The morning light streamed through the curtains of Levi's chambers, illuminating the room in a soft glow. Sabi stirred, slowly waking to the unfamiliar sensation of silken sheets beneath her. Her heart skipped when she realized where she was, Levi's chamber.
She turned her head, expecting to see him beside her, but the space was empty. Disappointment briefly flickered through her before she noticed a neatly folded note on the nightstand. Her fingers trembled as she reached for it, unfolding the paper with a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
"Sabi,
I had to leave early to check on Grandma. I'll be back shortly, but until then, stay in the room. I've already ordered breakfast for you. Don't go sneaking out, you need to rest.
-Levi"
A blush crept up her cheeks as she read his words. She reread the note, her heart fluttering with every line. Was this really the same Levi everyone feared? The cruel duke who ruled with such coldness? The gentle tone of his words left her with goosebumps. She clutched the note to her chest, a shy smile spreading across her face.
As she sat up, curiosity got the better of her. She took a cautious look around the room, suddenly drawn to every detail of Levi's private space.
His chambers were large but surprisingly understated, with dark furniture and muted colors. There was a subtle loneliness to the space, a lack of warmth despite its grandeur. Sabi wandered to his desk, her fingers trailing over stacks of documents and books. Her eyes widened when she noticed a panel of screens mounted on the wall, displaying live footage of different parts of the palace.
She stared at the monitors, her mind racing. Did Levi know about Paris and Mateo? Did he see everything that happened within these walls? The thought made her shiver.
Moving to his wardrobe, she opened the doors hesitantly. The faint scent of his cologne wafted toward her, intoxicating and uniquely Levi. Unable to resist, she lifted one of his shirts and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply. She felt ridiculous, but she couldn't stop herself.
Sabi then ventured into his restroom. It was immaculate, almost sterile in its cleanliness. She noticed small touches of his personality, his carefully arranged cologne bottles, a straight razor, and a neatly folded towel embroidered with his initials. It was strange, seeing the human side of a man she had once feared.
Her stomach growled, pulling her back to reality. She returned to the room to find the food Levi had mentioned already laid out. As she ate, her mind wandered back to the monitors, the scent of his clothes, and the note he left her. She was falling deeper, and it terrified her.
***
In Paris' chamber part of the palace, she paced back and forth. Her mind was a whirlwind of panic, and desperation.
"She cannot wake up, Mateo," she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper. "If the Dowager Duchess says anything about what she saw that night, we're finished. I'm finished."
Mateo, leaning casually against the wall, smirked. "Relax, Paris. We've handled worse."
"Worse?" she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "This is his grandmother, Mateo! If she so much as whispers my name, Levi will have my head."
Mateo rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll take care of it. I'll visit the clinic and... ensure she doesn't wake up."
Paris nodded, though her hands trembled. "Good. Just don't mess this up."
***
Levi returned to his chambers later that morning, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion. He stopped short at the sight before him: Sabi sitting cross-legged on the couch, deeply engrossed in a book.
A slow smile tugged at his lips. She looked so at ease, her hair falling softly around her face, her expression serene. But when she looked up and saw him, she scrambled to her feet, her cheeks flushing.
"I didn't mean to—" she began, holding up the book as if it were a forbidden artifact.
He waved her off, his smile widening. "No need to explain. That's one of my favorites.
When Will It Be Perfect, by Grace Grandi. Great book, isn't it?"
Sabi nodded, her nervousness melting under his warm gaze. "It's beautiful," she admitted. "The way she writes about love and longing... it's so raw."
Levi stepped closer, holding out a small bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. "I thought you might like these," he said, his voice soft.
Sabi stared at the gifts, her heart swelling. She took them carefully, her fingers brushing against his. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Levi cleared his throat, suddenly bashful. "The doctor gave me some good news about Grandma. She's stable now, and there's hope she'll recover soon."
"That's wonderful," Sabi said, though her relief was tinged with fear. She thought of Paris and Mateo's threat, the weight of the secret she carried pressing heavily on her chest.
Levi studied her for a moment, sensing her hesitation. "Sabi," he said, his tone serious. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
She froze, her mind racing. She wanted to tell him everything, about Paris, Mateo, the threat but fear held her tongue.
"No," she said finally, forcing a smile. "This is just new to me"
Levi didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. As they sat together, discussing the book and sharing quiet moments, Sabi silently prayed that Grandma would wake up and expose Paris and Mateo before it was too late.