The next day
I opened my eyes lazily. Everything was still dark, the curtains were still down. I raised my head and realised I was sleeping on his chest. His hand was on my waist. I tried to move it away, but he didn't budge.
He had a frown on his face. I glanced at him and chuckled. I can't stay here for long… the queen will soon be back.
I tried again, but he hissed. "Running away early in the morning? Is that romantic?" he said, opening his eyes and looking at me. "Not even a morning kiss?"
"Ahhhh," I smiled and wrapped my hands around his neck. I planned to give him a quick kiss, but he seized my lips instead.
"Hmmmm!" I chuckled as the kiss deepened. I felt like we were a newlywed couple.
When he pulled away, he said seriously, "Good morning, my queen."
I smiled shyly. "Good morning…"
He paused, waiting for something…
"My king…" I added, and he nodded, swiftly carrying me up.
"Hey! Where are you taking me?" I asked, startled.
"Let's bathe together," he said.
I flinched. Bathing with him? That's new!
....
"Allison!" I heard Mom whisper as she tapped me on the shoulder.
"Why are you still sleeping?"
' Where were you last night?' was the question I expected her to ask, but she didn't, well I don't want to talk about it too.
I checked the window and chuckled, it was already noon. I had the longest bath today. I moaned till I almost lost my voice. I don't think I'll ever try that again! I don't even know how I got back to my room. Ethan had drained all my energy!
"I found it difficult to sleep last night," I muttered.
Mom sighed. "Don't worry, you'll soon be free from this next month."
"I hope so."
"The king and queen are back, and the party preparations are almost done. In fact, one of the princesses is here."
"Really?" I sighed and forced myself up. I enjoyed my night, but this morning is…
"Are you okay? Why do you look so weak?" she asked in concern, then glanced at my neck. "What's that on your neck?" she frowned.
I didn't even know what was there, but I quickly turned around and looked for an apron with a thicker strap to cover it. "It's from the struggle with the guards. I was sent back from the ship yesterday."
She frowned. "Yeah, I'm curious too. It doesn't look like a bruise though, more like a mark or signature. Well, be careful and join us."
My eyes widened. A mark or signature? How? I wanted to check it, but there's no mirror in our room. I covered my neck and left. I'll check it when I get to the queen's chamber, thank goodness I'm among those doing her makeup today!
When I entered, the queen was already dressed, sitting in front of a huge mirror. Other maids were preparing her makeup. She glanced at me and raised a brow.
"I heard you weren't allowed to do anything yesterday."
My heart skipped. I nodded and bowed nervously.
She sighed. "He must still be mad because of that day…" she murmured.
While we worked on her makeup, I didn't dare look at the mirror, because she would notice.
"Allison," she called.
"Yes, my queen."
"Bring me a tissue from the bathroom."
I nodded happily and dashed to her bathroom finally, this is a chance to check the so-called mark!
In the bathroom, I quickly looked at my left side but saw nothing. Then I turned to my right.
"What's this?" I murmured. It looked like a hickey, but when I looked closely, it was more like a mark or signature, just like Mom said. I don't think it'll fade even after the redness is gone. I remembered how he sucked these certain spots this morning… I don't even notice anything…I'll ask him later or to check his teeth, this isn't a normal hickey!
I covered it up and grabbed the tissue, then ran back.
After everything was done, the queen said, "You can all leave except you, Allison."
I flinched and turned to her. Her expression was unreadable.
She pointed at a table. "Take that dress and wear it."
I looked at the dress, which was black and gold, and very expensive-looking. I noticed there were two items of clothing.
"Give one to Rosie and wear the other. You two will stay by my side today," she said, focusing on her hair.
"Thank you, my queen," I bowed and left.
Rosie looked at the dresses and sighed. "I don't like being the centre of attention."
I gave her the most beautiful one, but she shook her head. "Look, the waist is too small. It'll suit you more. I don't have a tiny waist."
We changed into dresses, but my hickey was exposed! And how am I supposed to wear this?! I quickly turned, backing Rosie, how would I explain it?
"Turn around," Rosie suddenly said.
I sighed and turned, covering the mark between my neck and shoulder with my hand. She grabbed some makeup tools.
"This will help you cover your…" she raised a brow.
I laughed nervously. "Ahh…it's not what you think! I…it was…"
"I don't care, Allison," she rolled her eyes and gently pulled my hand away. When she saw it, she was surprised, but quickly put on a straight face.
"It must be from when the guards dragged me from the ship!" I blurted.
She chuckled and started applying a foundation that perfectly matched my skin. Then add a bit of powder. Then brought out a palm-sized mirror. " Look" I quickly looked at the hickey, then it's completely gone.
"Thank you, Rosie."
She smiled and handed me the rest. "You'll need it till it heals. Next time you want to do something like that, be careful."
I blinked. "Do what?"
She ignored me and slipped into her dress. I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed, shaking my head. " Who is this person?" I asked myself as I stared at the mirror.
"Were you a princess in your past life?" Rosie teased.
I chuckled. The dress was short, elegant, and gave me a strong, royal aura when I let my hair down. I didn't even know where that came from. I quickly tied my hair up.
"Let's go," I said.