp, metallic taste of blood touched my tongue. He'd bitten my lip. Finally, he pulled back, panting, his eyes glinting red with intensity. I frowned and swatted his hand away. Honestly, I don't like this side of him, like a psychopath. "What the hell is wrong with you today?" He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then growled, "If I hadn't shown up tonight, who knows what that person would've tried? From now on, you're not dancing with anyone else. And I don't want to see anybody get handsy with you. Got it?" Oh great. He's upset again.It finally clicked. So that's what this was about. I couldn't help it—I laughed, a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Seriously? We just danced. That's it. What, you think I can't handle myself in a room full of people? You want to control that too?" I exhaled sharply and looked away. This is ridiculous. "You're acting like a jealous teenager," I muttered. "It was one dance. Stop being so possessive." At that point, I'd had enough of his unpredictable mood. I didn't even bother trying to calm him down. I just grumbled and headed straight for the study. "I'm going to revise my design drafts."