"I asked excitement what happened. 'Tell me too,' I said curiously."
"Well turned to me sharply, anger flashing in his eyes. 'Didn't you hear what I said?' he snapped. I went silent and quietly walked away."
Later that night, Prince Sam said to Well, his voice low and thoughtful,
"Yesterday, I saw something strange in Wellness's eyes. It felt as if… she wasn't even there. Her eyes had turned completely red. And one more thing—she made me sleep on her lap because the spirit might have taken over."
"Well," Sam continued, "for your information… she's watching us right now."
I was hiding behind a pillar, peeking out to hear them, my heart pounding. But suddenly, Well's gaze met mine—those terrifying, burning eyes. I froze, then ran away as fast as I could.
"Remember," Prince Sam said calmly, "you were given Wellness's responsibility for a reason. You can stay awake at night. You're not supposed to sleep."
"My apologies, Prince Sam," Well said, bowing slightly. "It won't happen again."
"Good," said Sam. "Now take care of her."
With that, he turned and left.
---
The next morning, I arrived full of energy. "What are you going to teach me today? I'm ready for anything!" I said cheerfully.
Well replied with unsettling calm, "nothing new today. You'll simply try to hit me… and I'll do the same. That means you'll be fighting me all day—or, should I say, getting beaten by me all day.
It felt like a joke to him, as if it were nothing. But for me, it was endless pain. His fists and strikes came relentlessly, and I couldn't even touch him. Blood trickled from my lip, but all I could think about was the delicious dinner waiting for me at night.
"Take a short rest," Well said after hours of training.
"Master Well," I murmured, "can I tell you something?"
"Yes," he answered calmly.
"I wish Prince Sam had been given my responsibility instead of you. Then maybe I wouldn't have to get beaten like this."
Well smiled faintly. "Very well then. I'll hand you over to Prince Sam."
My heart leapt with joy as we went to find the Prince.
"Prince Sam," Well said, "I have a request. Would you take Wellness's responsibility for a while?"
There was silence for a few moments. Then Sam sighed, eyes closed. "No, I can't take it. Give it to someone else."
Well said sharply, "you're the only one who's free most of the time. You must take it."
Prince Sam finally nodded. "Fine. I'll take care of her—but finish your work quickly and come back soon."
Well left, and I sighed with relief. Finally free. That man's crazy. Who hits a girl like that? He's like a wild beast.
But as I turned, I saw Prince Sam still standing there. He was quiet, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled faintly.
"Wellness," he said softly, "if you want to see the beautiful place… I can take you there right now."
His tone was gentle, almost kind, and I felt something warm stir inside me. "Okay," I said with a small smile.
He led me to his horse—a beautiful creature. "He's so lovely," I said happily.
"Come, sit with me," he said. "I'll show you a special place."
We rode for a while. Soon, there were no houses, no people—just emptiness and trees.
"Prince Sam, there's barely any sign of life here," I said.
"Yes," he replied quietly, "I'm taking you to the forest."
"The forest?" I gasped. "I love forests—the air, the peace, the beauty!"
He smiled faintly again. "Yes… and no one will hear you scream if someone gets hurt there."
His voice changed—calm but cold. I turned to look at him, and saw anger burning in his eyes. Before I could react, ropes tightened around me. My hands were bound.
"Prince Sam! What are you doing? Let me go!" I cried.
He walked closer, a long wooden stick in his hand—strong and shining like polished metal.
"I'm teaching you some manners," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You talk too freely, say whatever you wish. Today, you'll learn discipline. By the end of this, you'll be a sincere girl."
Before I could speak again, the stick came down hard.
The pain was sharp, cruel, endless. He struck me again and again—counting softly under his breath. "One… two… three… four…"
There was no mercy. My cries echoed in the dark forest, but no one came. I called out for Well, but he didn't appear. Hours passed. The night grew heavier, colder.
Then, suddenly, a shadow dropped from a tree. It was Well.
"Prince Sam," he said with a faint smile, "that's enough. Your lesson is over."
Prince Sam stopped, adjusted his cloak, and mounted his horse. Without another word, he rode away into the night.
I was trembling. "You were watching all along? Why didn't you help me? Did you enjoy seeing me suffer?" I asked bitterly.
Well said evenly, "a stubborn girl like you needed punishment, then why I stop it. That's why Prince Phils gave me your responsibility. Now you understand."
I stared at him. "But… his whole behavior changed. He didn't seem like that before." I said.
"He wants his students to be strong and disciplined . At that time, you were his student," Well replied. "And you spoke badly about me. That's why you were punished."
My head hung low with shame. "I'm sorry, Master Well," I whispered.
"It's alright," he said gently. "Come on, let's go back to the palace."
---
Back at the palace, I fell asleep the moment my head touched the pillow. Well stayed beside me, watching through the night—his duty to keep guard.
When morning came, I woke early and rushed to the stables. Well was already there.
"You're here," he said calmly. "Today, I'll teach you how to ride."
The horses looked beautiful, their coats shining in the sunlight.
"They're all so lovely," I said, eyes wide with excitement. "Can I choose my own horse?"
"No," Well said softly. "This one suits you best."
He pointed to a sleek black horse—its skin gleaming like polished onyx, its eyes full of quiet strength.
It was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.