ログイン🎀CHAPTER TWENTY🎀 The moon hung low in the sky, pale and quiet. Zayla stood outside the palace halls, hands loose at her sides, staring ahead without really seeing anything. She didn’t know where she was going. She only knew one thing—she had never been this bored in her life. “This place will kill me before anyone else does,” she muttered. She started walking, slow and careless, letting her feet decide the path. The palace felt too quiet at night. No voices. No trouble. No excitement. She turned a corner— And walked straight into someone. Her head hit his chest with a dull thud. “Ouch—” The book the man had been reading slipped from his hands and hit the floor. Zayla looked up, blinking. “I’m sorry.” “Oh—no, it’s fine, my lady,” he said quickly as he bent to pick it up. At the same time, she bent down too. Their heads knocked again. Zayla hissed under her breath, grabbing the book first. She rubbed her forehead, ready to hand it back—then stopped. Her
🎀CHAPTER NINETEEN🎀 Zayla swallowed hard, suddenly feeling her throat tight. Then, just like that, hiccups burst out of her. She couldn’t move. Her feet felt like they were stuck to the pool floor. She froze, staring at him. Asher didn’t move either. He just stood there, eyes locked on her, his gaze saying more than words ever could—“Explain yourself.” “I… I—I’m sorry!” she stammered, voice high and jittery. “It—it was a mistake. I didn’t know it was you…” She spun to leave, stepping backward toward the edge of the pool. “If you move an inch…” His voice cut through her panic like ice. Zayla froze again, her heart pounding. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She could feel her face heating up. What have I gotten myself into? she thought desperately, her mind racing. He swam toward her, water rippling around him. When he reached her, he gently lifted her chin. “Mistake, huh?” His eyes locked on hers. “First day here and already sneaking into places you sho
🎀CHAPTER EIGHTEEN🎀 Nil froze. He didn’t say a word at first. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice steady but careful. “Your Majesty… I don’t feel that way about her,” he said. “I’m… just worried, that’s all.” King Edric gave a slow nod, eyes narrowing slightly, as if he was already tired of talking. “Right,” he said, his tone flat, almost dismissive. “Do whatever you want. Let’s see how far you can go…" The king turned and walked away, his cloak swishing behind him. Nil remained where he stood, shoulders squared, eyes following the king for a long moment before finally turning and walking off himself. ************************* The carriage finally came to a stop at Asher’s palace. Zayla peered out through the small window, eyes wide. The palace… wow. She had fully woken by now, blinking as reality settled. How had she dozed off like that? She felt a little foolish. The doors opened, and she was gently ushered out. Her gaze followed Lord Asher, already striding
🎀 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN🎀 HARROW PALACE “Your Majesty?” Minister William stood before the throne, hands folded, waiting. King Edric didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed ahead, unfocused, his thoughts clearly somewhere else. “Your Majesty?” William tried again. Still nothing. “Your Majesty.” Edric blinked, finally pulled back to the room. “Hm? What were you saying?” William cleared his throat. “I was asking whether we should send soldiers to retrieve the princess.” If only this man knew. That he had given his daughter away. She wasn’t kidnapped. “There’s no need for that,” the king said firmly. The doors opened, and a guard stepped in. “The crown prince is here, Your Majesty.” Edric straightened at once. “Let him in.” Nil entered the throne room and bowed. Minister William excused himself quickly, and the guard followed him out, leaving both of them alone. “You shouldn’t have sent your soldiers yesterday,” Edric said, his voice sharp. “You caused unnecessary
🎀CHAPTER SIXTEEN🎀 Nil let out a slow breath and rubbed a hand over his forehead. “This is getting complicated,” he muttered. He straightened and looked at Orion. “I’ll figure it out later. For now, prepare my horse.” Orion bowed once. “As you wish, Your Highness.” Then he turned and left the chamber quietly. Nil leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment. “So troublesome” he sighed under his breath. Then, softer, almost to himself, he said, “Hold on, Zayla. I’m coming.” A knock sounded at the door. Before he could respond, it opened. Sera stepped inside, holding a tray with a teapot and a single cup. Steam curled faintly into the air. “I brought you tea, Your Highness,” she said gently. “At least… you’ll accept this one.” Nil glanced at the tray, then at her. He sighed again, this time less tense. “Fine,” he said, reaching out. “I’ll take it. Thank you.” Sera gave a small smile and set the tray down carefully. She left quietly, clos
If you’ve read chapters 1 to 15, first, thank you. I mean it. Thank you for taking the time to step into this world, for following Zayla through everything she’s faced so far, and for spending time with characters I’ve grown so attached to. It means a lot to me that you’ve allowed yourself to live in this story, even for just a little while. You’ve seen Zayla in all sorts of situations—confused, scared, frustrated, and stubborn as ever. You’ve seen her fight, survive, and push herself forward, even when the odds are stacked against her. You’ve met Asher—intense, dangerous, golden-eyed, and impossible to ignore. You’ve gotten glimpses of the bigger world, too: the kingdoms, the rules, the secrets, and the power struggles that shape everything around them. And I hope you’ve felt the tension, the risk, and the thrill that comes with every choice these characters make. Reading this far means you’re already part of the story. You understand the stakes, the danger, and the connections







