Chapter 5:The surprise Visit

After hearing everything we had witnessed, Dad immediately left the throne room with several of his advisers and guards.

When he returned, the expression on his face told me all I needed to know.

Whatever he had seen had not pleased him.

Just then, another familiar figure entered the throne room.

It was King Roland of Veloria.His face was unusually serious.

He exchanged a brief greeting with Dad before the two kings stepped aside to speak in hushed voices. Neither Victoria nor I could hear what they were discussing, but judging by their expressions, it wasn't good news.

A moment later, King Roland turned toward us.

"Victoria," he called. "We must leave at once."

Victoria looked confused.

"So soon, Papa?"

"Yes. There's no time to waste. Prepare yourself. We're returning to Veloria immediately."

She glanced at me apologetically before giving me a quick hug.

"I'll visit again soon."

"I'll be waiting," I replied with a smile.

Within minutes, Victoria and King Roland departed with their royal guards.

Watching them leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened in their kingdom as well.

---

Back in my chamber, I spent the rest of the afternoon quietly stitching a corset I had been working on for several days.

Before I realized it, evening arrived.

Then night fell.

The palace became silent once again.

Suddenly...My hands froze.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a dark shadow gliding past my window.

My heart skipped a beat.

That's impossible...

My room was on the upper floor.

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

Perhaps it was only my imagination.

Trying to calm myself, I placed the corset aside and walked toward the mirror to untie my hair.

Then...

That unsettling feeling returned.

It was the exact same feeling I had experienced on the night the palace was infiltrated.

Someone was watching me.

"Who's there?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Silence.

Then a deep masculine voice echoed through the room.

"Princess..."My breathing stopped.

I slowly looked around, but no one was there.

Could it be...

Damon?Panic overwhelmed me.

I stumbled backward until my legs touched the edge of my bed, wrapping my arms around myself as fear consumed every part of me.

"Don't be afraid, Princess Lisa," the voice said calmly.

Terrified, I turned toward the door, ready to run.

"Don't even think about it," the mysterious man warned.

I froze instantly."This is the end," I thought."My life is over."

Gathering every ounce of courage I had left, I slowly lifted my head.

Standing only a few steps away was a tall man with broad shoulders and an imposing figure.

His raven-black hair framed a strikingly handsome face. A faint scar traced one side of his features, making him appear even more dangerous.

He was dressed entirely in black. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing part of his muscular chest.

Everything about him radiated confidence...

Power...

And danger.

Unable to meet his eyes, I lowered my gaze and instinctively stepped farther back.

"Stand up," he ordered.

My body trembled as I obeyed.

I had no choice.

He folded his arms across his chest.

"And don't even think about opening that door."

His voice remained calm, yet every word carried authority.

"If you do..."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"...I'll kill the guards outside before they have a chance to protect you."

A chill ran through my entire body.He glanced toward the door and chuckled softly.

"Your parents stationed two guards outside your chamber..."

He shook his head."...yet they never considered placing one inside."His dark eyes returned to mine."If the door isn't locked..."

He paused.

"...go and lock it."

My heartbeat pounded painfully against my chest.

This was my chance to escape.

I could scream.

I could run.

But my legs refused to move.

Fear had stolen every bit of courage I possessed.

Slowly, I walked toward the door...

...and locked it.

When I turned back, he was still standing exactly where I had left him.

Questions flooded my mind.

Is he going to kill me?

Is he here to kidnap me?

Before I could think any further, darkness swallowed me.

---

Something gently tapped my cheek.

"Princess..."

My eyelids fluttered open.

The mysterious man was kneeling beside the bed, watching me.

For the briefest moment...

I thought I saw concern in his eyes.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked quietly."I didn't come here to hurt you."

Slowly, I sat upright.There was no point fainting again.

I had to face him."Then... why are you here?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"Please..."I swallowed nervously.

"Don't hurt me.

He raised an eyebrow before letting out a soft laugh.

"What?""Do I really look like a monster?"

Before I could answer, he stepped closer until only a few inches separated us.

"A beautiful princess," he murmured with an amused smile.

"So innocent."

Unable to bear his piercing gaze, I turned my face away.

"Are... are you King Damon?" I asked quietly.His smile deepened.

"And where did you hear that name?"

His voice brushed against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

Everything seemed like a game to him.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to look directly into his eyes.

Now that he stood so close, I noticed every detail.

His scar.

His raven-black hair.

His sharp jawline.

His broad shoulders.

His powerful chest beneath the half-open black shirt.

He was undeniably handsome...

Yet terrifying.

My gaze lingered for a second too long before I quickly looked away.

He noticed.

A faint smirk appeared on his lips.

Of course...

He's Damon.

Or perhaps...

Was he the same man I caught searching through Dad's private files that night?

As if reading my thoughts, he smiled.

"I'm Damon."

Those two simple words echoed endlessly inside my mind.