---
After seeing this, fear gripped my entire body. I turned to Eve, shivering all over. The fear was clearly written on my face. Seeing this, Eve quickly embraced me.
"Don't worry, Erica. All is well," she whispered in my ear.
"Do you really think so, Eve? I'm scared."
"Remember, Erica, you're not alone in this fight," Eve said.
Her words comforted me. Just then, another maid walked in and interrupted us.
"Good morning, my lady! I'm sorry to interrupt, but your aunt requests we get you ready now."
I freed myself from Eve's hold and turned to the maid. "I'm coming." Then, to Eve, "Are you coming?"
"Yes! Just go in and get ready. I'll join you shortly," she replied.
"Okay."
I walked back to my room, where three maids awaited my arrival. As soon as I entered, they helped me out of my nightdress and prepared my bath. Shortly after bathing, I stepped out into the room and noticed Eve hadn't come in yet. What caught my attention was a beautiful white dress decorated with golden edges laid out on my bed.
"Who brought this?" I asked.
"Your aunt, my lady. She ordered us to dress you in it."
That felt strange. My aunt buying me a dress? Something was off. The ominous visit last night and now this—there had to be a connection I wouldn't like. Still, I didn't want to jump to conclusions.
"I don't want to wear this. Change it."
Shock was written on all their faces. The eldest among them stepped forward.
"My lady, please don't do this. You know what your aunt would do if you disobey her."
Fear laced her voice. She was right. It would be foolish to challenge my aunt.
"Bring me the dress."
As much as I hated this, I had no choice but to obey.
After I wore the dress, the maids adjusted it so it fit perfectly. Then I sat before the mirror while they styled my hair and applied a touch of makeup.
The door opened and Eve entered, holding a tray with lemon tea and cherry cakes. She placed it on a wooden stool beside the bed and smiled warmly.
"Eve! Why that look?" I asked.
"You look really beautiful in that dress, Erica," she replied.
"Thank you for the compliment."
A knock on the door interrupted us.
"Who is it?" I called out.
"It's Johnson, my lady. Your aunt requests your presence at the dining table, and she asked me to accompany you."
"I'm coming," I replied before turning to Eve. "Are you coming?"
"No, I'll have breakfast here. Don't worry, I'll come downstairs after I'm done."
"Okay."
The eldest maid opened the door while the others held the hem of my dress behind me. The butler my aunt sent was waiting outside.
"Shall we?" I asked.
"Let's go," he replied.
---
Meanwhile, in the dining hall…
A woman in her mid-forties sat at the head of the table, entertaining her guests. Two men accompanied her—one in his late fifties and the other in his early thirties. The younger man seemed distracted, barely listening to the woman beside him. His thoughts lingered on the girl he'd seen earlier.
He couldn't find interest in the current conversation. Luckily, Edward covered for him. Standing nearby, the staff remained silent, hands clasped behind them. He noticed the way the younger female staff cast seductive glances at him.
It made him smirk.
Women always found it hard to resist him—and who could blame them? He knew his charm. But today, he wasn't in the mood. His thoughts were on the girl from earlier. Her beauty impressed him. The fear in her eyes had pleased him in a strange way.
She was perfect. Special.
Just then, a staff member entered and bowed.
"My lady, Miss Erica awaits your command."
"Let her in," her aunt replied.
The doors opened and the blonde girl from earlier entered, accompanied by two maids holding her dress. She walked over, seated herself beside her aunt and opposite the prince. He couldn't see her clearly due to the crowded table, but he didn't care much about the meal anyway. His eyes stayed fixed on her.
Once the meal was over and the table cleared, he considered approaching her. But she suddenly wiped her mouth and stood up, ready to leave. Fortunately, her aunt called her back.
"Erica! Sit. I haven't given you permission to leave the table yet."
The girl hesitated, then sat down again.
"I don't know where you're off to in such a hurry. Whatever it is can wait. These are our guests—General Edward and Prince Jarel, your soon-to-be husband."
At the introduction, Jarel stood and approached her, offering his hand with a slight bow. Strangely, Erica glanced at her aunt, who returned a cold, warning expression. Clearly, the two did not get along.
Erica stood up abruptly, met Jarel's eyes, then turned and walked off without a word.
Her aunt shot up from her seat.
"Erica!" she called angrily. But the girl ignored her and left the room.
Jarel was amused.
Most women would have been terrified to disrespect him. Normally, such defiance would be unforgivable. Yet, somehow, she pleased him. Her boldness was… refreshing.
Knowing the implications of her actions, her aunt dropped to her knees before him.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. She doesn't usually behave this wa—"
"Save your apologies. I'm in a good mood today. Leave before I change my mind."
Like smoke, she vanished from the room.
"Edward!"
"Yes, Master?"
"Send my personal staff with a drink. I'll be waiting in my room."
"Right away, Master."
---
I knew I was going to get in a lot of trouble for my outburst—but I couldn't help it. The prince didn't feel ordinary. I sensed a dark aura around him, and it was clear he wasn't from the Light Carven.
Suddenly, the image from my dream flashed before my eyes: Jarel with long, wild grey hair, blood-red eyes, and sharp fangs when he smiled. He looked like a beast. But now—his hair was tied neatly behind him, his eyes matched his hair color, and his teeth were normal. He looked dashing, even charming.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong.
I was lost in thought on my way back to my room when a strange force pulled me into a dark space. The doors shut behind me.
---
After breakfast in Erica's room, the maid who stayed with me helped take the tray back to the kitchen. I headed to the dining room, only to find it empty. I asked a passing staff member, and they said breakfast had ended a while ago. So I decided to head back.
On my way, I heard a maid pleading with someone. I didn't intend to intrude—until I heard her scream.
I rushed into the room to find the young man from earlier pinning a maid beneath him. Her dress was torn, and he was half-naked. His eyes burned with lust, and his fangs were visible.
When he saw me, the maid pushed him off and ran out, leaving me alone with him.
Disgusted, I turned to leave—but the door slammed shut. I knew he did it.
"Open the door," I said firmly.
He walked closer, eyes blazing.
"I like your courage, but I prefer you fear me," he said.
I stepped up, meeting his eyes head-on.
"Open the door. I won't say it again."
Suddenly, he fell to his knees, bowing low.
"My lord, pardon me for my behavior," he said. The door opened. I left the room without a word. I had to find Erica—something wasn't right.
---
As soon as she left, I rose, poured myself a glass of wine, and sat down.
A smile tugged at my lips.
The King's sister is here?
Interesting.
---