Chapter 44My hands were shaking as I touched the green-blue cloth that Manang Omeng would sew for me at the upcoming Ibb Shindig. I'm really thankful I have Manang Omeng, because without her I don't know what I would do here in the palace. She knew about my secret; I don't know why she still helps me. She's even sewing my evening gown. Because I don't have anything to buy to wear, unlike the upper classes who have personal sewers."Manang...""Hmmm?" she said while biting a needle."I want to go back to the first district; I'm just going to visit grandma."She looked at me, and I got nervous. I knew she was against my idea, even though I wasn't sure. "You can't leave the palace," she said.I sighed. "I missed them.""You said you were going to ask the first district to be saved, didn't you?" she asked, and I nodded. "Then you wait for the requests to be fulfilled. And then you still have a chance of getting out of here if you also ask to them to let you go properly," she added.I rem
Chapter 45"What's going on here?""Good morning, Prince Zavan."My previous fear was replaced by hope. I quickly ran to Zavan. I turned to Maximus, who looked at me darkly, as if indicating that we were not done yet. Wait, why am I the target again?"Why are you holding her?" Zavan asked Maximus with tight jaws. My nervousness rose because it was not easy to stop Zavan."I'm sorry for what I did." Maximus answered with his head down. They were quiet in the presence of the prince. It's a good thing that Zavan came because otherwise—I don't know what I'm going to do—I'm sure it's going to be a disaster."Zavan," I stopped and grabbed his arm as he stiffly stepped closer to Maximus."No one touches my girl, do you understand?""Yes, prince," they answered, including Maximus. I looked at Maximus; his look gave me a headache. It seemed to give me even more hope of using me against Zavan."Especially you," said Zavan, and he pointed to Maximus. He was ashamed to kneel down and apologize ag
Chapter 46I could hear our fast and labored breathing. What the prince said only made me more difficult. He doesn't want to see someone holding me. What does he mean? I guess it's very irrational; I don't know how to avoid other people. I don't let others hold me; Maximus suddenly got me.Speaking of Maximus."Zavan..." I forced myself back to my senses and backed away. I took his hand inside my dress and tried to face him. I felt his irritation because of what I did, but it seems that he is still enjoying it. Crazy."What are you doing, baby?" he asked, irritated yet smirking widely and tried to grab my waist as I came closer to him, but I stopped him."I need to tell you something about Maximus.""ZAVAN!"We both turned around outside the door. It was Chrysler's voice: "ZAVAN?" I breathed a sigh of relief when Chrysler's voice came through our door.Zavan looked at me sadly and snorted, "Later, baby, I just have to do something."But he needed to know, "Wait...""ZAVAN!" Chrysler
Chapter 47The wind blew outside my window. I literally burst into tears when Manang came to me while holding the gown I was going to wear. Never in my life did I think I would wear something as beautiful as this. I had enough to wear before, but now I can wear a gown for the very first time. At the shindig, the most important event in the entire Euphrates took place."Finished." Manang smiled and lifted my gown.I suddenly hugged her out of joy, and I'm sure my grandmother will be happy too when she sees me wearing it. "Thank you very much." I cried."What are you doing?" she asked, facing me. "Get dressed; the shindig can't wait... especially the prince." she said and winked.I laughed and wiped my tears and said, "Manang." I mumbled, "Thank you.""You're welcome," she replied, smiling at me. "Remember, this night is for you. Savor the beauty of the night, and you will shine," she reminded him before completely leaving.I was stunned to see what I would wear to bed. I took it, trem
CHAPTER 48 Every step Zavan takes is sound. People's attention was divided between the two of us. I closed my eyes tightly and tried to walk faster, but I was halfway up the stairs when a hand came to my waist.I gasped in shock. The people present were the same; I know even the monarchs were surprised at what Zavan did, but the teasing looks of Corinna and Nathalia did not escape me."What are you doing?" I will ask.We walked down the stairs together. He held my back while the other supported my hand. It's a shame because it was actually the prince who escorted me down."Escorting my girl, what else?" he answered teasingly."You don't have to do that.""Then who can? Is there anyone else besides me?" He said, authoritative, imperious, and possessive. I kept quiet and let him support me until we got down.I greeted the echelons."Is that you?" Corinth asked."That's why it's bad if one of them gets fenced in there; reduce your repairs; we're not good at it." Nathalia said with a lau
CHAPTER 49We softly danced to the soft melody of the orchestra. throwing every doubt and fear out the window. That was the best night of my life. I'm dancing with the prince—not just any other person, but the prince himself.My hands were wrapped around his neck while his was on my waist. We're too close to each other; I follow the rhythm of his movement. The prince is really tall; I'm wearing heels up to his shoulders. "Can I dance with the echelons?" I couldn't stop asking.I swallowed when his face darkened. not happy with my question. He's being possessive and irrational; maybe it's not right if even among his echelons he denies me.The prince sighed, "Of course." he answered.I was surprised by his answer and smiled. "I know you'll dance some elites and royals here. Let's be fair."His brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?""You're a prince. You are supposed to dance with the most beautiful girl here, someone elite or royal." There was sadness in my voice because it wasn'
CHAPTER 50"Zavan," I said, grabbing his arm."What baby?" He replied.I need to warn him about Maximus. "I have to tell you—""Zavan!"A voice cut me off. Just why? This always happens whenever I try to talk things about Maximus."The King wants to talk to you," the voice said, it was Greyson.I held my breath. I couldn't seem to say what I had to say."Later, baby, this is urgent, I think." Zavan said and quickly kissed me on the cheek. I even bowed down in shame because the people present turned to us. The prince doesn't really choose a place; I'll have to get used to it."Beryl, excuse us for a moment," said Greyson. I did nothing but nod. Maybe I'll be the only one watching Maximus because I'm the only one who knows his plan. The echelons are busy, but I know they won't let anything bad happen to Zavan either.I followed Maximus. It followed a sentry, who also followed Zavan. My throat was dry; it looked like his plan was about to begin. I stepped forward and followed. But I stop
CHAPTER 51"Zavan..." I mouthed.My tears continued to flow, and I was about to cry when two sentries pulled me away from the prince, who was now dumbfounded, confused, and in disbelief. I bit my lower lip to prevent sobbing. But the thought of the prince makes me cry even more. He might be regretting that he didn't even take the time to get to know me. He might be mad that I didn't even say anything about me, and I'm sure the upper echelons thought the same. I snapped when Maximus laughed beside me; he was also being pulled by three sentries."You can't get rid of me, Ferrero." He said.My eyes widened. How did he know I am Ferrero? The hairs on my body stood up because of the horror that Maximus carried. I was even more confused about my feelings."You're an animal,""No matter what you say, you're just a piece of dust that doesn't belong in this palace. You don't deserve to be with the nobility; you're a pretentious slave!" He shouted.It was like a sharp arrow pierced my heart wit