I had completely lost track of time. Sleep had crept in slowly, like a thief in the night, and before I knew it, everything faded into darkness.
When I finally stirred, I was lying on a very soft bed. It was so soft and warm, it almost felt sinful. For a second, I didn't want to get up. My body melted into the sheets as if they had been woven from clouds.
What was I doing just now?
Right! The prince's room!
My eyes flew open in a panic. I rubbed them sleepily and sat up—only to find Jesse already awake, seated nearby, watching me quietly, his chin resting on his hand, a faraway look in his eyes.
He looked... thoughtful. And somehow even more handsome in the stillness of morning light.
"Bella," he called softly.
"Mmh," I responded, my voice still filled with sleep.
But as I blinked fully awake and realized the situation, I bolted upright. "I—I'm sorry, Your Highness!" I stammered.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "I—I'll go back to my quarters now. I'm sorry, Your Highness—"
"Wait," he said, cutting me off with a calm smile.
I froze.
"I'm not angry," he continued, still smiling gently. "I was the one who asked you to stay, wasn't I?"
I nodded slowly. "Yes… you did. But I must really return now."
He leaned back, exhaling quietly. "Okay. Go."
"Thank you," I murmured, turning quickly.
Then I practically dashed out of his chambers, my heart racing like I was in a running competition.
My cheeks were red—completely red.
When I entered my room, I collapsed completely onto the bed, burying myself in the soft blankets. My face was still burning, and my heart hadn't quite calmed down.
What just happened…? I groaned softly into the sheets.
But before I could process any further, there was a soft knock on the door.
I blinked and sat up slowly. Who could that be? I quickly smoothed my hair and walked over to the door.
When I opened it, Luke was standing there, tall as ever, with that unreadable expression of his.
"Luke?" I blinked in surprise.
"Where were you last night?" he asked immediately, his eyes narrowing a bit.
I froze for a second. "Huh?"
He cleared his throat and added quickly, "I mean—I came to look for you. I had… something to tell you."
Oh no. I scrambled to say something believable. "Ohh, okay okay… I was— I went to, um… it must have been when I went to take a stroll!" I flashed him the brightest smile I could muster, silently praying he'd buy the lie.
He tilted his head slightly, still watching me, but then nodded. "Ohh. Okay."
I let out a tiny breath of relief.
"Anyway," he continued, "I've been reassigned to guard Prince Jesse."
My eyes widened in delight. "Really?!" I couldn't hide my excitement. I was genuinely happy.
"Mmh," he said, nodding. "I'm serious."
"How did that happen?" I asked curiously.
He smirked faintly. "Let's just say… I have my ways."
I blinked, then realized something. "Wait—sorry, what are you doing just standing at the door? Come in!"
"Um… okay." He stepped inside a little hesitantly, looking around before his gaze settled back on me—and lingered.
I raised an eyebrow. "What? Why are you looking at me like that"
"Nothing," he said, then rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "You look pre— I mean… nice. In that purple dress."
"Huh?" I glanced down and realized I hadn't even changed since returning from the undercover mission. My cheeks warmed slightly again. "Ohh… thank you."
He settled on the small stool by the dresser, his arms crossed casually as he glanced around the room. "So... how've things been for you?" he asked.
"Chaotic sometimes," I sighed, walking over to sit at the edge of the bed. "Every day feels like walking on the edge of a sword. But I'm getting used to it."
He nodded. "Oh. That's good?" Then after a short pause, "Are you being treated well?"
"I am" I said.
"Okay. But just in case of anything" His tone grew a bit serious and protective. "If anything seems off… come to me first."
I looked at him, slightly surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "I will. Thanks, Luke."
We sat talking about some other stuff. Then he stood up. "Alright, I should get going before someone starts wondering why I'm in a lady's room so early this morning."
I chuckled. "Okay, so do I escort you?"
He grinned faintly. "No need"
"See you soon, Luke."
"See you soon too, Bella."
He stepped out, and I gently closed the door behind him.
Time to get out of these clothes.
I walked into the bathing room and began to undress, the rich purple fabric slipping from my shoulders. The warm water welcomed me, I sank into the comfort of the bath.
Later, after I was done and all refreshed. I picked out a simpler outfit, something more practical and slipped it on.
I stepped out, my dress still slightly damp at the hem from my hurried dressing. The palace courtyard buzzed with murmurs and footsteps. The guards had gathered for the morning collection meeting.
"Due to the recent poisoning incident," the head guard announced, "the king has ordered intensified training for all the palace guards. This training will be led by Wren of the Inner Circle."
Gasps and excitement followed.
"Wren?"
"From the Inner Three?"
"We're going to be trained by her? That's incredible!"
I was just as surprised, and somewhere deep down, a little thrilled. Being trained by her was an opportunity most only dreamed of.
But then, her voice from that day echoed in my head.
"Useless."
That word had stung.
I shook my head gently, as though the motion could physically shake the memory away. She didn't mean it. Maybe she was frustrated… or maybe I really was useless that day.
A soft nudge snapped me out of my thoughts.
Luke had appeared beside me, arms folded, eyes forward.
"She's really something," he said under his breath. "Wren.
I cracked a small smile. "I wonder what kind of methods she plans to use to train us."