Chapter 9: Isolation

She looked at him and immediately blocked her chest with her hand.

"What are you thinking about?" He smirked.

She awkwardly dropped her hand still in protective mode.

"I've been with many women. Do you realize that you are not my first?" He chuckled. He couldn't remember the last time he chuckled out of excitement.

A warm blush spread across her face, she immediately ducked her, avoiding eye contact.

"Cat got your tongue? Anyways, I've asked my daughter to prepare a room for you. You can summon her to take you there." He said and she bit her lips.

He turned around to Walk away but then turned around again, "black is good on you. Don't have to try so hard to impress me, innocent black." Without blinking he continued in his motion.

"Gosh." She felt her cheeks burning.

Wanting to to shake off the flustered feeling she turned to a passing maid.

"Where is Lady Evelyne?" She asked a maid.

"I last saw her heading to the royal garden, my lady," the maid replied, bowing slightly in respect.

Genevieve frowned. The formality made her uncomfortable.

"Can you take me there? That is if you are not busy." Genevieve asked and the maid bowed with a nod.

"You don't have to be so formal with me. You can call me Genevieve," she said with a gentle smile before following the maid toward the garden.

"Finally, something beautiful about this dark castle." She whispered to herself, taking in the lush greenery and vibrant flowers. It was like something out of a fairytale, a stark contrast to the intimidating walls of the palace.

As she wandered deeper into the garden, she spotted Evelyn seated by a pond, feeding the ducks.

"Greetings Evelyn," Genevieve greeted as she approached.

Evelyn barely spared her a glance before scoffing.

"Oh, you must be the new bride my dear father has decided to take, are you not?" Her tone was filled with disdain as she shot Genevieve a disgusted look.

Genevieve held back a sigh. She had no interest in engaging in petty squabbles.

"Your father, Edric, said you would show me to my room," she replied calmly ignoring Evelyn's hostility.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, clearly irritated by Genevieve's indifference.

"Follow me," she said sharply turning on her heel.

Genevieve trailed behind her as she led her into a separate wing of the palace. They reached a massive mahogany door, which Evelyn swung open carelessly.

Stepping inside, Genevieve froze.

The room was breathtaking. It was the largest she had ever been in, decorated in shades of deep black, her favorite color. A grand canopy bed sat in the center, draped in soft, elegant fabrics. A polished vanity, a large drawing mirror, and a writing desk by the massive window completed the luxurious setting. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale.

"Who decorated this room?" She finally asked, still in awe.

Evelyn, who had been lingering near the door, sighed before muttering under her breath, "It was all done by my father… King Edric."

Genevieve's breath hitched slightly.

How did he know my favorite color was black?

Before she could dwell on the thought, Evelyn turned and walked out, shutting the door behind her.

A maid's voice soon pulled Genevieve from her thoughts.

"Shall I prepare your bath my lady?"

"Oh… yes. It's been a long day. A warm bath would be nice," Genevieve said, making her way to the bed.

Later, after her bath a knock sounded at her door. She reluctantly pulled herself up and walked over.

"Who is it?" She asked.

"A royal guard, my lady. The King requests your presence in the dining hall for dinner."

Genevieve hesitated.

"Tell Edric I'm not in the mood to dine. Today was… eventful, and I'd like to rest."

"Understood my lady."

She listened as the guard's footsteps faded down the hallway before tossing herself back onto the bed.

However, no matter how hard she tried, sleep refused to come. Her body ached, and though she hated to admit it… she was a little hungry.

Just as she debated whether to get up, another knock came at the door.

This time, when she opened it, Edric stood there, flanked by maids carrying trays of food.

"Set them over there," he instructed, gesturing toward the table by the window.

The maids quickly placed the dishes down before hurrying out of the room, leaving them alone.

Genevieve crossed her arms. "Why does my mate not want to join her mate for dinner?" He asked with a sarcastic edge to his tone.

She rolled her eyes. "I told your guard I needed rest, didn't I?"

Edric glanced at her, and for a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes… sympathy?

"Come. You must be hungry," he said, already walking toward the table.

Genevieve hesitated but unable to ignore the delicious scent of the food, gave in. She took a seat as Alaric served her a little of everything.

She sent him a questioning look but said nothing before digging in.

She ate quickly, too hungry to care about appearances. By the time she was done, she let out a small burp and immediately covered her mouth.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

To her surprise Edric only chuckled. "I thought you weren't hungry?"

Genevieve let out a small laugh. "I guess I was.

…

And just like nothing happened the previous night, Genevieve walked through the castle corridors, feeling the heat of the stares that followed her. The courtiers and maids whispered behind her, their gazes cold and unwelcoming. No one approached her. No one acknowledged her presence.

She clenched her fists.

Lady Evelyne had done this.

Rumors were spreading. Tales about her unworthiness, her alleged betrayal of Alaric, and how she was merely a passing amusement for Edric.

Everyone had been indifferent to her, but now, they actively avoided her, casting judgmental glances whenever she entered her room.

She's isolating me.

Genevieve exhaled sharply and quickened her pace, pushing past a group of ladies who immediately recoiled as if she carried a plague.

She needed to get out.

Not just out of this hall. Not just out of this wing.

Out of this castle.

Out of this life.

Her father had been saved.