73

I woke up the next day to the melodious sounds of birds. As I opened my eyes, I realized I was alone in Liam's room. The doors and curtains were carefully closed.

I got up and walked to the balcony door, only to find it locked with no visible key.

I changed my clothes and attempted to open the main door leading to the hallway, but it was also securely locked.

"Hello?" I exclaimed, bewildered. Hearing the sound of locks being undone, a soldier finally opened the door.

"Good morning, Queen," he greeted.

"What is this? Was I locked in?" I questioned, incredulous.

"These are the king's orders," the soldier mumbled, seemingly confused.

Surveying the hallway, I noticed the presence of so many guards that I couldn't count them. A strange sense of confinement began to set in, prompting me to question the reasons behind Liam's decisions.

Each closed door echoed with a stifling silence, and the guarded expressions of the inhabitants heightened the palpable tension that clung to the air.

The