Chapter 6: The royal encounter
Aurora continued following Lucas, even though she had no idea where he was leading her. His strides were confident, purposeful, and swift, making her feel like she needed to quicken her pace to keep up. After a while, she managed to walk beside him, her curiosity compelling her to glance at him.
As her eyes took in his features, she felt her breath hitch. The man walking beside her was the embodiment of perfection. His chiselled jawline, piercing eyes, and the way his hair fell effortlessly over his forehead made her question if he was even real. Aurora was so captivated by his beauty that she didn't realize she had been staring for minutes on end.
Lucas, on the other hand, was troubled. He didn't know what to make of the girl who had appeared out of nowhere and was now trailing him. Who was she? Why was she here? More importantly, should he even take her to the palace? He couldn't shake off the uneasy thought that she might bring trouble-unknowingly or not.
He glanced at her briefly. She didn't seem dangerous. In fact, she looked vulnerable, like a lost bird seeking shelter from a storm. Still, he wasn't one to let his guard down so easily. Lucas decided to break the silence, which had grown increasingly awkward.
He stopped abruptly in his tracks, causing Aurora to halt as well. Turning to face her, his voice came out smooth yet firm as he asked, "Why are you following me?"
Aurora's eyes widened. His voice. It was deep, rich, and strangely soothing. She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, her heart skipping a beat. She struggled to maintain eye contact, as his gaze felt like a blade cutting straight into her soul.
"I..." she began, her voice faltering. "I didn't want to be left alone in the forest. I don't know what kind of creatures might be lurking out there."
Lucas couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped his lips. He leaned in slightly, his expression teasing. "And what makes you think I'm any different from the beasts you fear? How do you know I won't devour you?"
Aurora's heart raced as his words sank in. She had no answer, and for a brief moment, doubt crept into her mind. What if he wasn't as safe as she thought? But no-something about him felt...human, even if intimidating. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of those unsettling thoughts.
"You're not like them," she replied firmly. "You're human, just like me."
Her response only made Lucas laugh harder, his voice resonating in the quiet forest. It wasn't a cruel laugh, but there was a mocking edge to it that made her feel small.
"What makes you so sure I'm human?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Aurora felt heat rise to her face again. She was growing tired of his teasing, but before she could come up with a retort, a shiver ran down her spine. The cold was getting to her, and she realized her clothes were still damp from the rain earlier.
Lucas noticed her shivering and sighed, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Fine," he said, his voice quieter now. "You can stay with me-but just for tonight."
Aurora blinked, momentarily stunned by his sudden change in tone. She nodded quickly, eager to accept his offer before he changed his mind.
They continued walking, the path winding through the dense forest. The air was thick with the scent of rain and moss, and the occasional sound of distant creatures echoed around them. Aurora tried to focus on her surroundings, but her thoughts kept drifting to Lucas.
After what felt like an eternity, they emerged from the forest, and Aurora's breath caught in her throat.
Before her stood a massive castle, its towering spires piercing the night sky. The structure was ancient yet grand, with intricate carvings adorning its stone walls and lights flickering in its many windows. The sheer size and magnificence of it made her feel insignificant, like a tiny speck in the shadow of a giant.
"Is this...yours?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas didn't respond immediately. Instead, he walked ahead, leading her toward the grand entrance. Aurora followed, her eyes wide as she took in the details of the castle. She had never seen anything like it in her life.
As they approached the entrance, a man dressed in fine attire stepped forward to greet them. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with a composed demeanor that suggested he was used to dealing with important figures.
"Your Highness," the man said, bowing slightly. "The king wishes to see you."
Aurora froze. Your Highness?
Her gaze darted to Lucas, her mind racing. Wait-he's a prince? She felt a wave of shock and embarrassment wash over her. How had she not realized it sooner? His regal demeanor, the way he carried himself, even his clothes-it all made sense now.
Lucas sighed, clearly annoyed by the interruption. "Tell him I'll be there shortly," he said dismissively.
The man nodded and disappeared into the castle, leaving Aurora alone with Lucas once again. She turned to him, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
"You're a prince?" she asked, her voice laced with incredulity.
Lucas met her gaze and nodded. "The second prince of Nyxoria," he confirmed, his tone matter-of-fact.
Aurora's mind reeled. She wanted to ask a million questions, but before she could say anything, Lucas spoke again.
"If you want to stay here," he said, his voice taking on a commanding tone, "you'll be my maid for the night."
"Maid?" Aurora echoed, frowning.
"It's the only way," Lucas replied, shrugging as if it were no big deal.
Aurora wanted to protest, but she bit her tongue. She had nowhere else to go, and the thought of being out in the forest alone was far more terrifying than the idea of serving Lucas for a night. Reluctantly, she nodded.
"Fine," she said quietly.
Lucas smirked, clearly pleased with her compliance. Without another word, he led her into the castle.
The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior, with grand chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, polished marble floors, and tapestries depicting scenes of battles and legends. Aurora couldn't help but marvel at the opulence around her.
"Don't get too comfortable," Lucas said, glancing at her. "You're here to work, not to admire the décor."
Aurora shot him a glare but said nothing.
Lucas led her through a series of corridors before stopping in front of a large wooden door. He pushed it open, revealing a lavish room with a roaring fireplace and plush furniture.
"This is where you'll stay for now," he said. "I'll have someone bring you a change of clothes."
Aurora stepped inside, grateful for the warmth of the fire. She turned to thank Lucas, but he was already walking away.
As the door closed behind him, Aurora sank onto one of the chairs, her mind racing. How had she ended up here? Just a day ago, she was in her world, living her ordinary life. Now, she was in a castle, about to serve a prince in a strange dimension.
Despite the confusion and uncertainty swirling in her mind, Aurora couldn't deny the spark of excitement she felt. This was the beginning of something extraordinary-she could feel it.
But what that something was, she didn't yet know.
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