Novels by Tosraheal Writes

I closed my eyes as his hand slid gently behind my neck and mine rested against his chest.I could feel his heartbeat; it was fast and wild. Heat flooded every nerve in my body. My lips parted instinctively. Caleb's gaze dropped to them; he leaned even closer, leaving only another inch. Then...he stopped. His entire body went rigid."No."The word sounded like it hurt. I opened my eyes. His jaw was clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might break."Caleb?"He stepped backward immediately, as if putting a distance between us physically would somehow stop whatever existed between us.His breathing remained ragged, but his silver eyes refused to meet mine."I cannot." He said instead.My heart sank. "...Cannot what?"He laughed bitterly. "My mother is right.""What?""I have responsibilities."His words landed like a slap to my cheeks as I felt a flush of embarrassment. He continued staring toward th

The banquet finally ended; it felt like a victory because I had survived a battlefield wearing silk instead of armor.The music gradually faded behind us as nobles drifted into different wings of the palace, their conversations echoing. Still, everywhere I walked, I could feel eyes following me. Some of the nobles had made small talk with the prince while pointedly ignoring the girl standing too close to the future king.Their snobbery was obvious, but I didn’t care so much and occupied myself with the delicious pastries that were passed around. I even saw Mary and the rest from the kitchen working as servers.Who would have guessed? I was once in their position a little over a month ago, but now I am here as a side piece? I don’t feel special or honored.Mary had disappeared with the other maids while Lady Lila was busy directing the other servants cleaning the grand ballroom after the celebration.That left only one person beside me. Caleb. He hadn't spoken since the banquet ended.

Caleb entered from the side pavilion. He had only intended to greet the foreign delegates before returning to his chambers.His body still hadn’t fully recovered; every movement reminded him of the need to be anywhere but here. Yet responsibilities had made that impossible.He had to show up to prove that all was well; these nobles could smell weakness from a mile away. So, for the sake of the kingdom, he needed to act the part. While moving through the crowd, he felt the familiar sensation of warmth, a hint of an olive scent.

The Moonlit Banquet. The words echoed inside my head long after the attendant had left my room.I remained seated on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the moonlight spilling across the marble floor.It didn’t feel like an invitation at all. It felt more like an order to join a gathering of nobles in silk clothes.Bey stirred in me, stating, “You are nervous.” “I think I have every right to be,” I replied.“Good”I frowned. “Good?”“Well, a good amount of fear keeps a prey alive; having a sense of danger is important.”“Well, news flash, Bey, I am trying very hard not to be a prey”“Then stop thinking like one.”It was easy for Bey to give advice. She had claws to protect herself. What did I have to shield me from all those judgmental eyes? Maybe just confidence.A knock interrupted my thoughts, but before I could answer, four palace attendants entered. They wore immaculate silvery-red ceremonial gowns embroidered with the royal crest.Behind them was Lady Lydia. “The Queen awaits

I walked through the palace corridors long after Caleb had dismissed me, replaying every second of what had happened earlier. The moment he placed his hands on me, he suddenly stepped away as though I had burned him.The memory twisted painfully inside my chest.Watch your posture. His voice echoed inside my head, then that final, strange look. The one that carried something desperate before he turned and left.I hugged my arms around myself as I continued toward my room. "What is wrong with him?" I muttered."Nothing is wrong with him." A voice answered back. I stopped walking and looked around. The voice wasn't mine. Then I realized it was Bey. This was the first time she spoke to me so clearly, almost like another human.Being so engrossed in my thoughts, I had forgotten I was not really alone, not anymore. It was comforting to have her.“So you forgot about me, Gina, or should I call you Sheila?”I nearly jumped out of my skin at that. You know about my previous identity, too?"Wha

"So, what are you doing here? I thought your meetings would take the whole day" I asked curiously, I really was not expecting him to appear here suddenly.Caleb's expression shifted, and in answer, he said, "I was looking for you."My stomach tightened. "Why?"He folded his arms."I learned about the rumors going on in the palace and how you were mocked. I learned about you attending to Princess Lena’s guests, allowing them to ridicule you. As my personal maid, your etiquette and awareness are lacking, especially your thorough understanding of your duties and privileges of your position. This is truly unbecoming as I expected better from you.”I blinked. "What?" I stared in confusion; it felt like a thunderclap rang in my head. How did he even learn about Princess Lena’s invitation during the war? It seems there are people in this palace intent on seeking chaos, or was it those foppish guests of Lena?"You embarrass me." He