LOGIN“Does that mean you have claimed me? That’s what other maids are saying,” I said softly to explain.In this place, to be 'claimed' was more than just gossip. Everyone knew it meant a kind of unmistakable bond—part social standing, part something older and stranger, like a mark only certain senses could detect.The word carried weight, whether it meant protection, ownership, or something wilder lurking underneath like the one the queen had hinted at.His eyes locked onto mine for a while, then he replied. “No.”His answer didn’t sound convincing. I watched him closely and saw his eyes flicker, losing focus for a moment. He tilted his head just a little, as if he was listening or sensing something I couldn’t see.“What?” I asked, curious. His focus snapped back to me.“You felt that too,” he murmured. The ember in my chest flared faintly in response. “I don&rsq
He walked in, fresh from training. Sweat still clinging lightly to his skin, his dark hair damp, and his shirt half-buttoned like he hadn’t bothered finishing the task.He looked raw, fresh, and powerful. I was sucked into his presence. The room reacted instantly. “Welcome, Your Highness.”All voices sounding at once like students in an assembly ground. I bowed my head slightly, just enough to fit in. I had no desire to be noticed or singled out, but I guess I was too hopeful.I could sense his gaze moving across the room, assessing everyone. Then he paused on me, just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough because that same pull strengthened, an innate awareness between us, it seems to recognize him.“What is she doing?” he asked calmly. One of the senior maids, the one who mocked me before, stepped forward.“She is assisting where needed, Your Highness.” An obvious lie. His forehead crinkled in a frown, but His gaze didn’t leave me.
POV: GinaLater at night, I couldn’t sleep. The palace was quiet as it usually was, but my senses felt too raw, still reeling from the chaos of the day. Every distant footstep, every breeze against the window, kept me on edge.Beneath it, I could sense a low hum inside me like something was vibrating my blood beating extra in my veins. I pressed my palm against my sternum. “Stop,” I whispered to myself.Nothing changed physically, but it kept me anxious, so I started walking the length and breadth of my new room. I don’t know if it’s the change in rooms that has kept me on edge like this, but I cannot sit still.It's late, but I needed to be outside, to take in a bit of fresh air. I know I could get in trouble for this, but I could not help myself, so I stepped out.I didn’t go too far. I know the guards in this section are more rigid than in my previous quarters. Soon, I found myself in a quiet garden. It was beautiful. It seemed this garden was a round-the-clock space because I cou
The difference was obvious from the entry. The room I entered was not luxurious, but it was clean and organized.Unlike my old abandoned shack, this room had a bed, a small wardrobe, and a private wash area. I had nothing and no belongings before. Here, there was soft lighting and a study table.My breath caught. “This is yours now,” Madam Istrell said.I stared, speechless.“You will be given appropriate uniforms,” she continued. “And your schedule will change.”Of course, it would.“You report directly to the Prince’s wing, and you do not deviate or answer to anyone else.” She added.I nodded again, still trying to process everything. She turned to leave, then paused, looking at me and said: “Do not mistake your new proximity for a privilege.”My chest tightened at her words.“It will cost you more than it gives.” Then she left.Before
She was already there waiting, seated near the long window, her back straight, with an effortless posture, as if she didn’t need to prove herself because she was in power.The Queen. Her presence filled the room quietly. After the brief look, I lowered my head immediately.“Kneel.” I did instantly, even though I’m disgusted with the rules; I didn’t show this in my expression, and I followed them with no hesitation or resistance. I had learned enough already.Silence stretched long enough to make my thoughts loud.“Raise your head.”I obeyed.Her eyes were on me, sharp and measured. I thought she would be angry, but she looked curious, and somehow, I felt that was worse.“You have caused quite a disturbance,” she said calmly.“I apologize, Your Majesty.”“For what exactly?” she asked.My breath caught.Careful, Gina, she is trying to t
Her question came out of nowhere. I hadn’t expected to be caught off guard like that, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.Mary noticed my quick reaction; of course, she did. Her eyes had stayed on my face; I couldn’t hide my thoughts.“He did.” She statedIt wasn’t a question; my silence had answered for me.I looked at her and saw her jaw tighten while something flickered across her face. It wasn’t a concern, maybe something darker like jealousy? Fear?Something else I couldn’t quite name. I wondered how much I knew Mary. Was she really the timid and kind person I thought she was?“Gina…” she said slowly, “you need to stay away from him.”“I’m trying.”“Try harder.” She retorted.I almost laughed because how do you avoid something that finds you? Like a ghost haunting.“How?” I asked quietly.Mary hesitated, then sighed, like she didn’t want to say the next part, but would anyway.“Keep your head down,” she said. “Don’t respond or react to things unnecessarily. Don’t stand out.”“T
POV: CalebTrey had reacted before my brain did; I had simply forgotten where I was at the moment. Seeing her wrist in another male’s grip had gotten antsy and restless. I am still stunned by my action, though I do not regret it.The truth is, I had been aware of her presence the moment she stepped
His voice wasn’t loud, but the alpha command in his voice was absolute, brooking no antagonism or negotiation.The stinky noble obeyed instantly, so I stepped back, lowering my gaze.Control. Control yourself, Gina.Caleb’s attention shifted to the noble.“You were assigned observation duty,” he sa
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
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 th







