Lilia's body stilled as she shook her head, her heart thudding. How did he know about her…?
'When you were smiling like a fool, you forgot he could read that,' her inner voice screamed at her sarcastically.
But she could not be blamed—it had come so suddenly that, before she realized it, she was already smiling like a child who had finally been given their share of bread.
She bit her lip softly.
"Stop doing that—you'll hurt yourself," Zavren said, his gaze locking with hers.
So, this man did have a heart? The same man who'd shot an arrow through someone without flinching as blood gushed like a river, was now warning her about biting her own lip?
Zavren chuckled, as though he'd heard her thoughts. His eyes danced with something dark, unreadable, as Ariana's body stilled. C…could he read minds? Why did he always make her wonder if even her thoughts were safe? It was like he could hear them.
"Oh, my snowflake… I wonder what's going through that pretty little mind of yours."
Ariana was silent as she shifted her book. Pen in hand, she moved it to write something on the page.
Zavren silently waited for her to finish. He just stared at her.
She paused a few times, then turned the book toward him.
When will you be leaving?
Zavren's lips stretched into a slow grin.
"Hm… suddenly curious about me? That's new," he said, voice teasing.
Ariana quickly began scribbling again, her movements rushed—too rushed. Zavren noticed. Her cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and now he was curious. What had her so flustered? And why was she so hesitant to turn the book back toward him?
No, I'm just asking because I'll miss you.
Zavren's brows rose slightly, and then his grin widened devilishly.
"Miss me, huh?" he said, voice tinged with surprise.
Before she could react, he reached for her and gently pulled her onto his lap. Ariana's face burned even hotter. She had only written that to avoid raising suspicion—she couldn't let him suspect her escape plan. That was all.
But now… now she regretted that line completely. The amusement in his eyes said everything.
Oh, he would not let this go.
"I had no idea you had a soft spot for your king," he murmured.
'Soft spot? Tch.' Ariana scoffed inwardly. But her body froze when Zavren suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her close.
"Don't miss me too much, sweetheart," he whispered into her ear. "I'll be back in two days."
'So full of himself'
Ariana nodded, her ear burning, but her heart was no longer steady. It was racing—twice as fast as before.
Her mind raced.
That was enough time for her to leave—so why did part of her feel a knot in her stomach at the thought of doing so?
"Where did you learn to write cursive?" Zavren asked quietly.
Ariana froze as she moved her book to write.
It is a long story, Your Highness. I'm afraid I might waste your time writing it.
"Go on, Aria. I can wait," he spoke silkily deep over her shoulder.
Ariana moved her book hesitantly and began to scribble wildly, her pace fast.
"Take your time, Aria. I'm not going anywhere yet. I still have time—no rush," his cold voice rang through her ear, calm and patient. Ariana slowed her pace. Zavren read as she wrote:
I learned from a handwriting book I came across at the local library. I was only allowed to borrow it for two days, as it was meant to be returned to the royal school. It had been sent to the local library by mistake.
Zavren's grin widened, clearly impressed.
"My little snowflake… just as gorgeous as her writing."
Ariana's body refused to move. Her handwriting was beautiful—sometimes it shocked even her. But she hadn't expected him to compliment it. And yet, at the same time, her heart began to beat faster.
"I'll be leaving now," he said quietly.
Ariana nodded and stood up immediately.
Zavren chuckled dryly. "No need to be in such a rush," he said, his tone light.
As she stood, Ariana gave him a small wave.
Zavren simply nodded in response, his expression calm and collected as he walked to the door.
Just as the door closed, a soft smile finally formed on Ariana's lips.
Now the question was:
Was she smiling for him… or for the escape?
*
*
The night had swallowed the evening—it was already dark outside.
Ariana stood, already dressed in a white gown. She had searched for one that resembled a maid's uniform—this was the closest she could find. Though still too luxurious, it passed well enough.
She had eaten only a little at dinner—her nerves made it hard, and Zethan hadn't shown up either. That was enough to confirm he must've left.
Quietly, Ariana tidied the bed she had sat on—at least she could leave the room clean. That was the least she could do as a 'thank you.'
Then, without another word, she stepped out the door and began walking, her expression confident—even though her heart thundered in her chest like hammer hitting a nail. She didn't even know exactly where she was going.
Earlier, she had noticed a back gate, one used frequently by maids. No one had to tell her—it was clearly the maid's exit. That's exactly where she planned to go. The gown she wore looked close enough to what they wore—hopefully, no one would question her.
'As long as they don't see me'
Holding the hem of her gown, she descended the stairs slowly. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps made her freeze. Her heart dropped. She quickly tiptoed back up a step, pressing her body against a small recess in the wall.
Thank goodness it was slightly dark.
Voices.
Whispers.
Maids. Gossiping again.
Of all places—why here? Why now?
It seemed they were in groups. No denying it—this must've been a secret spot to gather.
Time passed. The whispers continued. Ariana tried to remain still, her breath shallow.
Why were they taking forever?…
Then, one of them said something that made her blood run cold.
"I heard the king is going to visit Princess Sophia."
Ariana's knees nearly gave way. She pressed her lips together, eyes shutting tightly as her mind spun.
She didn't want to believe it—but the way it was said, the certainty in the voice—it felt too real.
But why did it bother her?
Wasn't she planning to escape?
After a few more whispers, one maid finally said, "Let's go—we wouldn't want the head maid catching us here."
"Very true," the other replied. With that, they left silently.
Ariana remained frozen, waiting just incase.
Breathing in. Breathing out.
Trying to calm the storm rising inside her.
She finally continued down the stairs, though her legs were shaky. Now, more than ever, her escape made perfect sense. She couldn't afford to stay—not after what she'd just heard. She would not become anyone's mistress. If it meant raising this child on her own, she would.
She slipped through the garden path, hugging the shadows and keeping to the walls. The white gown made her too visible, especially with so many windows around the castle.
The moon rose fully.
She finally stopped. The gate stood on the other side. Just as she decided to move from the wall and run for it—
She heard it.
A soft rustling sound in the back garden.
Her heart leapt into her throat.
Someone was there.
Oh no. What would she say? How could she explain herself?
Her chest tightened as her heart began to race wildly in her chest. She needed to go back—but how?
She pressed her back further into the wall, listening closely as the sound grew nearer.
She was in big trouble.
Her pulse raced.
'Just act normal… like you were only going for a night walk.' she said to herself.
She pushed her body up straightening, she moved slightly peeking around the corner—
Her body froze in shock.
As she blinked.
There, standing and staring at her with a tilted head… was a chicken.