What is your name?

Dalia gazes sleepily at Adum after uttering those words; the older maiden just stares at her with wide eyes, as if she has muttered something abominable.

Why? Was it not the truth? Is she not aware of what the king had done? About the people he had killed?

"My queen?" Her voice quivered. "I do not think that is true. The king, he..."

"Adum." That deep, gravelly voice Dalia knows so well suddenly speaks. Her whole body stiffens as she turns towards the door. He stands there, as regally as ever, his deep brown eyes through his mask narrowed at her.

The older maiden stands up frantically, bowing her head at him. "My king, I…"

From the way her voice quivered, she seemed to want to apologize for something, but the king interrupts her.

His gaze was fixed on her. "You can return to your quarters. I will take it from here."

Dalia's whole body shook with fright. Had he been standing there all this while, listening to what she had been saying about him?

Adum nodded and walked hastily away, leaving just Dalia and the king in the room.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, standing a few paces away from the bed.

"Good." Her gaze traveled towards the window. She cannot afford to look at him.

Despite hating him for what the rumor says, she still owes him for saving her life. If it were not for him, she would have been dead. How bad of her to...

"I'm sorry," she said, looking up at him, but barely, for she couldn't keep up with his scrutinizing gaze. "I did not mean to say that."

"Look at me," the king inquired. His voice was ten times deeper than it had been back in the forest. It caused a slight shiver to run through her.

She did as he told, trying to keep her gaze fixed on his masked face. 'Take off the mask, please,' she almost said out loud, but knew it was pointless. For a king like this, who seemed adamant, there was no way she would make him do what he wouldn't do. "I made a promise, Dalia."

She sucked in air into her lungs. It was the first time she heard him say her name. Seeing how powerful he was, it was no surprise that he already knew her name even before seeing her.

"I promised." There was that slight irritation in his voice again when he spoke. "Not to harm you, so do not ever think of running again."

She nodded her head like a newborn baby, obliging to everything.

The king stared at her, his lips twisting.

She had so many questions running through her mind, questions she wished she could ask. Ones like why he was putting on a mask, if he would oblige to show her his face, what his name was, and why did he think killing people was a good way to live, all because he wanted power.

"I do not trust you enough after what has happened today," he began walking towards her, his gaze narrowed at her, "I will make sure you do not escape the four walls of my palace, dear wife."

She gulped, shifting back with every move he made. What would happen now? Did this mean she was locked in this palace forever? Married to a man against her will? Was there really no means of escaping?

"Do not attempt a second time," he plopped on the stool Adum had sat on before.

Her mouth trembled as she watched him, at that moment, the rain fell, spattering on the window. Fortunately, it was closed, or the chilly wind would have seeped in. Her eyes were now focused on the delicate patterns they made on the window, completely avoiding the king's gaze. She was already worn out from what had happened today.

"Will there be a proper wedding?" she whispered, unsure why she was suddenly saying those words, but for now, it seemed to be the most reasonable.

At least if she was married, she should have a proper wedding instead of being sold to a man just like that. All the maidens, including the royals, had proper weddings.

"There is no need for that," the king said, shaking his head.

"Why?" she finally summoned the courage to look at him. If there was no way of escaping, then she must find her strength. She was alone now, having only herself to take care of without either Keturah or Verina by her side. She must survive, alone.

The king stared at her. She couldn't discern his reaction since his eyes were the only visible feature, but she could sense he was taken aback that she had spoken to him in that manner. "I do not believe in weddings," he stated, still observing her.

She let out a bitter laugh, averting her gaze from him. Her eyes were now focused on the black marble wall ahead. A blue lamp mounted on the wall illuminated that area.

"Will I ever see your face?" she didn't glance back at him after uttering those words, but she sensed a shift in the atmosphere. It felt as though a sinister presence had just entered the room, sending chills down her spine.

"Never ask me that again. I will never show my face; you must learn to live with that," his voice was laced with anger that caused her to flinch, but despite that, she still managed to whisper, "Why?"

"It is not in your place to know. Just act as a wife, and we are good. Avoid coming to my room," he warned. When she turned to look at him, his eyes were narrowed and darkened. This time around, she felt fear all over her from his gaze. It was as if he was warning her to heed every word spoken.

She nodded but asked another question, "What is your name?"

Her lips pressed together immediately, her gaze was directed downward. Perhaps she shouldn't have asked, seeing how adamant he was. There was a possibility that he wouldn't even tell her.

"Ditun," he said after a long pause.

Her head swirled, and she met his gaze. He was looking at her, his eyes so hard to read as they just stared at her. He shrugged when he saw her widened eyes. "Why?" she whispered, unable to speak any other words. Why was he named…

"Why?" he let out a small laugh, "What do you think? Did you not know about the rumors?"

"Still," she managed to say. In that instance, the rumors didn't matter to her anymore. "Ditun means evil spirit. Why would you be named that?"

At that moment, she wasn't concerned about those rumors about him. She was now more interested in him, about why he was covering his face for the god's only knows why, and why someone's child would be named Ditun. It just doesn't make sense.