TWELVE: Sephora

I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in my bed, but sleep eluded me. With a sigh, I opened my eyes and stared up at the canopy above.

It was my first time sleeping alone, and I didn't like the feeling. Despite the abundance of furniture, the room felt empty. I used to dislike hearing the other maids snore back at the palace, but now I'd prefer it over the eerie quietness of this room.

The only sound was the chirping of crickets outside and the gentle breeze through the curtains. The night air was pleasantly cool.

I pulled the blankets tighter around me, trying to ward off the sense of isolation. My mind wandered to the comforting bustle of the old palace, where there was always someone nearby, always something happening.

I missed the familiar sounds of the palace: the clinking of dishes in the kitchen, the laughter of the other servants, and even the occasional distant echo of royal commands. Here, in this room, there was only stillness.

I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come, but my mind refused to quiet down. Thoughts swirled endlessly, keeping me trapped in a state of restless wakefulness. As the minutes ticked by, I longed for the first light of dawn to break through the darkness and banish the lonely shadows that filled the room.

In the absence of sleep, the mind becomes a fractured mirror, reflecting distorted images of the world. I had an eerie feeling; perhaps it was paranoia for not being used to sleeping alone but I began to imagine things, no someone in the dark. I had a feeling someone was in the room with me.

I noticed a pair of glowing eyes similar to those of earlier, in the corner of the room, watching me. I shut my eyes tightly and pinched myself in case I was imagining something, but when I stared at the corner of the room it wasn't there anymore.

The temperature in the room went down and I noticed the window was widely open, the wind slapping against it.

Standing up from the bed, I went over to the window and closed it tightly, catching sight of two figures strolling in the garden below. Even under the faint moonlight, I could discern that fiery-haired person. I felt relieved that they weren't up to anything tonight, or at least I hoped they wouldn't be later on.

–

"What do you mean you just went for a stroll in the garden?" I feigned surprise the next morning as Aiyana responded to my inquiry about how her alleged consummation had gone.

"Oh, I'm not joking, Sephora," she exclaimed, twirling around her room.

I felt relieved, though that feeling wouldn't last long. It was only our first night here, so they were bound to do it sooner or later.

"However, he did spend the night with me in my room, but he left before daybreak. I woke up to an empty bed, of course, except for me sleeping in it already," she rambled on, and I started to brainstorm excuses to cut the conversation short or, better yet, escape the room.

I placed my hand on my forehead and winced in discomfort. She turned to me with concern.

"What is wrong, Sephora?" she asked, approaching me with worry.

"I think I might have a slight headache. I did not sleep well last night," I lied. Well, the part about not sleeping well was true; I had hardly slept a wink until nearly daybreak.

"I'll have the maids fetch you something from the apothecary," she offered, moving to summon a maid, but I stopped her.

"No need, I'll go myself. Might as well explore a bit while I'm at it."

"If you're sure. I was heading to the library anyway. I'll be there if you need me," she called out as I hurriedly exited the room.

I had no clue where the apothecary was, and navigating this unfamiliar palace without guidance felt daunting.

While walking, I reached a corner and collided with someone—a blonde girl, it seemed.

"Are you blind or something, you mole!" she cursed, and I turned in shock.

"Excuse me?" I retorted, studying her. She appeared no older than eighteen, with a soft-looking face that clashed with her rudeness.

Ignoring my response, she stormed off. Still taken aback, I noticed something shiny on the ground. Bending down, I picked it up: a rose gold necklace with a sun symbol pendant, adorned with a gem in the center.

It was quite lovely. It must have fallen when I bumped into the girl. Initially, I considered returning it to her, but after a moment's thought, I decided to continue on my way.

"Hello," Igor greeted, appearing seemingly out of nowhere and startling me.

"Please refrain from doing that again; I detest surprises," I exclaimed, placing a hand over my chest.

"I apologize for startling you," he said, his perpetual cheerfulness evident in his tone and expression. "Where are you headed?"

"Forgive my lack of manners. Good morning, Your Majesty. I was on my way to the apothecary, although I'm unsure of its location," I replied, noticing a flicker of emotion in his eyes—a familiar expression, though its meaning escaped me.

"I was also headed to the apothecary," he said. "You're welcome to join me."

"Are you feeling well?" I inquired, and he smiled in response.

"Yes, I simply enjoy the presence of herbs," he explained, glancing at my closed palm. "What do you have there?"

I hesitated, unsure whether to reveal the necklace to him. Most jewelry bore family symbols, and the girl's demeanor suggested she came from a prestigious family. If Igor recognized the symbol and suspected theft, I could find myself in trouble. Yet, he seemed kind-hearted, and an explanation might resolve any misunderstandings.

"Oh, I found this," I began, "a young girl dropped it. I intended to return it when I see her again." It was a partial truth; I had no intention of returning it.

Opening my palm, Igor glanced at the necklace and chuckled. "Ah, so you've met my betrothed."