Chapter 63
By the gods, do I not get a say in this?
I held back a sigh of resignation. It wasn’t that their choices were bad–far from it. Everything was exquisite. But they were all strangers, and they were touching me so freely. My eyes flickered toward the bathing area.
The grand bathtub gleamed, filled with warm, fragrant water. Tensing slightly, I allowed them to guide me in, feeling the tension in my muscles gradually ease as the soothing floral scent enveloped me. They worked in silence, washing my hair with gentle fingers, scrubbing my skin until it was unbelievably soft.
I had experienced such care before, back when my late handmaid was still with me. But not since she was gone. Even though Amara had remained loyal to me, I still struggled to accept anyone else taking care of me like this.
Now, I was using every ounce of willpower not to bolt with all these strangers around me.
Leia sent a calming wave through me.
“Relax, Ruby. It’s alright.”
I tried. I really did. But I still felt uneasy about all of this.
As I stepped out of the bath, a silk robe was draped over my shoulders before I was gently guided to an ornate vanity.
“My Lady, His Majesty will be expecting you at dinner later,” Madam Therese finally spoke.
I froze, the comb in my maid’s hand pausing mid–stroke.
“Dinner?”
“With the King,” she confirmed.
I nodded awkwardly, forcing a small smile. “Very well, Madam.”
They continued their work, dressing me in a deep crimson gown that hugged my figure. Intricate gold embroidery swirled along the bodice, shimmering under the candlelight. My hair was styled into elegant waves, and my lips were painted a soft shade of pink. When I finally looked into the mirror, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me.
The maids gasped in admiration.
“Wow, incredible!”
“Truly, this is stunning. I had my doubts about choosing crimson, but now…”
“My Lady, you look breathtaking,” one of the maids whispered in awe.
Heat crept up my cheeks, spreading all the way to the tips of my ears. I glanced at them from beneath my lashes and offered a small smile.
“Thank you,” I murmured shyly.
They fell silent, as if stunned that I had acknowledged them. The realization made me uncomfortable. Had no one ever treated them kindly before? Had they expected me to be cruel?
“You don’t have to look so surprised,” I added quickly. “I appreciate your work.”
The room remained quiet before Madam Therese’s lips curved into something resembling warmth.
“You are unlike anyone we have ever served before, My Lady.”
I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. So, I simply nodded and remained polite and gracious to them, just as
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Chapter 63
they had been to me.
必食97%
950
Night fell faster than I had expected. Soon, I was escorted to the royal banquet hall. The grand doors swung open before me, revealing a long dining table adorned with candlelight and gleaming silverware. And at the very end, exuding an aura of sheer dominance, sat Killian.
Alone.
I swallowed hard as his crimson eyes locked onto mine. He did not rise, but his gaze burned through me, absorbing every inch of my form.
“You kept me waiting.” he said smoothly.
“I wasn’t aware that I had a choice,” I shot back, my voice laced with sarcasm.
A smirk played on his lips as he gestured for me to sit. Dinner was served shortly after, and I found myself mesmerized by how effortlessly he shifted from an arrogant ruler to an attentive host. He plated my food himself, ensuring I ate enough, his gaze never once leaving mine.
By the time dessert arrived, I had begun to relax–until suddenly, I was no longer in my seat. One moment, I was sipping my wine, and the next, I was perched on his lap.
I gasped, my hands pressing against his chest. “Killian-”
He silenced me, one arm wrapping firmly around my waist. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
I scoffed, glaring at him. “You left me in that room without a word.”
He chuckled, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns along the fabric of my gown. “I’ve been busy dealing with fools who don’t know their place.”
I tensed. “You mean Dominic?”
He sighed, rubbing his temple with his free hand. “Among others. News of his arrest spread like wildfire. The nobles and the media are having a field day with it.”
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. “You mean… people know? About us?”
Killian tilted his head, watching me closely. “Are you afraid of public opinion?”
I pursed my lips, summoning the courage to touch the sharp lines of his aristocratic jaw.
“I used to be. But now, all I care about is your reputation.”
His expression darkened, his grip tightening ever so slightly. “Do you think a title tied to an unworthy man is enough to tarnish my
name?”
I parted my lips to speak, but the words caught in my throat. His crimson eyes burned with something dangerous- possessive, untamed.
“Let them talk, Ruby.”
Then, he smirked, pulling down the zipper of my gown as effortlessly as he crushed his enemies.
“Wouldn’t you agree that it’s time we discussed bringing back The Winterdawn Pack?”
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Chapter 64
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