CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ziaani's POV

​"How's your foot?" the queen asked.

"It's okay, I guess. Still hurts a little, but it'll get better... I hope," I mumbled the last part under my breath.

The children eventually returned to their mothers, leaving behind an unsettling silence. It was too quiet for my liking.

"Can I see?" the queen asked, gesturing toward my foot.

I hesitated before nodding, moving it slightly closer—not too close for her to touch, just enough for her to see.

But instead of just looking, she reached out and gently took my leg into her hands. My breath hitched, and I instinctively shut my eyes, bracing for pain.

It never came.

Her touch was careful, almost delicate, as if she were trying not to hurt me. A strange warmth spread from where her fingers met my skin, tingles shooting up my leg. It felt weird—foreign yet... familiar. Like being cared for.

Curious, I lifted my gaze to her.

She was already looking at me.

My heart lurched, and in my panic, I shot up to my feet—forgetting entirely about my injured leg.

Pain flared instantly, sharp and unforgiving, and before I could even process what was happening, I collapsed.

But I never hit the ground.

Strong arms caught me mid-fall, holding me firmly by the waist. My face was suddenly inches from hers, close enough to see the deep crimson in her eyes.

"Be careful," she murmured, her voice softer than I expected.

"Yeah... I will," I stammered, quickly pulling myself away from her grip. This time, I wasvery mindful of my leg as I attempted to walk back inside.

But, just like before, my body betrayed me.

I barely took a step before I lost balance again. And once again, before I could fall, she caught me.

I blinked up at her, stunned.

How the hell is she so fast?

She smiled—like she heard my thoughts. The idea unsettled me, so I quickly pushed it aside.

Without a word, she bent down and scooped me up in her arms like I weighed nothing.

"Hey—!" I started, but she ignored my weak protests, carrying me effortlessly through the halls.

By the time we reached my room, she set me down gently on the bed.

"I think you should rest," she said, straightening. "I'll have the servants bring your food in a minute."

She turned toward the door, ready to leave.

"Thank you," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

She paused. Slowly, she turned her head, looking genuinely surprised—like she hadn't expected those words to come from me.

Then, after a beat, she nodded. "You're welcome."

And just like that, she was gone.

I stared at the door, dazed.

What the hell was that?

Why did I thank her? Why was she acting this way?

She's supposed to be cruel, terrifying—someone to fear. But then... why did she play with the children like that? Why did she carry me so gently?

Shouldn't everyone be afraid of her?

I was pulled from my thoughts when a servant entered, carrying a tray of food.

"Your dinner, dear," she said, placing it on the bedside table.

"Thanks," I muttered.

She turned to leave, but before she could, something inside me made me speak again.

"Does she always play with the kids?"

The servant paused, then let out a soft chuckle. "The queen? Oh, yes. She adores children. When she's not working, she spends time with them as much as she can. The kids Love her."

I frowned. That didn't make sense.

"She's a very good person," the servant continued. "Well, speaking from my experience, at least. She's helped my family more than I could ever repay."

I tilted my head. "Helped how?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether or not to share. Then, with a small sigh, she said, "Years ago, I was starving. I had five children to feed, and I—I stole food. They caught me and beat me for it." She swallowed. "Then the queen came. She asked what was happening, and when they told her I was a thief, she didn't say a word. She just...paid for the food I stole. And then she gave both me and my husband jobs here in the castle."

She smiled. "That was five years ago. Thanks to her, we live comfortably now. She had mercy on me when no one else did."

I didn't know what to say.

The queen—this queen—had done that?

The woman laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Anyway, enough about my story. You should eat and get some rest."

As she reached the door, I found myself asking one last question.

"Where is she?"

The servant glanced over her shoulder. "In the dining hall."

Then she left, closing the door behind her.

I sat in silence, staring at my untouched food.

My thoughts were a mess.

I knew she kidnapped me. That much was undeniable. She was keeping me here against my will. But... if I thought about it... she also saved me the first time we met.

So..... who is she, really? I asked myself

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "Ihate this," I muttered.

I wanted to ignore it, to push everything aside, but...

I didn't know what came over me.

Maybe I wasn't in my right mind. Maybe I was still confused, or maybe it was something else entirely.

But before I could stop myself, I got out of bed, hobbled toward the door, and stepped into the hallway.

I didn't even think.

My feet carried me forward, down the dim corridors, until I found myself in the dining hall.

She was seated at the head of the table, elegantly poised, sipping from a glass of dark liquid.

Her crimson eyes lifted at the sound of my approach.

Surprise flickered across her face as I stopped in the doorway.

"Hey," I said, shifting awkwardly.

I exhaled sharply, then forced out the words before I could chicken out.

"Can I join you?"