After the queen spoke to me, two maiden guards accompanied me to my room. Scar walked beside me, purring constantly. it was already nightfall,and I was quite tired,when I walked in the room it was elegant
The room was a masterpiece of refined luxury, probably designed to honor its noble male guest. Its high vaulted ceiling was adorned with intricate frescoes depicting heroic battles and hunting scenes, framed by gilded beams that shimmered in the candlelight. A grand four-poster bed, carved from dark mahogany and draped with deep emerald and gold damask curtains, stood as the centerpiece of the chamber.
The walls were clad in rich oak paneling, polished to a mirror-like sheen, punctuated by tapestries depicting tales of valor. A massive stone fireplace dominated one side of the room, its mantle adorned with silver candlesticks and a regal clock. The hearth was lit, filling the space with a gentle warmth and the scent of cedarwood.
Opposite the fireplace stood an imposing desk crafted from black walnut, its surface inlaid with intricate patterns of mother-of-pearl. Nearby, a velvet-upholstered armchair and a side table set with crystal decanters of the finest wines offered a space for quiet reflection.
The room's tall, arched windows were draped with heavy velvet curtains in hues of midnight blue, which could be drawn back to reveal a sweeping view of the castle gardens and the rolling hills beyond. Above the windows, a mounted stag's head, its antlers spread wide, added a touch of rustic grandeur.
A gleaming suit of armor stood sentinel in one corner, while a collection of ancient swords and shields adorned another, a reminder of the castle's storied past. The floor was covered with a plush Persian rug, its intricate patterns echoing the elegance of the room.
The air carried a faint blend of leather, wood polish, and a hint of lavender, creating an ambiance of masculine sophistication. Every detail, from the carved wardrobe to the ornate chandelier above, spoke of the care taken to honor the guest's noble status and provide him with a sanctuary fit for a prince.
A part of me felt unsafe when I was with the queen; her aura felt both familiar and blood-curdling. Lately, my memories have been erratic, making me wonder if I'd encountered her before. Just as I was about to relax on the bed, I didn't notice that two of the maiden guards were still standing beside me. One of them placed her hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "My lord, would you like us to keep you company?"
I felt appalled and edged away from her. "No, I'm fine. Thank you," I said.
The other guard, more beautiful than the first, smiled. She was sexually attractive, wearing a gown that exposed some parts of her breast and thigh. Her hair was blonde, her eyes green, and she had pointed ears like the elves from fairy tales. "We can both make your night pleasurable," they spoke in unison, which was quite weird.
"No, I don't need my night to be pleasurable, thank you. Please leave," I gestured politely towards the door. They looked confused and somewhat surprised. The maiden guards bowed their heads, "We shall take our leave," one said, and they exited.
"What was that all about?" I muttered under my breath as I sat on the bed, fiddling with my pendant, thinking about my dad. Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind, "Jaze, it's me, Merry. I'm at your door, please hurry."
I ran to the door in a blur and opened it. Merry walked in, looking worried, dressed in a red gown. "Jaze, my mother must have hidden my memory, so I don't really know the full context of what will happen during the Rite of Bloodhood," she said, hugging me tightly. I embraced her back, puzzled by her words.
"When you say she hid your memories, what do you mean?" I asked, withdrawing from the embrace to look into her eyes.
"My mother has the power to read minds and can also hide some of my thoughts for a limited time," she responded, gripping my hands tightly.
"I told you before that when my powers awakened, I touched my mother. That moment created a bond between us. I inherited her abilities, but in a different way. For me, I need physical contact to form a connection with someone. But ever since I touched you, I've felt our minds merge. The love we share has changed me—my powers of connection through touch are gone. Now, I can hold anyone without linking to their mind." I smiled, leaning in to kiss her lips. She stared at me, her eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Meredith, that's great! It means you no longer have to feel threatened or wear gloves to protect yourself around others."
"No, Jaze, you don't understand," she said, her voice heavy with concern. "Tomorrow is the Rite of Bloodhood. I can't fully remember the consequences of failing the test—or even what happens if you pass. Sure, you'll gain royalty, but there's something else—something important—that comes with the ring and sword. My mother never told me the full truth." Her tone grew more anxious, and I reached out, cupping her face in my hands.
"Whatever your mother is hiding won't stop me from attending the Rite of Bloodhood," I said firmly. "I know she wants something from me—I can see it in her eyes. But as long as you're with me, I feel safe. So don't worry too much." I kissed her forehead gently and pulled her into a reassuring hug.
"Promise me, Jaze," she whispered, her voice soft and tinged with sadness. "Whatever happens during the test, promise me we'll always be together."
"We'll always be together, Merry. I love you," I replied, holding her close. I wanted to tell her it was my birthday, but I couldn't bring myself to celebrate. Not when my father was cursed with a dark illness, one that threatened to consume him.