Cold water drenched him on the spot he lay. He gasped, jerking up from sleep with a shiver. "Sleeping around like an old hag, do you not have duties to perform? Today is the Prince's wedding. You should be clearing the dirt around the palace!" The harshness of the man's tone made Dante shiver. "I am sorry I overslept, sir. I did pick all the dirt around yesterday. I only need to sweep the floors", Dante managed to reply, between scampering off the floor, and squeezing the water off his wet clothes. "Move, boy! We do not have time", the head cleaner, Guirello said impatiently, shoving him out of the room. Dante quickened his steps to avoid being manhandled. The years had gone by with increasing hardship. Imagine struggling to feed in a palace filled with food. Hell, even the dogs fed better than him. He worked as a slave, possibly lower if there was something like that. He received no wages as it was believed keeping him alive was enough payment for his services. Dant

"I can't believe you! Do you really want to cancel our wedding for a woman you just met? Why would you do something like that? We've known each other since we were kids. I spent eighteen years of my life, loving you. Why would you do this to me?", Kimorra angrily asked. Xander felt guilty as the angry tears streamed down her cheeks."Don't make this more difficult than it is already. You are causing a scene. I think you need some rest, we can talk about tomorrow", was his feeble attempt to control the situation.Kimorra glared at him, her fists clenching harder by her sides at every surge of emotion."I'm causing a scene? You already sent everyone away, so who's watching, huh? Even if everyone's watching, who cares? Today was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I stayed up for days, wondering what this day would be like. I imagined laughter, fulfillment, happiness, and tears. Only that they were supposed to be tears of joy! How did you manage to turn something so beautiful int

Dante leaned against the door and peeped into the kitchen. When he noticed no one was present, he stealthily entered the kitchen. He rushed to the bin containing leftovers and pulled out the plastic bag he had hidden underneath his clothes.His heart raced wildly as he packed as much as he needed. After breaking the plates and soiling the princess, Guirello denied him food. Dante stuffed his mouth as he packed the food. In case he got caught, he would at least have a full stomach. The food was a little stale, but it was better than the ones the servants threw at him once in a while. Besides, they were going to dump it because the king forbade them from feeding the dogs with stale leftovers. Dante chuckled at the thought. His father didn't mind his son eating stale food but would punish the maids severely if his dogs were given day-old leftovers "What do you think you're doing?", Dante froze on hearing the voice. He quickly pushed the bag under his shirt, gulping hard as the int

Dante couldn't move from the spot. His whole body hurt, and his chest tightened with each breath. It was a struggle to even open his eyes. "You were lucky, today. Get your pathetic self out of here”, A soldier hissed, kicking him over. Dante let out a weak groan. Almira stopped in front of Kitanna. “Happy now, or do you want me to carry him too?”. “Thank you”, Kitanna smiled. Almira rolled her eyes and walked away. The maid quickly rushed to Dante when she noticed the soldiers ganging up to kick him around. "Enough!” She ordered. They moved away in shock, surprised that the two gorgeous women were going out of their way to save him. “You will harm him no further! Pick him up and follow me”. The soldiers exchanged glances. Her beautiful emerald eyes burned like a flame, challenging them to defy her. They cowered, pulling Dante by his hands off the floor. Kitanna wasn't sure where to take him. Bringing him to Almira's chambers would enrage the princess. She had to find a safe

Almira watched him intensely. Dante felt uncomfortable under her scrutiny and shifted in his seat several times. Kitanna noticed his movements and turned to Almira, who didn't even blink. "Are you sure you're full, princess? You've barely eaten anything, though you were scolding me for being twenty minutes late", Kitanna attempted to steal her attention away from Dante. "You talk too much", Almira replied without looking away from Dante. "Is my gaze making you uncomfortable?"Dante choked at the question. Kitanna quickly poured him a glass of water. Dante finished it in one gulp and dropped the glass. "So…. What exactly made you choke?" Almira smirked. He almost choked the second time. Deciding he couldn't handle further embarrassment, he opted to leave the table. "T-Thank Y-You for the meal. M-May… I leave now?" He asked, bowing his head. "No, you may not. Finish your breakfast, I'm leaving anyways". Almira stood and walked out of the kitchen after that. Da