Chapter 25

Tonights song is "Beautiful night" 

 ENJOY

"Is that all you've got, Princess?" Obrovsky smirks, effortlessly dodging my latest attempt to hit him.

"Shut up! It's not that easy!" I snap, gritting my teeth.

We've been at this for hours. The plan is simple—take him down. Just once. That's all I have to do. But this asshole won't stop moving.

"Tired already, Princess?" he taunts, his tone mocking.

"Shut up." My irritation grows as I throw another punch, but it's useless. Every hit, every kick—it all misses. He's too fast, too calculated, and I can't land a single blow.

"Relax, Princess. You're too tense. Too fast. And you're doing everything wrong."

"I'm trying, but you won't stay still!" I counter, launching another failed strike.

Obrovsky effortlessly blocks me, gripping my wrists before throwing me to the ground in one swift move.

"Son of a—" I hiss, punching the dirt in frustration.

"You need to focus," he says, offering his hand to pull me up.

I reluctantly take it, dusting myself off as he studies me.

"Let's take a break," he announces.

"Why?" I ask, slightly out of breath but unwilling to stop now.

"I'm hungry."

I blink. "You eat?"

He gives me a deadpan look. "I am human."

Could've fooled me.

The thought must be written all over my face because he huffs in amusement.

"You need to eat too," he adds, acting as if he actually cares.

"Don't act so concerned, I might start believing it," I reply sarcastically.

"It's my job to worry about you, Princess."

Right. His job.

That single word deflates me. I don't need the reminder that I'm nothing more than an obligation. Just another nuisance in his way. In everyone's way.

"Let's go eat," I mutter, turning away.

They won't have to deal with me for much longer. I just need more time.

The days blur together in a monotonous cycle.

Wake up.

Train.

Lose.

Repeat.

For an entire week, it's the same.

Obrovsky wakes me at dawn, and we train until exhaustion.

He never attacks—only defends, only mocks.

No matter how much effort I put in, I can't even touch him.

After training, I help Ms. Adele prepare dinner.

It's one of the few things that make me feel somewhat useful.

I haven't seen Louise since the... incident with the shovel, and surprisingly, I haven't had nightmares since the library.

I try not to think too much about it.

But there's something I can't shake.

Him.

It's been two weeks since Alex left, and he still lingers in my mind. I've even tried sneaking into his room, but Booth blocks my way every time.

No use.

"Pass me the onions, sweetie," Ms. Adele's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

I nod, handing them over before continuing to chop spinach.

Since most of the castle staff is gone due to Alex's absence, we only cook for the few who stayed—Ms. Adele, Obrovsky, myself, and the four remaining maids.

"Salad's ready," I announce.

"Perfect. Go call Stella and the others."

I've only known them for four days, but Stella, Raven, Linh, and Karin have been great company. They keep me sane when Ms. Adele is busy, and they even watch some of my training sessions, laughing when Obrovsky wipes the floor with me.

I head outside to find them working in the garden with Obrovsky. The preparations for the upcoming Cerberus Ceremony are in full swing, and the main garden—where the ceremony will take place—is being transformed. The girls are arranging flowers, placing stones, and Obrovsky is moving heavy sculptures into position.

Everything is coming together beautifully. I can't help but feel excited to see the finished result.

"GIRLS!" I call out, making sure they hear me. "FOOD'S READY!"

I turn to Obrovsky. "YOU TOO, OGRE! LET'S GO!"

The girls burst into laughter at the new nickname I've given him. He glares at me but says nothing.

Minutes later, we're all gathered in the kitchen.

"Here you go," Ms. Adele says, serving each of us.

The food looks amazing. "Thank you," I say sincerely before digging in.

"So, how are the flowers coming along?" I ask, attempting small talk.

"Oh, they're coming along beautifully! The lurbetis are all set," Stella replies happily.

"Wonderful," Ms. Adele nods approvingly. "At this pace, we'll be finished before the prince returns."

Right. Alex.

He'll be back soon.

The thought sends a chill down my spine. Our last conversation ended abruptly—with a smile I still don't understand.

I don't understand him at all.

And yet... I want to.

I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't. But I do.

"Does anyone know exactly when Alex will be back?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Ms. Adele smirks. "You sound rather interested in the young prince."

"Just curious," I mumble, taking another bite.

"Lies," Obrovsky mutters just loud enough for me to hear.

I kick him under the table.

"Fuck—" he groans, earning a sharp look from Ms. Adele.

"What is that vocabulary, young man?" she scolds.

"She—"

"Quiet." She shuts him down immediately. "Fix your language. No woman likes a foul-mouthed man."

The girls and I exchange amused glances before bursting into laughter.

Obrovsky scowls at his plate, shoveling food into his mouth angrily. I smirk at him until he shoots me a deadly glare. I quickly straighten, pretending to focus on my food.

Oh, I'm going to pay for this in training tomorrow.

but who care it was worth it.

The Next Day

I regret it, it was definately not worth it

"Get up, Princess. We're not done."

Obrovsky has had me at this for hours. My muscles burn, my breath comes in short gasps, and I swear I'm about to collapse.

"Oh, come on! Give me a break!" I whine.

He throws a punch—I barely dodge. Too close.

"HEY! It's training, not an assassination attempt!" I yelp.

He throws another punch, but this time—I react.

I dodge and counter with a punch of my own.

And for the first time—

I hit him.

Holy shit, I HIT him!

"AJAAAA! GOTCHA!" I yell, grinning triumphantly.

He deadpans, gripping my wrist before flipping me over, sending me crashing to the ground.

"Oh, shit," I mutter just before impact.

Screw this—if I'm going down, he's coming with me.

I grab onto him, dragging him down with me. We both hit the ground with a thud, and before he can react, I land another punch.

"You're improving, Princess," he admits, looking up at me.

I beam.

"Now get the fuck off me."

"Oh, right, yeah—"

"Ahem."

A voice interrupts us.

Our heads snap toward the source of the sound.

My blood turns ice cold.

Alex.