76 The King's Secret

Emilia's POV

"Don’t go near the King at night."

Veronica's warning suddenly echoed in my mind. The tray in my hands shook as I struggled to steady my racing heart.

The king's bedchamber was vast, yet sparsely decorated and furnished, filled with an unsettling silence. A strange scent lingered in the air, a mix of spice and a hint of sweetness. Heavy velvet curtains blocked out the moonlight, leaving only a few candles to cast shadows in the darkness.

The maids moved silently across the soft carpet, their steps inaudible. I watched their every move closely, placing the items from my tray onto the table, and observed as they drew open the bed's canopy.

"Your Majesty, it's time for your medicine," the head maid said softly, but there was no response.