Sunlight slipped through the heavy curtains, cutting thin lines of gold across the bed. Eveline squinted, lifting a hand to shield her eyes—only to freeze when she felt an unfamiliar weight at her waist.
A hand, warm and firm, embracing her. Her heart slammed against her ribs.
She turned sharply, memories crashing into her all at once, the ballroom, the wine, the dizziness. The princess's laughter. Two women guiding her down the corridor. She was carried her to her chambers but she remembered seeing an unfamiliar face, her pulse roared in panic. She looked down at herself. She was still fully clothed.
Her breath came out in a shaky exhale. Then she shoved the body beside her and kicked hard.
"Get away from me!"The man beside her let out a soft groan.
"Ahh, Eveline..." She stared at Alaric dumbfounded.
He lay sprawled beside her, hair disheveled, eyes barely open as he rubbed his side. For a moment, her mind refused to accept the sight.
"What are you doing in my bed?" she demanded, scrambling backward.
Alaric pushed himself up on one elbow, watching her as though she were something precious and fragile. Every time he looked at her, she seemed to glow, furious, confused, alive. A dangerous thought crossed his mind, "Maybe he should lock her out from the world, she is too beautiful. "
"Are you listening to me?" Eveline snapped. "Stop staring!" He smiled faintly. "There's no harm in sharing a room with my fiancée."
Her blood ran cold, "your what?" He reached out and brushed his thumb gently along her cheek. "You. Obviously."
The slap of reality hit her harder than any blow.
Eveline shot to her feet. "Do you think I'm your plaything? That you can decide my life because you're a prince?" Her voice shook with rage.
"My affairs are none of your business. Mutual consent still exists in this kingdom, in case you've forgotten."
Alaric rose slowly. "You don't understand..." "Get out," she cut in sharply, not wanting to hear any of his explanation. "This wasn't part if the plan," her brain repeatedly reminded her.
"You need to listen."
"Get out!"
Her scream echoed off the stone walls, for the first time, Alaric hesitated.
Then, reluctantly, he turned and left.
Eveline stood there, shaking. Her chest burned. Her heart felt like it was tearing itself apart. She rushed to the mirror. Looking at her reflection she froze
Dark marks blossomed along her neck and collarbone, too visible and glaring, "What the...." A sob tore out of her. A surge of anger rose within her consuming all her emotions, "aghh.." she broke the mirror and swept off all the items on her dressing table, breaking the fragile ones in the process
"Stop, please—!"
Lily burst in, alarmed. "My lady, please calm down!"
"What happened last night?" Eveline demanded, breath ragged.
Lily's hands trembled. "You… you were drugged." Eveline stilled. "By whom?"
"As of now… Merlia and Amber are the main suspects." Silence stretched.
"And the prince?" Eveline's voice dropped dangerously low.
"Say it."
Lily hesitated.
"The prince..."
"Don't lie to me," Eveline snapped. "Why was he in my bed?"
"He helped you... I think?" Lily whispered. Eveline laughed bitterly. "You think?"
Tears finally spilled. "You left me alone because you thought a prince was qualified to protect me? Or worse, take advantage of me?"
Lily broke. "I am a servant!" she cried. "How was I supposed to fight him? Challenge him? He's the third prince, my lady. He could make you queen!"
"Get out," Eveline whispered. Lily's voice cracked. "Maybe I was foolish. But tell me, what choice did I have?"
She fled the room, sobbing. Eveline slid down to the floor. Her anger faded, leaving only fear.
She hadn't been in the palace long. She was already trapped, engaged, watched, claimed. Part of her hated it. Part of her feared how easily it could all be taken away.
She thought of her family. Of Helena. She clenched her fists. Not while Helena lives.
Lily ran blindly through the corridor until she collided with a solid chest.
"I'm so sorry... I" She looked up.
Lucien.
He eyed her tear-streaked face with mild amusement. "Careful. You'll ruin my clothes." "I'll clean them!" she panicked. "Please forgive me, my prince"
He caught her wrists lightly. "Easy. Do you want me to undress for you? Your hands seem eager."
Her face burned, making her tear stricken face more embarrassed. Lucien tilted his head. "You're that sharp-faced girl's maid, aren't you?"
She nodded quickly. "If you'll excuse me.."
He let her go. As she fled, Lucien watched, lips curling.
"What a pity," he murmured. And then he laughed softly to himself.
In the room, Eveline regained herself and started searching frantically for something