Layla closed the door behind her and glanced around her home. A smirk formed on her lips.
— Really, no comparison with the palace…
She let out a sigh, then, in a mocking tone:
— A true court of fools. What kind of prince mocks the misery of his own people?
Without further delay, she collapsed onto her worn-out bed, too exhausted to even remove her coat. She had barely closed her eyes when a loud knock echoed against the door.
Layla groaned and reluctantly sat up.
— Now what?
She opened the door, irritation clear on her face… only to freeze on the spot.
The prince.
Had it even been an hour since she had left him in his golden palace? And now, here he was, standing before her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
A sarcastic smile tugged at his lips. Then, without asking permission, he stepped inside.
Behind him, a group of servants immediately followed, carrying fabrics, basins, and various supplies. They set to work, reorganizing the room with remarkable efficiency, paying no attention to Layla, who was still struggling to grasp what was happening.
She blinked, stunned.
— What the…?
Within moments, her living space was unrecognizable. A basin of clean water now stood in the corner, thick blankets replaced her worn-out sheets, and a real bed had taken the place of her tattered mattress.
Layla stood frozen.
And Oris—still there, imposing in the doorway—was impossible to ignore. In this cramped space, he seemed even taller, his silhouette emphasized by the flickering light. His attire, lighter than the one he had worn at the palace, revealed sculpted muscles beneath. A subtle yet intoxicating scent emanated from him, filling the room.
The servants completed their work in record time, gave a small bow, and vanished in silence.
Layla didn't even get the chance to ask a single question.
Suddenly, Oris stepped closer.
She felt his breath against her ear as he murmured:
— All your requests have been granted… except for the feather pillow. If you had truly wanted it, you would have had it.
A shiver ran down her spine. She parted her lips, but no words came out.
Oris, however, straightened with an unreadable smile before leaving as naturally as he had entered.
Layla remained frozen for a moment, her mind racing.
Then, realizing what had just happened, she leapt with joy, spinning around the room like a child.
— I'm finally going to sleep properly!
But in the midst of her euphoria, she suddenly stopped.
What had just happened, exactly?
She frowned, deep in thought.
Then, with a shrug, she resumed her improvised dance.
— Who cares! Tonight, at least, I'll sleep like a queen!