The morning sun filtered through the white curtains, its soft golden rays resting gently on Thana's face, pulling her out of sleep.
A small smile formed on her lips as she turned to the other side.
"Good mor—"
Her words died halfway.The space beside her was empty.Her smile slowly faded.
She frowned and pushed herself up, her eyes scanning the chamber. The silence felt different… unfamiliar.
"Where is he?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
Just then, her fingers brushed against her lips.
She froze as memories from last night rushed back like a sudden wave…Dario's lips on hers, the warmth, the closeness, the way he had held her so firmly yet so gently.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.She covered her face, letting out a shy laugh. "That… that really happened…"
Her heart began to race as she recalled every moment, every feeling.
"It was so intense…" she whispered, her fingers still resting on her lips. "I can't believe he kissed me."
She stood up slowly from the bed, her emotions all over the place.
"Does he… like me?" she wondered aloud.
"He won't push me away again… right?"
Her gaze drifted back to the bed, and her blush deepened.
"I actually spent the night here…" she said, almost in disbelief.
"Oh goodness…" she fanned her face with her hands, trying to calm herself.
Walking toward the window, she stood there quietly, staring outside as her thoughts swirled.
Then suddenly…Her eyes widened.
"Wait… it's morning."
Panic hit her instantly.
"If someone sees me coming out of Prince Dario's chamber…Goodness!"
Without wasting another second, she rushed toward the door and pulled it open.
Stepping out quickly, she nearly bumped into Pablo.
"Good morning, Princess Thana," Pablo greeted respectfully.
She tried to compose herself despite her flustered state.
"Has my maid been here looking for me?" she asked quickly.
"You mean Inna?" Pablo asked.
"Yes."
"She was here, but…"
"Goodness!" She cut him off, already turning away.
Without waiting for him to finish, she hurried down the corridor, her heart still pounding.
A few minutes after she left, Dario returned.He stopped at the entrance.
"Has she left?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, my prince," Pablo replied.
Dario exhaled deeply, placing a hand on his waist as if trying to steady himself.
"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" Pablo asked.
Dario ran a hand through his hair, clearly troubled.
"I… did something I shouldn't have done last night," he admitted. "I couldn't control myself."
Pablo's eyes widened slightly."Do you mean you and Princess Thana actually…"
Dario shot him a sharp glare.
Pablo immediately straightened. "Sorry, Your Highness."
Dario cleared his throat and walked toward the door, but suddenly stopped.
Turning back, his expression hardened."Princess Thana is not allowed to enter this chamber again."
Pablo blinked, surprised."What if she…"
"It's an order," Dario said coldly.
"...Yes, His Highness," Pablo bowed.
Dario entered his chamber, shutting the door behind him.
Pablo remained standing outside, lost in thought.
But… who taught Prince Dario all that? he wondered silently, confused.
Inside the chamber, Dario stood still.His gaze slowly shifted toward the bed.
The memories came flooding back,the way Thana had looked at him, the way he had kissed her.He clenched his jaw and looked away.
Walking toward his chair, he sat down heavily.
"Calm down, Dario… it was a mistake," he muttered to himself.
But deep within him, another voice rose,It wasn't a mistake.
His fingers tightened into fists,You enjoyed it. Every moment.
"Shut up!" Dario snapped suddenly, slamming his fist against the table.The room fell silent again.
But his thoughts didn't stop,just accept it.
Dario leaned back, breathing heavily, his mind in chaos.
He closed his eyes briefly, but her face appeared instantly.
Her smile,her blush,her warmth.
He exhaled sharply."This is bad…" he whispered.
Because no matter how much he tried to deny it.He knew one thing for certain.
That moment last night…Had changed everything.