Don't step in this bedroom

Daedric lowered his pen and lifted his eyes as his personal secretary, Jameson, entered the room with a measured step.

"Your Royal Highness, Princess Dahlia wishes to see you," Jameson announced respectfully, his tone considerate of the Crown Prince's busy schedule. Observing the meticulous work spread out before Daedric, he added, "Shall I inform her to come back later?"

Daedric, his expression unchanged, replied, "No. Just send her in."

Jameson bowed slightly, acknowledging the instruction, and exited the room. Moments later, Princess Dahlia gracefully entered. She performed a deep curtsy before meeting Daedric's gaze.

"What brings you here, Dahlia?" Daedric inquired, gesturing toward the chair opposite his desk. "Have a seat."

Dahlia thanked him for the offer but declined politely, remaining standing. "Your Royal Highness, I am here to seek your permission," she began, her voice steady.

"Permission for what?" Daedric asked, his brows knitting together in curiosity.

"I wish to hold a celebration in honor of my husband, Prince Sullivan," Dahlia stated, her eyes locked onto his. She held her breath, knowing well that Daedric's feelings toward Sullivan were less than warm.

Daedric's expression turned more inquisitive as he stood up from his seat. "Because he attained the military rank?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of incredulity.

"Yes," she simply replied, her voice steady but her heart racing.

Daedric walked toward her, his presence imposing and making her feel a bit nervous. He halted just before her, standing uncomfortably close. Dahlia found herself lowering her gaze, her fingers fidgeting slightly.

"What has happened to you?" Daedric asked in bewilderment. "I thought about you the entire night, and it feels like you aren't the woman I used to know."

Dahlia looked up, meeting his intense gaze. "I am sorry," she whispered, knowing that perhaps only those words could offer some solace to the Crown Prince.

"That won't fill the void you've created in my heart. Why did you marry Sullivan? No one is here, so you can tell me," Daedric stated, his voice was as soft as it could be.

"Because I love him," Dahlia answered. She had no idea it would be this difficult to be held under his gaze.

"Why is it so difficult to believe your words? You despised Sullivan because he hurt you once. You wanted a death sentence for him. You've never spent time with him. You always hated him," Daedric asserted, his tone firm and accusatory.

Dahlia lowered her eyes, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. 'I shouldn't have come here,' she thought, her mind racing. 'His eyes are too piercing, as if he can see the truth. I can't tell anyone that I'm not from this world. No one will believe me, and I hate this man.'

"You can do whatever you want for Sullivan," Daedric continued, his voice softening slightly. "But remember that I love you. You have to come to me one day."

Their eyes met once again, a silent tension hanging in the air. Dahlia struggled to maintain her composure, her emotions a tumultuous mix of fear, confusion, and resentment.

"Your Royal Highness, that will never happen," Dahlia stated. She wanted to run away as soon as she could because his pressing questions were making her feel more worried.

'What if I tell him that I've lost my memories? Why did I have to transmigrate at a time when the marriage was happening?' Dahlia thought in her mind while cursing herself.

She saw Daedric retreated back and went to the ornated mahogany desk. He took out a scroll and wrote something over it before putting the royal seal.

"Here. You can give it to the Head of Ceremonies," Daedric forwarded the scroll to her.

Dahlia grabbed it and thanked him for giving the permission. As she turned to leave, Daedric held her hand. She pulled it away and tilted her head. "The Crown Prince can't hold my hand," she said.

"Forgive me. I wanted to confirm something," Daedric stated.

Dahlia was puzzled to hear that reply, but she didn't put much thought to it and dashed out of his sight.

Stepping out of the Crown Prince's quarter, Dahlia took a breath of relief. Seeing the scroll in her hand, she smiled but it faded the next second. "Am I using his feelings? It's so stressful," she murmured and shook her head before going to the office of ceremonies present within the palace.

Reaching there, she presented the scroll to the Head of Ceremonies, Sir Kendric, who wasn't surprised.

"On which day Princess Dahlia wants the celebration?" Kendric asked.

"Two days later," Dahlia replied.

"Alright. I'll talk to Princess Dahlia tomorrow about the rest of the details. It's evening, and my work hours are over," Kendric said in a humble tone, signaling the end of their discussion.

"I understand," Dahlia replied, turning around with a bright smile. She left the room with a sense of relief, eager to see Sullivan and share the news of the surprise celebration she had planned for him.

Upon entering their quarters, she immediately spotted Sullivan resting on a recliner. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting a warm, golden hue over everything. Sullivan held a silver cup between his fingers, looking relaxed and contemplative.

"Sullivan, I have something to tell you!" Dahlia announced, her face lighting up with a genuine smile as she approached him.

Sullivan looked up, a curious expression crossing his face. "What is it, Dahlia?" he asked, sitting up straight to give her his full attention.

Dahlia's excitement was palpable as she continued, "I've spoken to the Crown Prince, and we're going to have a celebration in your honor! I wanted it to be a surprise, but I couldn't wait to tell you."

Sullivan didn't respond immediately, remaining silent as if he hadn't heard her. Dahlia's smile faltered, and she took a few steps closer, her excitement waning because Sullivan didn't look happy.

Just then, Sullivan's voice cut through the silence, harsh and filled with disdain. "I hate you. Don't step in this bedroom ever again. It's better if you sleep elsewhere and don't come in front of me."