Katherine collapsed onto the bed. Exhaustion etched on her face. The mall trip had taken its toll. Carrying those heavy shopping bags.
Her body ached. A sigh escaped her lips.
"So annoying, I just wish this selection of a thing would be over so I can have my peace back," she lamented. Frustration creased her brow. She turned onto her side. "I wish you could disappear," she grunted. Referring to Dominic.
Resentment flashed In her eyes. Just then, her cell phone rang Breaking the silence. She retrieved it from her pocket. Her mom's name flashed on the screen.
A mix of relief and longing. Crossed her face.
"Hey, Mom," Katherine answered. Her voice softened.
"Hey, sweetie, how are you doing?" Amma asked from the other end of the phone. Concern laced her voice.
Katherine's weary response.
"Fine, mom," she said. Though her tone betrayed her. Fatigue seeped through.
Amma's maternal instincts kicked in. "Are you sure you're fine? It seems like you're tired," she pressed.
Empathy etched on her face.
Katherine's shoulders sagged. "Yeah, it's been an hectic day for me," she admitted.
Amma's brow furrowed. Worry deepened. "Why? What happened? I heard your punishment was added up, Diana told me," Amma said. Katherine's frustration simmered.
"Yeah, but it's fine. I just got three more days, and it will be over," she reassured.
Though resignation weighed. Amma's voice turned stern.
"Katherine, why do you like getting yourself into trouble?" Disappointment mingled with concern.
Katherine sighed heavily On the phone. "Mom, it's not my fault. The prince keeps pissing me off. You know it wasn't my intention to be here... I just want to come back home. Staying here is already torture for me," Katherine vented. Desperation crept in.
Amma's expression softened.
"Katherine, there's a reason why you're there... You could be the chosen bride," Amma suggested. Katherine's reaction was instant.
"Hell no, Mother! Not with that annoying prince. I can't stand him... I'll do everything possible just to be evicted from this task. I can't spend another week here," Katherine protested. Revulsion etched on her face.
Mr. Noah's calm voice intervened. "Don't talk like that, child," he said. Wisdom and patience marked his tone. "You never know what's installed for you there. Just be patient," he advised.
Katherine's sigh conveyed exhaustion And resignation.
"I will always pray for you girls' well-being. Just behave, and everything will be fine," Amma reassured. Love and hope infused her words.
"Ok, mom, I will try," Katherine promised. Their conversation continued.
Comfort and reassurance flowed Before they hung up.
Katherine's expression remained. Torn between hope and despair.
As the sun cast its warm rays upon the lush gardens, Dominic and Stella settled into a cozy afternoon together. They sat beneath a shaded arbor, surrounded by vibrant blooms and the soothing sounds of nature. A delicate spread of snacks and refreshing orange juice lay before them, inviting conversation and connection.
Dominic's smile shone bright as Stella's infectious laughter filled the air. Her jokes were quick-witted and playful, and he found himself chuckling along, feeling unusually carefree.
But as Stella's words flowed effortlessly, Dominic's gaze wandered, drawn to a figure approaching from the corner of his eye. Katherine emerged, her slender hands cradling a bowl of wet clothes, her eyes fixed on the robe where she intended to lay them out.
Their gazes met, and for an instant, time suspended. Katherine's expression twisted into a scoff, her disdain palpable. She turned away swiftly, disappearing from view.
A smirk spread across Dominic's face, his amusement evident. Stella, oblivious to the brief encounter, continued talking, her words bubbling forth like a sparkling brook.
Dominic's attention returned to Stella's lively chatter, but his mind lingered on Katherine's fleeting glance. A spark of intrigue had ignited within him, refusing to be extinguished.
Stella's laughter brought him back to the present, and he re-engaged, his smile once again genuine. Their carefree afternoon continued, uninterrupted, yet Dominic's thoughts secretly strayed to the enigmatic Katherine, wondering what lay beneath her prickly exterior.
.
.
.
As Katherine stepped into the grand throne room, the weight of the king's gaze settled upon her. The imposing monarch, flanked by his children, surveyed her with an air of expectation. Dominic's piercing eyes seemed to hold a secret amusement, his smirk a subtle challenge.
Katherine's nerves fluttered like a caged bird, her palms growing damp as she curtsied deeply. "You sent for me, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
King Ryder's expression softened, his voice measured. "Yes, you know your punishment is due today."
Katherine's thoughts flashed to the endless days of servitude, the countless tasks, and Dominic's constant presence. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, her words laced with restraint.
The king's eyes narrowed, his tone probing. "That's good, you have done well... Hope you didn't cause any stunt during this process that I don't know of?"
Katherine's gaze darted to Dominic, his smirk igniting a spark within her. She swiftly returned her attention to the king, her cheeks warming. "Um... No, Your Majesty."
Dominic's smirk grew, taunting her.
King Ryder nodded, his expression benevolent. "Good, you have been relieved of your punishment."
Katherine's face transformed, excitement radiating like sunlight. "Really? Does that mean I can go back home?" Her words tumbled out, unbridled enthusiasm. The room fell silent. All eyes locked onto her. Surprise etched on their faces. Katherine's cheeks flushed, realization dawning. Her mistake. "Um..." she stammered.
Dominic seized the moment, his voice dripping with mischief. "You're not going anywhere until the selection is over." Triumph danced in his eyes.
Katherine's excitement deflated, replaced by apprehension.
The king's expression turned stern. "The selection will continue as planned."
Katherine's heart sank, trapped With no escape.For now. The throne room's grandeur seemed to close in around her, its opulence suffocating.
She burst through the door of her chamber, a radiant smile illuminating her face. The weight of her punishment had been lifted, and freedom's sweet promise beckoned.
She flung herself onto the bed, sinking into its plush softness with a contented sigh. Her arms wrapped tightly around a pillow, holding it close as if it were a treasured prize.
"Finally, I'm free," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.
Her eyes closed, and a blissful expression spread across her face. The tension of the past weeks melted away, replaced by the promise of lazy mornings and unencumbered days.
"Now I can sleep and wake up without thinking of work in the palace," she murmured, her words lost in the pillow's gentle folds.
The pillow absorbed her happy tears as she squeezed it tighter, reveling in the simple pleasure of liberation. Her chest rose and fell with deep, calming breaths, each exhale releasing a fragment of her palace-induced stress.
For a moment, she let go of the anxieties that had plagued her, allowing herself to bask in the warmth of freedom. Her room, once a symbol of confinement, now felt like a sanctuary – a haven where she could rediscover herself, unshackled from the burdens of royal duty.
As she lay there, wrapped in her cocoon of happiness, her thoughts began to drift toward home, her family, and the life she had left behind. A soft smile still on her lips, she let sleep's gentle pull reclaim her, carrying her into a dreamless slumber filled with promises of a brighter tomorrow.