Chapter 51
The morning sun slipped through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Azalea stirred, feeling the comforting weight of Federico’s arm wrapped around her. A faint smile touched her lips as she settled closer to him, savoring this rare moment of peace. But her contentment was soon interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.
Federico let out a sigh, reluctantly loosening his hold on her. “Stay here,” he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before rising to answer the door.
He opened it just a crack, revealing two guards from his father’s quarters. The stern expressions on their faces instantly told him this wasn’t a casual visit.
“The king has sent for Azalea,” one of the guards announced, his tone formal.
Federico’s jaw clenched. He stepped in front of the door, blocking their view of Azalea. “Return to my father and tell him that Azalea won’t be going anywhere. If he has something to say to her, he can say it to me.”
The guards exchanged glances but didn’t argue. With a nod, they turned and walked back down the hallway, leaving Federico to close the door behind them.
Azalea watched him with wide eyes as he returned to the bed, a frown etched across his face. He slipped his arms around her once more, holding her tightly.
“Federico, do you think your father is-”
“He’s up to something, that’s for sure,” he muttered. “But don’t worry. I’ll handle him.”
Azalea wanted to ask more, but she knew better than to press. She rested her head against his shoulder, taking comfort in his presence.
After a few moments, Federico reluctantly pulled away, giving her one last lingering look. “I have to go see him. Stay here, and don’t open the door for anyone.”
She nodded, watching him as he dressed and left. The room suddenly felt colder in his absence.
*******
Just as she was beginning to collect her thoughts, another knock sounded on the door. Azalea tensed, wondering if the guards had returned, but to her surprise, it was Ophelia who stepped inside.
Ophelia closed the door behind her, a smirk playing on her lips as she took in the sight of Azalea alone. “Good morning, dear,” she greeted, her tone laced with false sweetness.
Azalea crossed her arms, meeting Ophelia’s gaze with a steady glare. “What do you want?”
“Oh, don’t be so hostile,” Ophelia replied, glancing around the room as if inspecting it. “I’m just here to give you some…friendly advice.”
Azalea raised an eyebrow. “Advice?”
“Yes,” Ophelia said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “You might want to brace yourself. The battle line has just been drawn. From now on, things will only get more complicated.”
Azalea rolled her eyes, unimpressed by Ophelia’s attempt at intimidation. “If you came all the way here just to make empty threats, you can leave now.”
Ophelia laughed a cold and calculated sound. “You have no idea what’s coming, do you?” She took a step closer, her eyes narrowing. “Enjoy this little moment of peace, Azalea. It won’t last.”
Before Azalea could respond, Vick entered the room, nodding politely at Ophelia.
“Vick,” Ophelia greeted, her smile turning oddly pleasant. “How convenient. I was just about to ask if you’d accompany me to the hospital.”
Azalea scoffed, crossing her arms. “Don’t let me keep you, Vick you should go with her.”
Ophelia shot her a scathing look before heading toward the door, Vick following behind her. But before leaving, Ophelia glanced back, her expression triumphant. “Remember what I said, Azalea.”
As the door clicked shut behind them, Azalea let out a frustrated sigh. Ophelia’s words lingered in her mind, fueling a sense of unease she couldn’t shake.
Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Maya was humming to herself as she prepared for the day. She’d been in a strangely good mood since the night before, and the tension from the previous days seemed to melt away. But just as she was about to leave her room, her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts.
Her heart sank as she saw the caller ID-Bennett. She hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the room, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby. She answered the call, her voice barely above a whisper.
“What do you want, Bennett?” she asked, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
His voice on the other end was calm, almost pleasant. “Good morning, Maya. Just checking in to make sure you haven’t forgotten our little agreement.”
Maya clenched her fists, glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one was listening. “What do you want from me?”
Bennett chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down her spine. “Oh, it’s simple. You’re going to do exactly what I tell you, or else I’ll have no choice but to…reveal the truth. And I’m sure you don’t want that, do you?”
Maya swallowed, her voice barely a whisper. “What do you want me to do?”
“Meet me tonight at the bar just outside the Kingdom,” Bennett replied smoothly. “We’ll discuss the details there.”
She took a shaky breath, a knot of dread forming in her stomach. “Fine. I’ll be there.”
“Good girl,” he murmured before ending the call, leaving her standing alone in the hallway, fear gripping her heart.
*******
Ophelia strutted towards the sleek black car waiting for her in the driveway, her heels clicking against the cobblestone with sharp precision. Vick followed a few paces behind, her expression as unreadable as ever, though Ophelia could sense the air of caution around her.
As they approached the car, Ophelia cast a glance over her shoulder at Vick. “You’ve been close to Federico and Azalea for a while now,” she remarked, keeping her tone casual as if she were merely making conversation.
Vick raised an eyebrow, her gaze steady but wary. “Yes, I serve them both,” she replied, holding the door open for Ophelia to step inside.
Settling into her seat, Ophelia leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting with a hint of curiosity. “And how are they?” she asked, tilting her head. “Their relationship, I mean. It must be… intriguing, given the circumstances.”
Vick paused before getting into the car herself, choosing her words carefully. “They’re… adapting to their roles. And to each other.”
Ophelia smirked, picking up on Vick’s reluctance to share details. “Interesting,” she murmured, her mind already spinning with possibilities.