The next morning, Esmeralda was in her room, packing her essentials to begin her journey to Prince Antonio. Ezra was strongly against her decision to reach out to her uncle, but against his better judgment, he reluctantly agreed to accompany her. All of her father's attempts at reconciliation had been met with coldness, and she couldn't bear to be around him for another day. Esmeralda and Ezra had made a pact to meet outside the palace so that he wouldn't get in trouble for assisting her.
As she approached the door to exit the palace, she was halted by two of the guards, acting on her father's orders. "I'm sorry, Princess, but we have strict orders not to let you leave the castle under any circumstances," said Elijah.
"I am no longer the princess, and I don't care whose orders you're following," Esmeralda replied with determination. "But I will leave this castle, either peacefully or by going through you if I have to." With those words, she dropped her bag and revealed her sharp claws and menacing fangs.
The guards stood there, unsure of what to do. Rumors had circulated among the castle servants about Esmeralda's extraordinary abilities, and nobody wanted to test their limits against a monster they had never encountered before. Reluctantly, the guards made way for her, allowing her to pass unimpeded.
"What took you so long?" Ezra asked as she got into the car.
"Just got delayed collecting some essentials," she replied, purposely leaving out her interaction with the guard. She could see the fear that was evident in his eyes. Elijah had been a loyal employee of the family for years, and now he looked at her as though she were a monster he didn't recognize. It only strengthened her resolve to get away. Bruce had attempted to talk to her the previous night, but she had avoided any conversation with him. He was the last person she wanted to witness her as a freak. They drove off beginning their journey to Antonio's castle.
***Esteria***
Lily was led to her room by Prince Aiden, and she was amazed by its beauty. The bedroom was incredibly spacious, featuring a magnificent king-sized bed nestled in the corner. Additionally, it boasted a balcony that offered a stunning view of the palace grounds. Overwhelmed by the grandeur, Lily found herself at a loss for words.
"Oh, Aiden, this is absolutely incredible," she managed to utter. Aiden smiled, content with her reaction. He knew he had succeeded in impressing her and was now ready to execute his plan of getting closer to her.
"The truth is, Lily, I'm worried about you. I know it's too soon, but I want you to live here with me."
"Oh, Aiden, I don't know what to say. I can't leave school and live here."
"I worry about you, especially with everything you've told me about your powers. If something goes wrong, I won't be able to protect you. I'm aware of how unkind some people have been to you at the academy."
Lily remained silent as she listened.
He took her hands in his and gently stroked them. "I understand your hesitation to accept my offer, but I hope you'll come around."
"But isn't it against the school rules for students to live outside the academy?"
"I don't know if you've noticed, but I am the king. Besides, I have the best mages from all the seven realms working for me. They can guide you, teach you, and help you harness and understand your powers in ways I doubt the academy can. The academy will only limit and slow you down, Lily. What if you get hexed again by the witches, or worse?"
"How did you know I got hexed? I never told you that," Lily asked, shocked that he knew about her being hexed.
"There is nothing that happens in my kingdom that I am not aware of. Plus, I understand just how myopic some Esterians can be. I knew that, being half-human, you would face discrimination at the academy."
"I don't know, Aiden. I need time to think and process all of this."
"I understand, and just know that this room, my palace, and library will always be at your disposal whenever you need them."
Lily smiled, grateful for his offer and kindness.
"I'll let you get settled in. I'll see you at dinner if you're not too tired to join me later tonight," said Aiden as he kissed her hands and locked eyes with her. Lily blushed and smiled back at him.
He exited the room, closing the door, leaving her once again alone with her thoughts. Aiden had a captivating way of drawing her in; every word he spoke felt like a seductive offer she couldn't resist. For some reason, she felt an overwhelming urge to agree with everything he said and suggested. Lily had led a sheltered life and lacked experience when it came to men. A man as powerful, handsome, and charismatic as King Aiden was simply too tempting and irresistible for someone like her.
She looked around the vast room, trying to take it all in. If she accepted his offer, this luxurious space would be hers. She would live like a princess in this magnificent palace. It all seemed too good to be true. Her mother had always warned her about Esterians and their treacherous nature, but King Aiden had proven to be the opposite of everything her mother cautioned against. He was kind, generous, attentive, and even with his busy schedule ruling Esteria, he always made time for Lily. She couldn't imagine someone so wonderful harboring a dark side.