Summary
Iraine, a former village maid, secures a prestigious role as a servant in the imperial court. Her life brightens under the princess’s patronage until she meets a sharp-tongued stranger in the palace gardens. He mocks her with cutting remarks, yet his striking looks and the subtle fragrance of forget-me-nots intrigue her. Despite her growing attraction, uncertainty shadows her feelings. When he presses for her name, she hesitates, anxiety clear in her trembling hands. His low, unsettling laugh hints at hidden knowledge as he closes the distance, confident he can discover her secrets on his own.