The scene shifted to the quiet exterior of Meredia's room, where the night was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. The soft glow of lamps and candles seeped through the drawn curtains, casting a warm, flickering light against the cold stone walls of the palace.
The golden glow hinted at a world within-a sanctuary where secrets were kept and emotions ran deep. Yet, from the outside, it was merely a silent, enigmatic room, hidden from prying eyes and wrapped in the gentle embrace of the night.
A sleek, grey-colored hybrid with striking blue cat-like eyes leapt gracefully from a nearby tree, landing effortlessly on the soft grass in front of Meredia's room. Its fur shimmered faintly in the dim light, blending seamlessly with the shadows as it moved with the silent precision of a predator.
The creature's padded paws made no sound as it padded forward, its keen eyes scanning the surroundings. Its movements were fluid, almost ethereal, as it stalked through the night, every sense alert. Suddenly, its ears twitched, standing erect as if catching a faint, distant sound.
The hybrid paused, its gaze locking in a specific direction, and after a brief moment, it nodded, as if in acknowledgment of some unseen signal. Without hesitation, it some unseen signal. Without hesitation, it darted towards the nearest bushes, disappearing into the undergrowth, where it remained hidden, watching and waiting with an intense focus.
After a few minutes, a makeshift rope of dresses appeared, unfurling from Meredia's window. Meredia, in all her audacious glory, began her descent, carefully gripping the knotted fabric as she made her way down.
As she neared the ground, the grey hybrid still hidden in the bushes, let out a low, warning growl. Startled, Meredia's eyes widened, and her gaze locked onto the creature's piercing blue eyes. For a moment time seemed to freeze. The hybrid blinked slowly, a deliberate gesture, as if cautioning her against making any rash decisions.
But Meredia, determined and undeterred, continued her climb. Seeing her resolve, the creature was forced to abandon its cover. It stepped out from the bushes, moving with a mixture of grace and urgency, its growl deepening as it approached her, ready to intervene if necessary.
Suddenly, the creature pounced on Meredia with a swift, fluid motion. Startled and overwhelmed with fear, Meredia let out a scream, her heart racing. She instinctively dropped to the ground, curling into a protective ball with her face buried in her knees. The creature's weight pressed against her, but instead of the expected attack, there was only a tense silence. Meredia's breathing was ragged, her thoughts a whirlwind of terror.
But instead of hurting her or devouring her as she feared, the creature merely licked her hair, its rough tongue causing her dark locks to stick to it. The beast's tail wagged with an almost playful energy, as if it had found a way to comfort her rather than instill fear.
Meredia, however, remained curled up on the ground, too terrified to look up, her body still trembling uncontrollably. She could feel the creature's warm breath close to her, but she dared not move, her mind racing with confusion.
The creature paused, its sharp ears twitching as if catching the faint echo of a spell in the air.
As the words whispered through the night, the creature stepped back, and Kairan slowly became visible, emerging from the shadows as if he had always been there. He looked down at Meredia, her small frame trembling on the cold ground, her fear palpable.
A smirk played on Kairan's lips as he took in her fragile and vulnerable state. "Dame Dazzle, huh?" he drawled, the words dripping with a mix of amusement and condescension.
Prince Ancillin took long, purposeful strides down the corridor, his expression darkening with each step. He arrived at a heavy, ornate door and, with a sharp push, flung it open wide.
His narrowed eyes fell on Kairan, who was reclining in a white marble bathtub filled with steaming hot water. Kairan's head was tipped back, his eyes closed, utterly unaware of the world around him.
Ancillin stepped fully into the room, a smirk tugging at his lips as he observed Kairan lounging in the bathtub. The steam rose around him, and the crown prince's relaxed demeanor seemed almost defiant against Ancillin's annoyance.
"Seriously, Kairan?" Ancillin said, his voiced dripping with playful irritation. "Why are you so worried? You're in here, acting like you're in a spa retreat."
Kairan didn't open his eyes, his voice calm and unbothered. "I'm just relaxing. Everyone needs a break now and then."
Ancillin rolled his eyes dramatically crossing his arms. "Yeah, after firing every maid in your palace and shattering all the vases Mother arranged with so much care."
Kairan's lips curled into a wry smile. "Everyone has to vent out their frustration somehow, Ancillin. Not everyone has a lover affair with a commoner to escape the chains of royalty."
Ancillin's expression shifted to one of mock indignation. "Oh, come on. You know my 'affair' is hardly an escape plan. Besides, I'm just trying to keep things interesting.
Kairan's eyes remained closed as he spoke, his tone carrying a mix of casualness and authority. "Don't hide things from your brother, Ancillin. What was her name again? Evelisse?"
Ancillin's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know her name? I never told you her name."
Kairan's smirk deepened. "I have my ways. You should be more careful about who you share your secrets with. It seems I've learned quite a bit about you."
I looked at my mother with a mix of disbelief and weariness. "New maids?' I echoed, trying to wrap my head around her request. "I don't think I need a new set."
She smiled serenely, as if my concerns were a minor detail. "Yes, Mery. I'II handle arranging new maids and finding a lady-in waiting for you. It's essential you have a competent staff."
I raised an eyebrow. "Competent? The old ones were just 'seasoned,' that's all."
"Seasoned?' she replied with a hint of sternness. "More like undercooked. They didn't care for your things properly while you were in your, shall we say, extended nap."
Ah, yes. My month-long slumber after the original Meredia's ill-fated attempt at escaping from its world.
I tried to stifle a groan. "Well, they did try their best. Maybe I can handle a few minor issue myself."
Mother shook her head with a practiced calm. "It's not just about handling things, Mery. It's about having a team that can keep up with your needs and noble duties.
Right, because nothing says 'nobility' like an army of maids.
"So," I said, with a touch of resignation, "you'II arrange everything?"
"Exactly," Mother confirmed. "Consider it take care of."
I sighed in relief. "Good, because I was beginning to think I might need a personal tutor in 'How to Manage a Kingdom' as well."
She chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, Mery. I'II ensure you have a team that will keep you and everything else-in order."
Well, that's one less thing to worry about. Now, if only any noble duties came with a manual.