Chapter 7: My Thoughts

Mom told me that everybody was fine,"I'm so glad you're okay, and so is Ethan," Mother said with a warm smile. "Now go and take a bath so you can look clean and refreshed."

I nodded and returned to my room. Walking over to the window, I tried to make sense of everything that had happened. Did Damon really come to see me? But why? Why on earth would he do that? I wondered, completely confused.

My gaze drifted down to the ground beneath my window. How did he get up here? Did he actually climb... or can he fly? The thought seemed unbelievable, yet somehow it felt possible.

I let out a slow sigh. Just then, Hannah entered my room, as she always did.

"Your Majesty, I've come to help you get ready."

"Okay," I replied, my mind still lost in thought.

"Is everything all right?" Hannah asked with concern.

"Oh... yes."

I gathered my gown and made my way to the bathing room. As I soaked in the warm water, Hannah quietly assisted me, though I could tell she kept stealing worried glances in my direction. She was probably wondering what was troubling me.

I forced a small smile, and Hannah smiled back. It was for the best that she didn't know what was going through my mind.

After my bath, Hannah helped me get dressed and carefully prepared me for the day, making sure I looked presentable. Hannah helped me get dressed and finished preparing me for the day.

As usual, I went to the dining hall. I didn't utter a word. I had already decided not to say anything until Dad suddenly spoke.

"We found two dead bodies on the street."

"What?" My eyes widened as Dad continued.

"One was the body of a priest, and the other was his brother."

Everyone was shocked. There was no need to question who had done it. Everyone had already concluded that it was King Damon.

"If only we could catch him in broad daylight, because he is far too strong at night," Dad said, clenching his fist before slamming it onto the table.

"Your Highness!" Mom shouted in alarm.

Dad stood up and left the dining hall, and Mom quickly followed after him.

Ethan sat there in silence.

I followed him to his room

"Who could do such a thing? I'm sure it was the monster I dreamed about."

"Don't say that, Ethan. There is no monster," I told him.

To take his mind off it, I took him to the archery range.

The Master-at-Arms handed us wooden practice swords. Ethan raised his sword against me, and I immediately blocked his attack with mine. Without hesitation, he swung the sword in his left hand toward my leg, but I quickly kicked it away before it could hit me.

I'm becoming stronger, I thought. I need to be strong enough to protect my kingdom, especially against enemies... and monsters like Damon.

As I was lost in thought, I suddenly felt a hit on my shoulder.

"Ethan!" I exclaimed. "That was painful."

A small laugh escaped my lips. Even little Ethan's hit hurt. Looks like he's been preparing, I thought.

We both laughed and spent the rest of the day walking through the gardens before visiting other parts of the palace.

Soon, night fell. Ethan always went to bed early, so I followed him to his chamber. When we got there, I decided I wanted to sleep beside him. I didn't want to sleep in my own chamber tonight. I'd rather stay with my little brother.

I returned to my room, changed into my nightclothes, and headed back to Ethan's chamber. The room was peaceful. I lay beside him, reading one of his favorite novels. Before I knew it, my eyes grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my body.

I jolted awake.

It was Damon.

I quickly turned toward Ethan's bed, but he wasn't there.

A cold smile spread across Damon's lips.

"Are you surprised?" he asked. "I've come to take you with me. You'll love it in my palace."

He slowly raised his hand, showing me the palm of it. To my shock, I could see a magnificent palace and an entire kingdom within it.

How did he do that?