Chapter 21

I kept staring at the door like it was going to finally give me answers. Several days turned into weeks, and still nothing.

There was no single sign of him. I was already prepared for it though. I’ve for the day Kael would walk in and do exactly what he promised.

Throw me in with the other girls like I meant nothing. My wound had healed, but the scars were still there.

I ran my fingers over them absentmindedly before moving to lie down. He probably wasn’t coming again today. The door slammed open just when I concluded that he wasn’t coming today.

My body jerked upright immediately, my heart skipping as the maid walked in first, and then Kael followed behind her like he owned the air in the room.

"Get ready. We are going out tomorrow morning."

I blinked slowly, pushing myself up, my body still a little stiff. "To finally lock me up with the others?" I let out a quiet breath. "I’ve been waiting for that. What took you so long?"

"No."

His voice was calm, but firm enough to shut down anything else I wanted to say.

"We are going somewhere else together. You should be prepared."

He then left while other maids walked in, I bet they were here to take care of me.

I stared at the door again, but this time, something felt off. My fingers curled into the bedsheets as my chest tightened slightly.

Together? Where exactly were we together?

The carriage ride was suffocating.

I sat across from him, my back straight, my hands resting on my lap, fingers twisting into each other without me realizing it.

The carriage moved steadily, the sound of the wheels dragging against the road filling the silence between us.

I glanced at him once, then quickly looked away. He looked relaxed, like this was just another normal day for him. One arm resting lazily, his gaze fixed outside like I wasn’t even there.

My stomach twisted. Where was he taking me? Why couldn’t he just say it?

I shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable, but my body refused. My shoulders stayed stiff, my breathing shallow. The air felt too tight, like the walls were closing in slowly.

I swallowed hard and looked out the window, watching the trees pass by, one after the other, trying to distract myself.

It didn’t work. The silence stretched too long, and I really hated the fact. The fact that I didn’t get to tell Nicole that I was going out.

I was looking for him but it was too late.

*******

The carriage finally stopped. My body tensed immediately. The journey was so long, I had slept and then woke up, but we were still on our way.

The door opened, and cool air brushed against my face. I stepped out slowly, my feet touching the ground carefully.

Then I looked up. Oh shit—

A massive castle stood right in front of me, towering high like it was touching the sky. The walls were smooth and pale, almost glowing under the sunlight.

Tall windows lined the structure, reflecting light, while long banners hung from above, moving gently with the wind.

It looked exactly like those castles I have seen in movies! It was just too perfect.

Why would he bring me here?

The large doors opened, and several maids stepped out, walking toward us with their heads slightly bowed. Their movements were smooth, practiced. Their eyes, however, shifted toward me.

My fingers curled slightly at my sides. I was nervous and I was trying so hard to hide it. How and when did I become this way? Where did all my confidence go to?

A man with white beards approached us, a wide smile spread across his face like he had been expecting Kael.

"Welcome."

Kael gave a slight nod with no single expression on his face.

"Who is she?" the old man asked, glancing at me before giving Kael a knowing look. "One of those girls?"

My chest dropped. I lowered my head slowly, my lashes falling to hide my eyes, and this was exactly the reason

Of course. That’s what I was

.

"No." I froze.

Kael’s voice was firm.

"I wouldn’t bring such a person here." He paused, and I felt it, his gaze resting on me. "This one is different."

Different? The word settled deep in my chest, and I didn’t know why it affected me the way it did.

"The journey must have been stressful," the old man continued. "The maids will prepare a room for both of you for now. I didn’t know you were bringing someone."

"It’s fine," Kael replied. "Take your time. I don’t mind sharing a room with her."

My head snapped up.

What?

No.

Every part of my body stiffened, my fingers curling into fists instantly.

"I don’t—"

"Anything that works for you both," the old man cut in, smiling as he walked away like nothing just happened.

I stood there, still, my chest rising slightly faster. Same room? Was he serious? I knew his intention.

Who even was that man? and why was Kael acting like this around him and likewise? They seemed really close.

Hours later, I stood on the balcony, staring at the night sky.

The breeze brushed against my skin softly, but it did nothing to calm the tight feeling in my chest. My hands rested on the railing, gripping it lightly at first, then tighter without me noticing.

The stars looked closer from here. For a moment, I forgot everything, and then Kelvin came rushing back.

My grip tightened instantly.

The moment we were on the balcony, The way we used to stand together like nothing could ever go wrong. My jaw clenched at the thought of it.

Then the memories I didn’t want followed right after. The sex we had! Shit...I shut my eyes briefly, exhaling slowly through my nose.

I really thought that was my forever.

"Fuck him," I muttered under my breath.

"What are you staring at?" Kael’s voice broke through my thoughts. My shoulders tensed, but I didn’t turn immediately.

"Ever stayed somewhere this high before?"

I stayed quiet, If only he knew!

"I’ve been higher," I muttered softly.

"Why are we here?" I finally asked, turning slightly to look at him. My fingers were still gripping the railing. "And how long are we staying?"

"I have things to handle," he said. "I brought you along. I don’t know how long it will take."

I nodded slowly, looking away again.

"I love it," I said quietly. I really love it, but it was not because of him. It didn’t feel like I was suffocating.

"It’s nothing." I scoffed, turning fully to face him now.

"Why are you doing all of this?" My eyes narrowed slightly. "Trying to get into my pants?" A smirk appeared at the corner of my lips.

He looked at me for a moment before scoffing.

"I would have done that already if I wanted to," he said calmly. "You didn’t break like the others." My chest tightened slightly.

"That’s because they’re scared of you."

"Exactly."

He didn’t even deny it.

"Even if you belong to me, I still have some morals left," he added. "You didn’t give in, and I hated that."

"I wanted to watch you break," he continued, his voice steady. "To see you crawl to me in the end."

My fingers slowly loosened from the railing.

"The competition is almost over," he added after a pause. "And things aren’t going my way."

I turned to look at him properly this time, my brows pulling together slightly. Was this real?

Or was this just another game to really get me? It was like he was opening up to me, and that made me really curious. I wanted to know what was going on with him.