Chapter 21

SAGE

T

I opened my eyes, and I was welcomed by the familiar ceiling of my chamber. But as soon as I fully regained my consciousness, pain hit me like a thunderbolt. I feel sore everywhere. I'm surprised that I'm still alive. I lost count of how many times I begged him to stop. However, my plea seems like an invitation for him to go on and push me even harder. I don't even remember when my O**m started or when it ended. He's insatiable, and I'm not sure whether it's a good thing or not. "Hmmm..." A silent groan escaped my lips when I tried to move my body. "Please refrain from moving for a while, my lady. You're still weak." Elara immediately came to my rescue.

I started to panic when I realized what happened last night. Did Elara come while Lord. Titus was still in my room? But knowing that I'm still alive now, it seems like that's not what happened.

I stared at her, trying to guess what was going on inside her head. But Elara acted as if everything were normal, her demeanor calm and collected.

"W-What happened, Elara?" I asked bravely, needing to know what she knew.

"You caught the flu, my lady," she explained briefly, her voice steady and reassuring.

I felt a rush of confusion and suspicion. Was Lord Titus behind all of this? Did he arrange this story so no one would notice my absence? The thought made my pulse quicken. If he did, why would he go to such lengths to protect me? Elara continued her work, fluffing my pillows and straightening the blankets as if nothing unusual had happened. But my mind was racing, piecing together the fragments of the previous night. Titus had been so intense and so possessive. Now, here I was, being told I was sick with the flu. "Elara," I said, my voice more steady now, "did anyone else see me like this? Did anyone else know I was unwell?"

She paused, considering her answer carefully. "Yes, my lady. I already sent a word to Her Majesty that you're not feeling well; hence, you can't attend yesterday's morning breakfast."

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Chapter 21

Yesterday? How long have I been out?" I asked, my eyes widening in k

Elara paused in her work, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of concern and calmness. You've been resting since last night, my lady. It's now late afternoon."

My shock deepened. Nearly an entire day had passed. Wh had transpired during that time? What had people been told about my absence?

"Did anyone else see me like this?" I asked, my voice wavering with the urgency of needing answers

Elara shook her head slightly. "No, my lady.

I absorbed her words, feeling a strange mix of relief and confusion. Titus had gone to great lengths to protect me and keep my condition a secret.

My mind

making my heart pound. My hand instinctively moved to the bit mark on my shoulder, gently caressing it. It still stung a bit, but the pain was far

within me-anything that might indicate what had happened. I frowned when I felt nothing, as if everything were normal. Did that mean

scoffed at the thought. Who was I kidding? I was one of His Majesty's women, one of many. He wouldn't mark me, even if he wanted to. The bite had been a moment of passion,

But

great lengths to keep my condition a secret and to protect me. Yet, his true motives remained elusive. What will he gain from protecting me? This will only put him in a tight position with His Majesty, especially right after what happened

I rose

Titus.

my legs a bit unsteady. I needed answers, and I needed to confront

are you going?" Elara

to Lord Titus? I need to talk

She stammered, clearly taken aback. "I-I'm sorry, my lady. But

Wed, Sep

Chapter 21

important

course." I tried not to sound disappointed. The thought of not being able to speak with him right away made my heart sink. "But I'll send a word, my lady," Elara continued, her tone softening. "I'm sure His-I mean, Lord Titus-will show up as soon as his schedule

managing a small

the last. I walked over to the window, looking out at the palace grounds. The sun was beginning. to rise, casting a warm glow over the gardens. The beauty of the scene did little to calm my racing thoughts. I had to be patient and

felt like hours as I waited, each passing second filled with unanswered

away from the window. Restlessness gnawed at me, but I knew I had to keep my composure. The palace was a place of power and intrigue, and I had to navigate it carefully. I would confront Lord Titus, and I would find the answers I needed. But until then, all I could do was wait and prepare myself for whatever was

I hadn't fully recovered from last night, I felt a sudden urge to get some fresh air. Elara hadn't returned yet, but I couldn't stay

T

I

dressed quickly, opting for a simple gown that allowed me to move easily. As I stepped. out of my chambers, the cool corridor air hit my face, refreshing and bracing. The palace was unusually quiet, the usual bustling of s**nts and guards reduced to a distant murmur. I

breath

voice that has haunted me until now. It can't

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be.

I stood up and turned to see where the voice was coming from. And I was completely surprised to see the last man I was expecting to see. ""Holt..."

enveloped me in a tight embrace, I was caught off guard by the sudden rush of emotions. His warmth and the familiarity of his touch stirred something

breath warm against

heart fluttered at his words, a mixture of confusion and longing swirling within me. I'm not actually surprised to feel this way. He has been the subject of my affection for the past few years,

pulled back slightly, his gaze searching mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "I came here to see

how I used to dream of spending the rest of my

"What

Holt?" I urged, feeling a knot

taking a deep breath before continuing. "Dad got into some kind of trouble. We need your help," he

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