The alarm blared, jolting Ximena awake. She glanced around, her heart racing, but the room was empty. Her eyes darted to every corner, searching for any movement. Harriette broke the silence, exhaling softly as she placed a pair of slippers near Ximena.
"Good morning, my lady," Harriette said with a bow.
Ximena nodded, rising from the bed. Moments later, the bell rang loudly, summoning all the maids. Harriette hurried out, and Ximena entered the bath, washing away yesterday's grime.
As the cool water cascaded over her, her body stung with the fresh scars etched onto her skin. Each drop awakened painful memories from the previous day. Her nostrils flared, suppressing the anger that bubbled within.
After dressing in a clean outfit, she grabbed her diary and a bag, preparing to leave. Harriette trailed behind her.
In the kitchen, whispers filled the air. Ximena paused, straining to catch their words.
"The prince can see?"
"Or is it his imagination? He described a fire spear and trees."
"But no one else heard anything—not even the creak of a cockroach last night."
Ximena rolled her eyes and picked up a broom, sweeping the floor while ignoring their gossip. She collected the dirty dishes and set about cleaning them.
Her gaze flitted around, searching for Penelope, but she was nowhere to be found. The murmurs grew louder until a hand slammed onto a desk.
All eyes turned to Penelope, who stood at the center of the room, radiating authority.
Her piercing gaze silenced the room. "Shut your doors and work!" she commanded.
The maids bowed and resumed their tasks.
"Hey! I love your bag," a voice said from behind.
Ximena turned, meeting a warm smile.
"Thank you," she replied.
"What's your name?"
"Bee," Ximena answered, chuckling nervously.
"I'm Elowen," the girl introduced herself with a grin.
"Elie! Bee!" Penelope's sharp voice cut through their budding conversation. "Room 404!"
Obediently, they turned to leave. As they walked down the long, lonely hallway, Elowen nudged Ximena, causing the tray in her hands to wobble.
"So, Elowen, how long have you been here?" Ximena asked.
"All my life. I was born here, just like my mother. Now, I'm planning my escape."
"Where is she?"
Elowen's smile faded. "Everywhere," she said softly. "She was killed trying to escape."
Ximena's heart sank as silence stretched between them.
Elowen suddenly stopped in front of a door. "Wait here. I'll be back soon."
Ximena nodded and watched her disappear. Voices drifted from the distance, drawing her curiosity. She followed the sound until she stood before a door. Pressing her ear against it, she peered through the keyhole.
Inside, two men stood. One was so striking he seemed almost divine. His emerald-green eyes shone with intensity, his perfectly sculpted nose and muscular frame exuding strength.
"Wilhelm, I'm still your—"
"That's the lie they feed you," the man interrupted coldly. "And now you want to come to the Gems and make me a laughingstock."
"You won't even notice me there. It'll be as if I was never there."
Wilhelm shoved him roughly. "You never existed in my life," he spat before storming out.
Ximena flinched as the door swung open, hitting her. She stumbled but quickly regained her footing, bowed hastily, and fled.
"Wait!" Wilhelm called after her, his tone calm yet firm.
But she didn't stop. She ran until she found a door and slipped inside, gasping for breath. Pressing her palms to her chest, she steadied herself.
"Well, look who we have here," a voice drawled.
She turned to see three stunningly beautiful women lounging in the room, their wealth evident in their attire. Smirks adorned their faces as Leslie stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Ximena's.
"Hey, Bee," Leslie sneered, gripping Ximena's wrist. She sank onto a couch, crossing her legs elegantly.
"Get us something better than your contaminated blood to drink," Leslie ordered with a mocking grin.
Ximena bowed and left, returning moments later with a tray of wine and royal glasses. Leslie approached, took a glass, and emptied its contents onto Ximena.
"What was that for?" Ximena demanded, her voice trembling with shock and anger.
The room erupted into chaos as Leslie's mouth twisted into a furious snarl. She struck Ximena across the cheek, leaving a stinging red mark.
Tears welled in Ximena's eyes as she turned to leave. At the door, she found Harriette kneeling, her eyes pleading silently. Ximena quickly dropped to her knees.
"I'm sorry, my lady," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Leslie's venomous glare burned through them both. She tipped her fingers, seizing Ximena by the hair, and dragged her out of the room.