The man at the front seat kept making the car move into the large compound.
It didn't even deserve to be called a compound.
It looked more like a state to me.
I watched in amazement the beautiful landscapes with gardens and few people dressed in uniforms running Helter skelter, both male and female.
The car kept moving on the smooth ground, and it didn't stop till it got to another gate.
The gate opened by itself again, revealing another breathtaking landscape with gardens and a few buildings on either side.
The car still continued moving until it arrived at an enormous house.
"We're here," Liam said from beside me, and two people rushed to open the car doors on both sides for us.
"Welcome, Your Royal Majesty," a man said, bowing as Liam stepped out.
I looked around in confusion, wondering what was happening.
"Aren't you going to step out, ma'am, or do you need assistance?" a guard asked me.
"Why don't you get me out, huh?" I replied, eyeing the guard suspiciously.
These people think they can just treat me nicely, thinking I'm unaware of their intentions.
Only God knows where they've kept our weapons.
"Why don't you come out?"
Liam's voice broke through my thoughts, his expression soft as he spoke.
"Do you need me to carry you out?"
I let out a small huff and made my way out of the car, standing awkwardly close to him as he looked down at me with a calm gaze.
"Come on," he said gently, offering me a smile as he led me towards the grand building in front of us.
The high ceilings and lavish decor took my breath away, but I refuse to show any sign of amusement as we made our way inside.
A group of men followed closely behind us, their eyes fixed on Liam with respect.
Hmph, bunch of creeps being submissive to this man.
"Greetings, Your Royal Majesty," a lady said as she bowed before Liam.
"Hmm," Liam responded.
Liam led me to the center of the grand hall and I stood beside him with my brows furrowed as people gathered around and watched us.
His hand grasped my shoulder from behind, pulling me closer to him.
"This is Layla, my personal maid!" He announced.
His smile was warm, but my gaze swept across the unfamiliar faces, masked in polite interest.
If only they knew the disdain that churned within me.
I couldn't bring myself to smile at any of them.
I simply rolled my eyes and folded my hands, shifting uncomfortably under the weight of their gazes.
Why are they staring so much?
"Permit me to take her to the maid quarters, Sir Liam," a young lady insisted.
Liam chuckled, a smile playing on his lips.
"Oh, don't worry about that, she'll be staying in the guest room."
I couldn't help but shoot him a cold glare, but he simply returned a smile instead.
"Oh, but Sir Liam, a maid shouldn't stay in the same place as her master," the lady persisted.
Liam's smile faltered for a brief moment, but then he straightened his posture and looked down at her with an air of authority.
"I'm the one making decisions here, not you. So spare me no room for further questions, okay?" He said, and a smile spread across his lips once more.
"Sorry for my persistence sir Liam," The lady bowed her head apologetically.
"Come on," Liam said to me, pulling me to a door that opened by itself after he pressed something on the wall.
A small space revealed after the door opened, and Liam pulled me in, then pushed another button on the wall.
I watched as it closed, curiously.
What was this place?.
It didn't take long, and the door opened again.
I was taken aback by the grandeur of the building we were in.
Liam guided me through the corridors, and I couldn't help but marvel at the magnificent and indescribable things around me.
Finally, we arrived at a door, and Liam turned me around with a smile on his lips.
"Your room," he said cheerfully, but I couldn't bring myself to return the smile.
He gestured for me to go inside, and as I reached for the doorknob, it wouldn't budge.
Liam chuckled behind me, "It's locked," he explained, holding up a key and then proceeding to unlock the door.
Despite his actions, I still can't and won't ever shake off the feeling of vengeance I have in me.
The door swung open, revealing the biggest room I had ever seen in my life, with so much sparkly new things.
I slowly stepped in, feeling a mix of reluctance and curiosity as I carefully observed the room.
Everything looked so big and beautiful, and I wandered if this was heaven.
I heard Liam chuckle from behind me. "You like it?"
"I would if everything was ours and not yours instead," I said.
Liam chuckled again as he walked to my side.
"Too bad it isn't," he stated.
Suddenly, I heard something ringing, coming from Liam's pocket.
He fished out the thing, holding up a black rectangular object that emitted strange sounds.
I furrowed my brow, unfamiliar with the device that seemed to consume his attention.
I watched in confusion as he brought the object to his ear.
"hello," he said.
He stayed mute for some seconds, then brought the object down from his ear, his gaze lingering on me with a hint of regret.
"I have to go now. I'd have really loved to stay with you, but I'll be back, I promise," he said
I rolled my eyes, "It'd be best if you don't come back."
He suddenly stepped closer and cupped my cheeks in his hands.
I tried to resist, but he refused to let go.
"I would," he said, his intense gaze drawing me in.
I remained still as he slowly leaned in, his lips brushing against my cheek in a sudden yet gentle motion.
The touch left a tingling sensation, and my heart raced as he pulled away, a smile playing on his lips.
"See you soon," he said, his eyes lingering on mine, then fixing on my lips.
He pressed his thumb against my lips and slowly rubbed them, leaving me in confusion.
He eventually pulled away, and his playful demeanor shone through.
"bye bye then," he said, waving, and then suddenly fading away to wherever.
H-how dare he, h-how dare he do that?.
I huffed and wandered around the vast room, gazing in awe at the lavish furnishings and intricate details that adorned every corner.
The bathroom alone was larger than the one I used earlier this morning.
I decided to step outside the room, but they were numerous corners and spacious halls of the big house.
Where do I turn to?
"Oh, hello," a voice called out from behind.
I turned to see a woman with light brown eyes and short, bulbous hair standing before me.
"Yes?" I responded.
"You look lost, can I show you around?" she asked.
I eyed her skeptically. "No thanks," I replied, beginning to walk away.
"I could show you the way downstairs!" she called out.
"I don't need your help!" I snapped.
"But you're new here!"
I huffed, slowly turning around.
"What exactly do you want from me?" I asked, folding my arms.
"Uhm, I don't want anything; I just want to offer some help," she said gently, smiling.
"Why?" I pressed, my gaze piercing hers as she searched for the right word.
My mind began racing with thoughts.
If she shows me around, I'll eventually get familiar with the surroundings, which would be a great advantage.
"Fine," I reluctantly agreed.
"Lead the way then."
Her face lit up with a smile as she nodded.
"I'd love to!" She exclaimed, leading me to a door and pressing a button on the wall with a smile.
"You can take this if you want to go downstairs. Just click on..."
I cut her off "Yeah, yeah, we're not friends,"
"Ting!"
I diverted my gaze to the door opening doors, revealing a small hidden passage like the one Liam had led me to.
"Walk in, Layla," the lady urged.
"Why?"
"This would lead us downstairs."
I eyed her warily. "Why would I trust you?"
"You're new here, so I just want to show you around," she replied with a smile.
"And this is the fastest way."
I nodded. "Fine," Cautiously Stepping through the threshold.
She pressed something on the wall and the doors closed.
I made a conscious effort to avoid any unnecessary contact with the lady next to me, feeling her gentle gaze upon me.
I noticed something peculiar on the wall, a digital display counting down from 5 to 4, then 3, 2, and finally 1.
The door opened again, and I followed her out.
"You see," she said gently, breaking the silence.
"it wasn't that hard, was it?"
I shrugged.
"All you need to do is press the call button outside the elevator, wait for it to come to you, and when the door opens, get in and press the floor you want to go to.
The living room is on the last floor, so you press five. And your room is on the first floor, so you press one, okay?"
"Why are you helping me?" I couldn't help but ask.
"You're new here, and I want to show you around," she replied.
"My name is Hannah, by the way."
"Well, I didn't ask," I retorted.
She chuckled, "You should just know it then."
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever."
She continued leading me straight into a big open space where a few ladies, dressed similarly to her, were busy with something.
I diverted my gaze to Hannah, "What is this place?"
"This is the kitchen, where all the food is made," she responded with a smile.
"Kitchen?" I eyed the space skeptically.
"Why does it look so big and different?" I muttered, my brows furrowed.
I heard Hannah chuckling, but I didn't mind. I kept staring around at the high ceilings and sparkly, luxurious things I couldn't even begin to describe.
"Are you hungry, Layla?" Hannah asked, making me shift my gaze to her.
"Do you like pizza?" She asked.
"What's that?"
Hannah pondered, "Hmm, how do I explain it?"
"Well, I think you should try it out yourself."
"No, thank you." I declined
"Why not?" Hannah questioned, her curiosity shining through.
"I don't trust you," I bluntly stated.
"You don't have to. Sir Liam ordered us to feed you properly."
"You can't force me."
"Oh, but Layla, you have to eat something. It's already 2 o'clock and you haven't had lunch."
"I'm not hungry, okay?"
"Oh well if you are, you can just walk up to the kitchen and have something."
Frustrated, I huffed, "So what am I supposed to do? Do the dishes? Wash some clothes? Mop the floor or what?"
"Oh, Sir Liam said you shouldn't be allowed to work, but I can show you around."
"No thanks," I declined with a hint of stubbornness in my voice.
"well, do you want to watch TV?"
"What's that?"
"Hmmm, it's a big screen with people in it," she responded
"Huh? How's that possible?"
"Come, I'll show you."
She led me out of the huge kitchen and straight to the center of the supposed living room, where red luxurious couches and a glass table sat.
"Have a sit," she directed me towards a couch and I noticed the very big black screen on the wall.
Was she really serious?
Nevertheless, I sat down on the inviting fluffy chair, and watched as she picked up a remote-device and pressed some buttons on it.
In an instant, the big screen lit up with various images and letters dancing across its surface.
I watched in wonderment as the screen came to life, displaying different scenes with people talking and moving about.
"Wow," I whispered in amazement, unable to tear my gaze away from the screen, and I could hear Hannah chuckling at my reaction.
"Do you like it?" she asked,
I nodded eagerly, feeling excitement bubbling up in me.
This was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I was enamored by the magic of it all.
"Have fun, I'll be on my way now," Hannah said, and I could hear her walk away.
I settled comfortably in the couch, completely spellbound by the captivating images playing out before me on the screen.
She was indeed serious, wow!
I was thoroughly engrossed in the show playing on the big screen, when I suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to me.
"Hey Layla, I brought you food," the voice said.
I managed to tear my gaze away and turn my head to see that it was Hannah.
She walked closer to me, carrying a tray in her hands.
"It's spaghetti, orange juice, and a banana cake. You like them, right?" Hannah asked with a warm smile.
I was tempted to refuse, but my stomach grumbled, reminding me that I was indeed hungry.
"Sure, I'll have them," I replied.
"Well, come to the dining room then."
"No, I want to have it here, with this...uhm, what is it called? Uhm..." I struggled to find the right word.
Hannah chuckled softly. "Oh, you mean the TV, short for television" she clarified with a grin.
"Exactly, the TV. I want to have it with the TV."
"Sure thing," Hannah agreed as she slowly placed the tray on the glass table where the remote control lay.
"Eat well," Hannah wished me before flashing a sweet smile and walking away.
I looked down at the food laid out before me.
The spaghetti, orange juice, and banana cake all looked appetizing and familiar.
Without further ado, I dug in and savored every bite.
After I finished my meal, Hannah came over to the table and cleared away the plates with a bright smile.
"How was it?" she asked cheerfully.
I tried to avoid meeting her gaze as I replied, "Uh, well, it was good."
"It's good to know you liked it," Hannah said, smiling before walking away.
Moments passed with me still engrossed in the big screen, reveling in every moment it displayed.
I suddenly felt drowsy from gazing at the TV for too long.
Unable to fight it any longer, I succumbed to my fatigue, closed my eyes, and let myself drift off into a peaceful slumber.