Cassie's POV
I was still lost in thought when the door opened, and a beautiful girl in an elegantly designed dress stepped in. She smiled at me, her face so captivating that I found myself staring at her for a moment before snapping back to my senses.
"What do you want?" I asked, trying to mask my curiosity.
Her smile deepened as she gracefully responded, "My name is Daisy, and I'll be serving you temporarily."
Without giving me time to object, she placed a cup on the table.
"Your Majesty… you have to drink this. It will help heal your weakened legs," she said, bringing the cup closer to me.
I hesitated, debating whether to take it, but her calm voice reassured me. "It's safe to drink."
Locking eyes with her once more, I finally lifted the cup to my lips, allowing the floral-scented liquid to fill my mouth.
"Good..." she murmured, her voice warm and soothing.
I studied her for a moment, curious about how she could be so at ease with me.
"Lie down and let me massage your legs," she instructed, and I complied, allowing her to gently rub a cooling balm onto my skin. The sensation was refreshing, easing the heaviness in my legs.
Once she was done, I felt light as a feather, an immediate urge rising within me to test if I could walk. But before I could move, she gently stopped me.
"Be patient. It will take effect in a few hours," she advised.
I nodded in understanding, stealing another glance at her.
"Who assigned you to serve me?" I asked, already suspecting the answer but wanting to hear it from her.
"His Majesty," she replied with a small smile.
Her next words caught me off guard. "His Majesty truly loves you."
I raised a brow. "Did he order you to tell me that?" I asked bluntly.
She bowed slightly. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I only speak from what I've observed. His Majesty holds high standards when it comes to love."
She gave me a quick side glance before gathering the tray.
"I'll take my leave now," she added, turning toward the door.
"Wait!" I called out.
She paused, her face calm as she turned to look at me.
"When will you return?" I asked.
"When the healing has taken effect," she replied with another small bow before leaving.
I watched her retreating figure, unable to shake off my curiosity. She was beautiful enchanting, even. Where could she be from?
As I pondered, a sudden heaviness weighed down my eyelids. I struggled to keep myself awake, but the exhaustion overtook me. Before I knew it, I drifted into a deep sleep.
I woke up to darkness outside, my surroundings eerily silent. As I sat up, my eyes met Daisy's, making me jump in fright.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice unsteady.
She smiled, unfazed. "I told you I'd come when the healing had taken effect."
"Oh… so… how long have you been watching me?" I asked, still shaken.
Daisy giggled. "Hmm… I can't really say, but it's been a while."
I swung my legs over the bed and stood up, surprised by how strong and steady they felt. A smile crept onto my face as I tested my steps, and Daisy clapped her hands happily.
Walking toward the floor-to-ceiling mirror at the side of the room, I examined my reflection. My lips, which had been cracked and bruised from biting them earlier, were now completely healed.
I gasped in surprise.
Daisy giggled again. "Are you surprised it's healed?"
I nodded, sinking into the ornate chair near the mirror.
Daisy approached, still smiling. Her constant cheerful expression was starting to irritate me.
"Why do you keep smiling like a clown?" I asked bluntly.
She burst into laughter. "I'm sorry, that's just my personality."
I studied her, and for some reason, her bright demeanor reminded me of someone—Kael. Why was I suddenly thinking about him? I shook the thought away, refusing to dwell on it.
Just then, my stomach grumbled loudly, making Daisy grin.
"Let me get you something to eat," she said before hurrying out of the room.
Left alone, I decided to explore the space. My eyes wandered to the other side of the room, where I assumed my husband's belongings were kept.
I stepped into the walk-in wardrobe and was immediately struck by the sight of luxurious clothing, each piece radiating wealth and power. Running my fingers over the rich fabrics, a familiar scent suddenly hit my nose.
"Kael?" I whispered under my breath, frowning.
Why did these clothes carry his scent? Was I imagining things?
I leaned closer, about to confirm my suspicion when Daisy returned, carrying a tray of food. Quickly stepping away, I sat at the table as she placed the meal before me.
I picked up the spoon and took my first bite, savoring the rich flavors. The taste was incredible better than anything I had ever eaten in my life. A sense of happiness filled me, but it quickly faded as reality set in. I was married to the king.
"Where is His Majesty?" I suddenly asked, surprising myself.
Why did I even care?
Daisy hesitated before answering. "He's—"
"Don't bother," I cut her off, shaking my head.
As long as he stayed away and didn't disrupt my peace, I had no reason to care about his whereabouts.
Daisy pursed her lips. "I don't see why you need to be so hostile to His Majesty," she murmured.
I shot her a glare. "You have no say in this."
She might be devoted to her king, but that had nothing to do with me.
Once I finished eating, Daisy cleared the table, and I retreated to the bathroom.
For the first time, I lowered myself into a warm bathtub, letting the soothing water ease my mind. But just as I began to relax, a shadowy figure appeared in the dim candlelight.
I froze.
Something was watching me.
My breath hitched, and my pulse pounded in my ears. Forcing myself to move, I quickly finished my bath and wrapped myself in a thick towel. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bathroom.
The moment I did, my blood ran cold.
The shadowy figure was still there.
This time, its eyes glowed red, and in its dark, misty hands, it clutched a knife.
I stood frozen, goosebumps erupting across my skin as terror took hold of me.
The creature moved closer.
"Don't come any closer," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
A low growl rumbled from the figure, sending a shiver down my spine.
When it was just ten steps away, I panicked.
Spinning on my heels, I bolted toward the door, slamming my body against it to force it open.
The moment the door gave way, I stumbled forward
And crashed into a broad, firm chest.
A gasp escaped my lips as I nearly fell.