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So, they knew that too. Is there any secret in this goddamn palace?Her question hit me harder than I expected. It was not a secret, but it suddenly felt like my dirty little secret even the queen asked me about it.He only stopped a bully, I muttered.In this palace, that is not a small thing.My mind spun working through the implications. If the Prince stepping into a servants' corridor for me was such a breach, then every eye in this place must be on me as some kind of anomaly or threat.It was not just Istrell who noticed; Lydia had spelled it out, and now the danger was real, not imagined. The next time I moved through these halls, I would need to walk as if I belonged to this place, but blend deeper than before.No more lingering where I could be seen, no more drawing lines between myself and the others. If the Prince's crossing into my world had stirred the current, I would need to disappear into the background, make every move so subtle they might forget why they looked at me
Gina POVMeeting the queen felt unreal. My mind spins, and I question whether I’m awake or dreaming. I keep wondering if I’m losing my grip on reality.Sometimes I’m scared of how quickly things shift, as if nothing is certain, not even my thoughts.I catch myself trembling, questioning if I’m at the brink of insanity or if maybe something inside me is breaking open.I don’t know how to tell what’s real anymore, and that terrifies me. Is this what madness feels like? Or is it just me, finally seeing the truth of this strange world?I need to sleep as soon as possible so I can escape this new reality; I don’t even know I left Prince Caleb in the hall. The whole of today has been chaotic, the intensity of our conversation. The push and pull of the heat between us. Girl, I don’t think I can escape whatever is happening between us if I remain in this palace.My sense of smell has increased drastically, and so has my hunger. Since my weird dream, everything has been different, and I think t
“Mother, I thought we had already discussed this. You know she is just a human and won’t be able to handle the chaos and depth of this palace.”“Hmm, really? My opinion vastly differs from yours. After meeting with her, I am more certain she will deal really well with it all, and both of you will work together as a unit.”“Mother! I think I am getting lost here. What do you mean, we will work together as a unit?” I replied, as an uncontrollable cold as ice-anger seeped into my tone.The queen laughed out loud."Relax, I know you are being protective, and honestly, I am glad to see you this way.""But what I meant is that you are both good for each other and the depth of your relationship depends on you. Besides, I should also watch out for you. I won’t do something I know will harm you.""Right now, you don’t have even a serving maid by your side, and I know the council has been commenting on your aloneness. A prince needs his princess, Caleb."“So? So, are you saying you want to make
“I prefer to live quietly and improve on myself without… attracting notice. I don't enjoy extra attention.”Her eyes glowed for a second.“You wish not to attract notice?”“Yes, Your Majesty.”“That is quite unfortunate,” she said.My pulse spiked. A rushing sound filled my ears, my heartbeat quick and loud, pressing against the inside of my throat. She leaned back, studying me thoughtfully.I wondered what scheme she was cooking up next. Then she rose up and addressed me.“You may continue in the kitchens,” she said finally. “For now.”I breathed out in relief, releasing a fragile air I didn’t know I was holding. Lycans were known for their primal intensity, a fierce and untamed presence that commanded any room they were in.Their senses were sharper, instincts keener, and emotions ran deeper, often bordering on the explosive. This woman was intense even for a lycan.“But be careful,” she added softly.I looked up for a second, making direct eye contact with hers.Her gaze was warm, t
POV: GinaThe walk to where the queen was waiting was quiet. I have noticed that when it is quiet here, it is either a disciplined silence of soldiers at attention or a fearful silence, like that of servants when a superior passes, which often happens in the kitchen.Now this silence has increased my nervousness; I have never had an audience with a queen before. Will she be kind or ruthless, or just plain dismissive?I can guess the meeting was about her son, but my mind remains confused. I have already been unjustly punished and am still recovering.Another drama ensued, becoming the prince's maid. Sincerely, I am good with where I am; there is less drama and less attention. I have been spending time scouting the castle environment. Even with the top-grade security, the digital cameras and guard posts, I haven’t been deterred. My experience has taught me that there is always a loophole to explore, so as I grow familiar, I don’t stop thinking of an escape means. I am certain it will
Gina POVWaking felt like dragging myself out of a long dream.Every inch of my body burned, not the sharp agony from before, but a deep, humming heat that lived beneath my skin. Like my blood had learned a new rhythm and refused to forget it.I stared at the ceiling for a second to get my bearings.Alive.Again, I survived.The healer stood nearby, murmuring under her breath, applying salves that cooled and soothed my body but didn’t quite touch whatever had changed inside me.Mary sat at the foot of the bed, her posture slumped and her eyes red from crying, glancing anxiously at the healer.“You scared me again,” she whispered.“I told you to lie low after you recovered. Tell me how you ended up being punished by that lunatic steward, who is known to bully maids, and then you fainted on the way to your room.” She rebuked.“I don’t think anyone has ever stressed me as much as you do since I joined the royal palace.”I swallowed. “Sorry.”It came out hoarse.Having spent the previous d







