17

Princess Yeri.

It wasn’t just Collins, kissing me on my cheek. He was passing me a message as he did so. He whispered into my ears and told me that during the harvest celebration at the castle, he would take me away from here.

I drew a sharp breath when I heard that, when I heard him say so, I felt hope. Hope that finally, I will be able to get out of there. My hand on his sleeve grew firmer as he assures me. As soon as he walked past me, I had set it in my heart that I would do everything in my power to be a part of the group that would make it to the castle.

As I am returned to the harem house by the king’s gammas, I look at the surroundings with silence. I can never get used to it. I can never accept or conform to it—it’s not in me. Teresa makes her way to me and I proceed to wipe my cheeks.

“Hey? Is everything fine? Why did the king call for you?“ She asks.

“I don’t even want to talk about it.” I say, ruffling my hair that is tangled.

“Okay, as you wish. Come to the kitchen w