9 Chapter Nine

Elara was running an errand for Lady Celestia as she hurried down the palace hallways. she noticed something in the corridors so she ran

Elara's heart raced as she bolted down the corridor, her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. Panic surged through her veins, and she scanned the hallway for a place to hide herself.

Elara saw the court advisor engaged in a conversation with a shadowy figure in the palace corridor. The exchange, coupled with the advisor's hushed tones and glances, raised alarm bells in Elara's mind.

Fearing the implications of what she might have overheard, she instinctively sought refuge to avoid being drawn into a situation that could jeopardize her position within the palace. The last thing she wanted to happen was to be demoted.She ran through the corridors until she saw a door and opened it.

Inside the dimly lit room, she pressed herself against the door, her wide eyes surveying the surroundings. The hushed tones of the advisor and the cloaked figure resonated outside, and Elara couldn't shake the fear that they had glimpsed her desperate escape. Every creak and murmur in the corridor seemed amplified, heightening her anxiety as she waited, hoping they didn't see her run.

Elara's eyes widened as she took in the room. Before her, on a small table, lay a collection of drawings and a worn leather journal.

Thinking it was safe to come out, she opened the door, letting the light stream in, but it was only for a moment. As soon as the door opened, a hand emerged from behind, swiftly shutting it. A deep, male voice spoke right behind her,

"You've got some nerve sneaking into a room without permission and assuming you can just walk out whenever you want."

Elara turned away, making sure to keep her distance from the person standing too close, looming over her. When her eyes met Lucius intense midnight gaze, a mix of glare and curiosity.

"This is the second time you've followed me in less than twenty-four hours. Who sent you?"he questioned her

The realization hit her – if Prince Lucius told his mother about her presence, she could lose her position. The fear of being demoted made Elara uneasy, and she silently hoped that her unexpected detour wouldn't be discovered.

She observed Lucius – his hair tousled, dressed in loose trousers and a plain white shirt, top buttons undone.

Lucius, not one to tolerate women sent to spy or seduce him, swiftly grabbed Elara's neck, his hand tightening. She froze, unprepared for the situation escalating so rapidly.

In her mind, panic surged. He's going to kill me! Elara screamed internally.

"What are you doing here? Are you going to answer?" Lucius's glare intensified, demanding an explanation.

" Nothing ....It was an accident " Elara stammered as she shook her head in disbelief.

Lucius wondered if it was his grandmother that sent her, after all she was the only person talking about him finding a companion ever since he got into the palace

"As you seemed too eager to enter my room without my permission, I should perhaps take the matter into my hands… and punish you," Lucius's breath brushed against her ear, which left her heart stuttering. "Make sure it is hard for you to show up in front of me ever again," his words held an underlying threat in them.

Elara didn't look at Lucius. Her eyes were lowered, while blood rushed up her neck.

Lucius stared at Elara for a second before he realised, that she was his mother's maid.

" You work for my mother, Lady Celestia"

Elara nodded nervously as she used her hands to grip her dress.

'Was he going to let his mother know' she thought again in fear.

"Consider this to be your first and last warning, if you enter the room without permission." Lucius said as he unlocked the door before Elara offered a deep bow and left.