Ardy sat slumped in a cold stone cell, his wrists bruised, ankles shackled. The Elven King's guards had chained him tight after the royal bath incident—a moment that spiraled far beyond his control.
In the grand throne hall, the Elf King stood enraged.
"That insolent human saw my wife and my daughter unclothed? I'll personally execute that bastard!"
The guards bowed, awaiting orders.
Then the doors opened—elegantly, glowing with blue magic.
The Princess, her face calm but lips pursed, stepped inside.
Beside her walked the Queen, graceful and unreadable.
The King raised an eyebrow. "You came. Good. I've decided to have him killed. His head will decorate our fountain."
"Father," the Princess said softly, "please don't kill him."
The King snapped, "Are you mad? Why would you defend him?"
"I won't let him walk free. I'll punish him myself."
The Queen blinked. "Punish? How?"
"I'll make him my personal servant. Maid class."
The King stepped down from the throne. "You do know what you're saying."
"Yes, Father," she said, her tone unshakable.
He paused. "Fine. I hope you realize what chaos you invite."
Soon after, guards arrived at Ardy's cell. "Get up."
He groaned, barely able to move.
They dragged him down a corridor into a hot spring chamber. Steam rose. He was given a potion—bitter but warm—and instructed to drink.
Instantly, his pain eased.
They handed him a full tray of rich Elven cuisine—fragrant grains, moonfruit slices, fire-boiled meat.
Then… a change of clothes.
A maidservant outfit, delicately woven, sleeveless, with engraved silver accents.
One elf soldier sighed. "Lady Primeness has claimed you as her personal servant. You'll follow every order. No exceptions."
He handed Ardy a platter with a glowing drink.
"This is your first duty: serve her respectfully. Or lose your head."
Ardy arrived outside a tall silken door.
He exhaled and entered.
Inside, candlelight flickered. Magical plants glowed on marble shelves.
And there, seated on an embroidered cushion, was Princess Ayraine—wearing a soft, short nightgown that shimmered like moonlight and fell just above her knees.
He bowed low. "My Lady… your drink."
Ayraine smiled and took the glass. "Thank you, servant."
Ardy stood quietly as she sipped.
I need to earn her trust, he thought. I'll charm her, then escape when the chance comes.
Suddenly, Ayraine gasped. "Ah—some of it spilled!"
She looked down at her gown, now stained along the side.
Without hesitation, she began removing it.
Ardy turned around. "I-I'll give you space, My Lady."
She stepped close behind him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, then hugged him lightly from behind.
"What's your name?"
He froze. "A-Ard, my lady."
"You saw me in the royal bath, didn't you?" she asked teasingly. "Did you… enjoy it?"
Ardy stiffened. "My deepest apologies. I didn't mean to intrude. I truly didn't notice anything."
She chuckled. "You're strong for a human. Quite… impressive."
He blinked. "My Lady, did you say something?"
She turned away and began changing into a fresh robe—loose, soft blue with golden embroidery.
Why isn't she asking me to leave? Ardy wondered. Why act like this is normal?
Ayraine adjusted her sleeves. "They take forever to prepare these robes. And now it's midnight."
She walked to a corner, thinking.
"How shall I spend this night?" she murmured.
Then her eyes lit up.
"Ard. Come sit."
He obeyed cautiously.
She lay down, her head resting on his lap.
"Massage my head," she ordered.
He hesitated, then gently began rubbing her scalp, fingers tracing along her temple and crown.
Ayraine sighed. "Mmm. You know… you'd make a very caring husband."
He said nothing—but his fingers paused.
After a while, she sat up.
"Return to your quarters. Wake me early tomorrow. Understood?"
"Yes, my Lady."
He bowed and left silently, heart racing, mind spinning.
In the outer woods, Ruka discovered a torn black hoodie caught on a branch.
She grabbed it instantly.
"We found him."
She turned to her father, Lord Raizan Akagiri, and his butler.
"Father, let's go. He's past the border!"
The butler stepped forward. "My Lady, this is the edge of the Land of Wind—the Elf Realm. We cannot enter it. It violates royal code."
Ruka clenched her fists. "I don't care. Rules or not—I'll bring Ardy back myself."
Her father watched silently.
She stepped forward.
Toward the border.
Toward what no human dared cross.