Todos os capítulos de Until The End: The Love Survival Protocol: Capítulo 21 - Capítulo 30

Esme dropped the lantern, grabbed the figure's arm, pivoted— —and threw them over her shoulder in a clean, fluid motion. Thud. The figure hit the floor hard, the impact echoing through the hall. Esme stepped back immediately, breathing fast, her fists still raised, expression full of alertness. The lantern had rolled a few feet away, still flickering from time to time. Its light gradually caught the figure's face. It was a young man. Maybe about twenty-two. He had slightly disheveled black hair which fell across his forehead, sharp prominent features, and pale skin. His eyes were widened, but not with fear. With surprise. And something like fascination. After the shock of being slammed into the ground quickly receded, he flipped over to look at her. He was sprawled on the floor, propped on one elbow, staring up at her. Esme stared back alertly, her mind running in circles already. The stranger seemed further amused by her reaction. A low, breathless laugh escaped his lip

The door slammed open. "UP! All of you!" Maude's voice cracked through the dormitory like a whip, jolting every girl awake. Groans and gasps filled the room as the servants scrambled out of their bunks, bleary-eyed and disoriented. This time, they were more organized than the day before. Esme woke immediately, but her body protested. Her head throbbed faintly, a dull, persistent ache from too little sleep. Her limbs felt heavy, sluggish, like they were weighed down by iron. She pushed herself upright slowly, blinking against the harsh morning light streaming through the narrow windows. Dreary. That was the only word for how she felt. But she didn't let it show. She climbed down from her bunk, her movements steady and controlled despite the exhaustion clinging to her. Below, Linny was already awake, watching her with wide, worried eyes. The other girls rushed around, throwing on their uniforms, splashing cold water on their faces, braiding their hair hastily. Esme pulled o

The kitchen was already alive with activity when Esme arrived.Heat rolled from the massive hearths in waves, making the air shimmer. Steam rose from bubbling pots, carrying the mingled scents of ginger, star anise, and something sweet baking in the clay ovens. Servants moved frantically, weaving around each other, barely avoiding bumping into one another and causing a mess, their voices rising and falling from time to time as they walked.Esme stood near the entrance, taking it all in.A woman's voice cut through the noise."You must be the new girl."Esme turned.The speaker was a woman in her forties, with streaks of grey threading through her dark hair, tied back in a neat bun. Her face was round and pleasant, with laugh lines around her eyes. She wore the same grey uniform as the other kitchen staff, but hers had an additional red sash across the shoulder.The head chef, clearly."Yes, ma'am," Esme said, bowing her head slightly.The woman's expression softened. "No need for that

“Tell me, what's my name?”Esme was speechless.Was he telling her to call him by his name right now? Wouldn't she lose her head if she dared to?He seemed to realize her worries and that seemed to amuse him so much that he suddenly cackled, throwing his head back in laughter.“Don't worry.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke. “As long as neither of us tells, who's going to know? It'll be our little secret.”Esme fell silent.Why did his words sound like a jerk fooling young maidens with flowery speech?It didn't make her feel at ease at all.“Come on,” he sounded a bit eager. “Tell me, what's my name?”She didn't know why he was so insistent. But since he had given his word not to get her in trouble, she didn't keep him hanging either.She remembered what the girls at the servants' quarters had called him during their gossip sessions and she called out his name confidently, “You're His Royal Highness Prince Caelum, the third prince of House Mercenne.”Caelum was silent as she spoke.Even

The figure stepped into the faint light.Esme's breath caught.Then she recognized the face emerging from the shadow.Prince Caelum.Relief crashed through her so violently her knees nearly buckled.Her heart had nearly left her chest just now. He tilted his head, studying her reaction with open curiosity. A small smile played at his lips."You startle easily."Esme's hand flew to her chest, pressing against her racing heart. "Your Highness—""I didn't mean to frighten you." But his tone suggested he found it at least a little amusing. "I was retrieving something from the shelf."He gestured vaguely toward the back of the room where tall bookshelves loomed in shadow.Now that her panic was subsiding, Esme could see he was holding a scroll. His hair was even more disheveled than usual, falling into his eyes. He looked like he'd been awake for hours already.Or perhaps hadn't slept at all."I brought your morning water, Your Highness," Esme managed, her voice steadier now."So I see."