Todays song is...Swim - Chase Atlantic
Enjoy
"This can't be..." I whisper in disbelief.
"No, no, no..." The words tumble out, my voice rising.
"How... it's impossible!""Oh, but it can, princess." His voice is cold, like a gust of winter air. Beneath the iciness, though, there's a flicker of curiosity. "I don't lie."
I exhale sharply.
"Alex," I sigh, my breath trembling. "You do realize this means I'm not just unroyal—I'm the daughter of a traitor."
My chest tightens, each breath becoming more labored as the truth sinks in."That's the naked truth, princess." His words are blunt, emotionless, but the look in his eyes cuts deeper.
"Twenty years ago, during one of the many wars, my kingdom was attacked by your people. They took nearly everything, and many were enslaved. You're smart enough to understand what happened next." He stands, towering over me, his shadow swallowing me whole.
He makes me feel insignificant, like a minion at his feet."Then why am I still here?" I ask, my voice shaking but laced with defiance. "If I'm useless to you, why keep me?""You could just let—" My words are cut off as he slams his hand down on the table.
"NO!" His voice booms, and I flinch instinctively. "You're not going anywhere unless I say so." His tone is sharp, a blade hovering over me.
"Then what—" I abruptly stand, my anger simmering as I close the space between us, glaring up at him. "What is your reason?" I spit the words through clenched teeth, my fury barely contained.His lips curl into a smirk, and he leans down, lowering his face toward mine until we're only inches apart.
"Listen closely, princess," he says, his voice suddenly low, almost seductive, sending a shiver down my spine. "I do what I want, when I want." His hand moves to my chin, forcing me to look up into his eyes. "And you..." His grip tightens, his thumb brushing my jaw.
"You'll do exactly as I say."I'm frozen, my mind blank, my body betraying me as his gaze holds me captive.
It's as if I've fallen under some spell."Well, the pork took a bit longer than expected—" The sudden voice of Ms. Adele snaps us both back to reality.
She enters with a silver tray in hand.We spring apart, as if struck by lightning.
His hand drops from my chin, and his fingers run through his hair awkwardly, almost like a child caught doing something forbidden.
He avoids my gaze."What are you both doing just standing there? Sit down before it gets cold," Ms. Adele scolds us, her voice stern yet warm.
She sets the pan down on the table and serves generous portions of pork.
This is only the second time I've eaten with him, but I've started to notice patterns in his behavior.
He always uses his right hand to eat and meticulously separates his vegetables from his meat, ensuring nothing touches.
And then there's that tired look in his eyes, as though sleep eludes him night after night.
I've also noticed a faint scar tracing the back of his neck—its origin a mystery, one I don't dare ask about.The meal passes in silence, leaving me with more questions than answers.
I sigh, the weight of everything pressing down on me, until Ms. Adele's soft cough pulls me from my thoughts.She stares at me expectantly. "Oh, right..." I scramble to gather my thoughts. "The library..." I pause, trying to find the right words. "If you're not going to let me leave, what am I supposed to do? I can't just stay locked in that room all day.
I'll lose my mind." I try to soften my voice, adding a touch of sweetness to it."You can't go anywhere out of the palace," he responds, his emphasis on "out" not lost on me."Well then, what about what's inside?" I press, playing his game.His cold gaze narrows.
"What could you possibly want? You already have the garden—""I want access to the library," I interrupt, my voice steady.
His eyes meet mine, colder than before. "Please," I whisper.There's a tense silence before he finally speaks. "You may."A smile creeps across my face. "Thank you"After dinner, Alex leaves without a word.
Not that I care, but the abruptness feels rude. I help Ms. Adele clear the table, despite her insistence that I don't need to. There's no one else around, after all."So, separates his food, huh?" I try to make small talk.
Ms. Adele chuckles. "Ah, you're the observant type.""Any reason why?""He's a perfectionist," she explains. "Everything has to be just so.
He's always been that way, even as a child. If his food wasn't arranged the way he liked, he wouldn't eat.""A picky type," I muse."He has his ways," she says, her tone gentle.
The rest of the evening passes quietly as we finish cleaning. "Do you do this every day, Ms. Adele?" I ask, running a hand through my hair."Every day," she says proudly."That sounds fucking exhausting." I sigh, not used to such chores."your language is not befitting a princess," she frowns.
"Sorry..." I mumble, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Finally, we head to the library.
The halls of the palace are dimly lit, shadows dancing around us.
I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched."No need to worry, princess," Ms. Adele assures me. "Nothing here will harm you.""No ghosts, then?" I joke, but my voice betrays my unease."None at all," she smiles, though it does little to ease my nerves.The sunset filters through the windows, casting the palace in a warm golden glow, but the uneasy feeling clings to me."We're here, princess." We stop in front of a massive wooden door that towers over us."Fifteen years since anyone's used it," Ms. Adele says, giving the door a push.
It stucks, and we have to shove it together to open it fully.
The sight takes my breath away. Rows upon rows of books stretch endlessly, two stories tall, with large windows casting the room in twilight.
A sofa sits near the windows, inviting and soft."Beautiful, isn't it?" Ms. Adele smiles."It's... beyond beautiful," I breathe, in awe."If you're looking for history, try the second floor," she suggests."I might just move in here," I joke, my eyes still scanning the endless shelves.
Ms. Adele chuckles. "Enjoy, princess.""oh i sure will" i reply With a lit candle in hand and the night settling in, I'm left alone in the grand library.
The moonlight streams in, casting long shadows.
I glance at the books surrounding me, determination building."If he won't give me answers, I'll find them myself."