Chapter 16
Chapter SAGE
16
I closed my eyes and let out a sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from my body. I had been so afraid it would be me, but for now, I was safe.
Isabelle, a beautiful and confident woman, looked pleased with the announcement. She stood
up gracefully and bowed to the queen before leaving the dining hall, her head held high. The other women exchanged looks, some of jealousy, other of relief, but no one dared to voice their true thoughts.
I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to attract any attention. The whispers and murmurs began again, but they were now focused on Isabelle and what awaited her. quietly excused myself from the table and made my way back to my chambers, my thoughts racing. Once inside my room, I locked the door and leaned against it, taking a moment to compose myself. The palace was a dangerous place, and every decision and every reaction could have serious consequences. I needed to stay alert and cautious.
As I moved towards the window, I glanced outside at the sprawling palace grounds. There was so much I didn't know about this place, so much I needed to understand if I was going to survive here. I couldn't afford to be complacent.
A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. It was Elara, my maid, who had become a trusted confidante since my arrival
"Are you alright, my lady?" Elara asked, concern evident in her eyes.
"Yes, Elara," I replied, forcing a smile..
She
e nodded sympathetically. "I understand. I am here to help you with your bath."
"Oh... "11 hesitated. Until now, I wasn't used to being this pampered. I was accustomed to being the one serving everybody until my arms felt like they would fall off. "That won't be necessary, Elara. I can do that myself." "Everyone does, my lady. But this is our duty, and if you continue to refuse my help, I might find myself jobless," she said jokingly, yet with a hint of seriousness that made her point clear.
I chuckled softly, appreciating her lighthearted approach. "Alright, Elara. I'll let you assist me. I wouldn't want you to lose your job because of me." Cassper Tob. Rep 10
She smiled warmly, guiding me towards the bathroom. The tub was already filled with warm water, steam rising gently. Elara had added fragrant oils that filled the room with a soothing aroma.
As I slipped into the bath, the warm water enveloped me, washing away some of the tension and stress. Elara busied herself with preparing towels and laying out fresh clothes. I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment of relaxation. "Elara," I began, my voice soft, "how long have you been here?"
"I've served in the palace for nearly a decade, my lady," she replied. "I've se women come and go. It can be a difficult place, but it can also be rewarding."
"Do you enjoy it?" I asked, genuinely curious.
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She paused, considering her answer. "It's not always easy, but I find fulfillment in my work. Serving the royal family is an honor, despite the challenges. My family has served His Majesty for as long as I can remember. We owe him a lot. He saved our pack from devastation, and since then, he has never failed to extend help to our pack whenever we needed it.
"That's quite a history," I said, genuinely impressed. "It must be comforting to know you're in a place where your family has such strong ties."
Elara smiled warmly. "It is, my lady. It gives me a sense of purpose and belonging."
I couldn't help but feel curious about His Majesty. "How long have you known him, Elara?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"My lady?" she responded, sounding surprised.
"Your family has a long history with him, right? So, you're probably familiar with him. What is he like?" I asked, wondering if my life could have been different had I made other choices. Would I be able to stay here for good?
Elara hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully. "I've known His Majesty for most of my life," she began. "My family has served him for generations. He's a complex man, strong and decisive, yet he has a sense of fairness and justice. He's not easily swayed by emotions, but he does what he believes is right for his people."
I nodded, absorbing her words. "Does he even... I mean, has he ever shown kindness or warmth?" I asked, my curiosity deepening.
Elara smiled softly. "He has his moments, though they are rare. His position demands a certain hardness, a certain distance. But those who have earned his trust and loyalty
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know that he cares deeply, even if he doesn't show it openly. His actions speak louder than his words,"
I sighed, lost in thought. "I wonder if I'll ever get to see his face," I mused aloud.
Elara remained silent, but I could feel his tensed body behind me as she continued to scrub my back. After a few more minutes, I decided to take a shower to wash off the soap all over my body.
After the bath, Elara helped me dress in a silky, long, and beautiful nightgown. The fabric was cool and smooth against my skin, a luxurious sensation that made me feel like royalty. She carefully adjusted the delicate straps and ensured the gown fell gracefully around me. "You're ready for a restful night, my lady," Elara said with a satisfied smile. "Shall I escort you to your bed?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. Elara guided me to the large, canopied bed that dominated the room. The sheets were crisp and inviting, and the pillows looked impossibly soft.
"Is there anything else you need, my lady?" Elara asked as I settled into the bed.
"No, Elara. You've done more than enough. Thank you," I replied, giving her a grateful
smile.
"Very well. Rest well, my lady."
Elara dimmed the lights and quietly left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As I lay back against the pillows, my mind began to wander. The room was cast in a soft, gentle glow from the dimmed lights, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Yet, despite the peaceful ambiance, my mind refused to quiet down. Images of His Majesty, the enigmatic Lycan king, danced through my thoughts like shadows flickering in the candlelight.
I pictured him with long, flowing silver hair, an image of regality and elegance. His eyes, I imagined, were as piercing as the moonlight, filled with a depth of wisdom and power that commanded respect. What would it be like to stand before him, to meet those intense eyes, I to feel the weight of his gaze upon me? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. coursing through me. I jolted up from my bed as I started to feel a tingling sensation inside my belly. I don't even know what exactly he looks like, but he already manages to stir something inside me.
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"This is unbelievable. That man can order my death in just a snap, yet I'm here fantasizing about him," I murmured to myself
No matter how much I tried to force myself to sleep, it cluded me. I decided to go to the balcony to get some fresh air. As soon as opened the door, the cold breeze of the night immediately brushed against my skin. It's chilly out here, but somehow it brings peace into my chaotic mind. It hadn't been long since I stood on the balcony, and I quickly noticed that familiar silver hair on the ground. I couldn't see his face properly. Despite that, I can still imagine how gorgeous he looks, even from afar. He was currently talking to Beta Scott, and it seems like he's on his way somewhere. Then I remember that he's scheduled to visit Lady Isabelle's chamber tonight.
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"What a lucky girl!" I blurted out, immediately regretting my words. Was I secretly harboring a desire to spend the night with His Majesty? How foolish could I be?
Lost in my inner turmoil, I suddenly sensed a pair of eyes on me. Glancing toward where His Majesty stood, I found his gaze directed my way. Panicked, I instinctivelyText © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
dove and pressed myself against the balcony wall.
"Did they see me?" I whispered anxiously to myself.