I was supposed to protect you; that’s all I know

The first thing Rafar did when we arrived at the castle was to guide me to the palace’s medical area. There, a beautiful, petite girl with brown eyes attended to me, looking displeased.

“She won’t lose her leg,” she said as a green glow emerged from her robotic hand, healing my wounds. I was resting on a large black velvet sofa, and gradually, the pain faded away. Rafar no longer seemed worried once he knew everything was fine, and together, we left the infirmary.

I could walk steadily, but Rafar held my arm gently, as if he still feared I might fall. We walked quietly, side by side, and I noticed the absence of servants.

“Where are the servants?” I asked, breaking the silence, making him look at me in confusion, as if he’d been lost in his thoughts.

“Being questioned,” he replied, falling silent again. I stopped and positioned myself in front of him, noticing his gaze fixed downward, avoiding mine.

“Do you feel guilty?” I asked, noticing his pupils dilate. “It wasn’t your fault; you should know that.”

“I was supposed to protect you; that’s all I know.”

“Unexpected things happen,” I said, remembering Alice. “Sometimes, fate acts in mysterious ways to connect us to something we need to do.”

“What do you mean by that?” he asked, studying me as if he sensed I was hiding something. I laughed and returned to his side. We walked through a few more hallways, and as I saw my room approaching, I impulsively grabbed his sleeve. He stopped.

“Rafar… I mean, Your Majesty… I have a request,” I began. “I’d like to make some changes in my quarters. I took some notes, and I hope we can review them together later.”

“Mai…” he started, then fell silent.

“Please don’t think I didn’t like it; I really did! I have a comfortable bed, even a vanity table. But it’s the decorations… the theme is rather… somber.” I explained, recalling the painting near the bed, a dark river with silver lines.

He sighed deeply before speaking.

“That’s not it. What I mean is that after everything you went through today, I want you to know there’s no need to prepare for tomorrow’s ball.”

I didn’t even know there would be a ball the following day, but the thought of my future mother-in-law being there sent a chill down my spine. Surely, this wouldn’t be a dream event.

“My parents will be there, and I still don’t have enough evidence against them,” he said. “Besides, the nobles will view you with a certain… curiosity. It’s been years since a human has been seen in this kingdom.”

I took a deep breath. The last human Rafar had mentioned was Alice, his sister. Despite my fears, I needed to face what lay ahead. After all, I was the fiancée of the future king and should act accordingly.

“I’ll go; please allow me to attend,” I said resolutely. He sighed and looked at me with admiration and a hint of confusion.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“My only fear is of death, and I know I won’t die as long as I’m by your side,” I said, noticing he looked away, embarrassed.

“See you tomorrow, then,” he said, leaving with a hand to his face, avoiding my gaze.

***

A dozen maids entered my room early the next morning. Throughout the day, preparations were made, and I’d never felt my skin so clean. In addition, a decorator came from the city, and while my nails were filed, I chose the new decor for my room.

“Even if it’s temporary, you made an excellent choice, milady,” the woman said with a smile.

“Temporary?” I asked, confused, and she chuckled.

“In a few days, I’ll be summoned to decorate the couple’s room, won’t I?”

I blushed at the comment and nodded.

As evening approached, a red-haired maid with curly hair escorted me near the ball. She might have entered the hall alongside me if I hadn’t mentioned I could find my way from there. I stood in a vast corridor reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture. The moon shone silver in the sky, and the chilly winter wind refreshed my face.

“Are you having fun?” a childish voice asked. It was Alice, dressed in a lace pink dress.

“Honestly, not really,” I said, thinking about everything I was about to face.

“I didn’t help you escape yesterday,” she said, almost shyly. In that moment, I saw a strong resemblance between her and her brother.

“That’s not why I’m going to help you,” I said with a kind smile. Her eyes sparkled.

“Really? But why would you want to help me?”

“Because we have a common enemy.”

“Are you angry with her? I heard that because of ‘Alice,’ your engagement was canceled.”

So that’s how the rumors had spread. I coughed before continuing.

“A loveless engagement is a marriage doomed to fail.”

She smiled.

“It’s nice to have you as a sister.”

I blushed at her words, and footsteps sounded behind me. When I looked back at the little girl, she had disappeared.

“You look… stunning,” Rafar said, and I noticed his scent brought a freshness that eased all my worries.

“I could say the same about you,” I replied with a smile.

He extended his hand, and together, we went to the ball and the challenges awaiting us there.