Chapter 38 – The Garden and the Golden Dress
Ravena walked into the rose garden, her steps slow, her thoughts loud.
I can't forget what happened here…
The air still carried the scent of roses—soft, delicate, yet hiding something darker underneath. The beauty of the flowers flowed in all directions, yet something about this place still felt wrong.
It wasn't just the roses.
It was the memory of that night.
The vampire that had attacked her right here—the fear, the blood, the fire in his eyes.
It's not just that.
There's more coming… she thought, her breath shallow.
And now… this strange, unexplainable feeling creeping inside her heart. For him. The very one who terrified her, the one who haunts her thoughts.
Why am I feeling something… for him?
She felt her world slowly collapsing, like cracks forming in her soul.
His words… they won't leave me.
Ravena moved deeper into the garden, her eyes scanning the shadows.
The Virelda girl…
Where is that place she mentioned?
I need answers. I can't keep living in the shadows. Not anymore.
As she looked up, a man approached her. His robe was neat, his expression respectful. He smiled and bowed.
"Good evening, Princess."
She gave him a small, polite smile, though her mind was far from calm.
"The Queen wants you at the royal dinner tonight."
"The Queen…" Ravena repeated under her breath, her jaw tightening.
What on earth is that woman up to now?
"Yes, my Princess. The Queen requests your presence."
"I think I can't—"
"My Princess," he interrupted gently, "it is an order from Her Highness. You are expected. The maids will prepare you."
"…Okay," she said quietly.
The man bowed again and walked away, leaving her standing among the roses.
I need to get out of here, she thought, her heartbeat rising.
I can't stand those people, and now I have to eat dinner with them again?
She turned and hurried to her room. As she opened the door, Thalia stood there waiting—with a dress in her arms.
The gown shimmered in the candlelight—golden, elegant, and far too much.
Thalia smiled warmly. "Hello, my Princess."
She stepped closer. "We need to hurry. It's a very important dinner tonight."
She gently grabbed Ravena's hand and guided her toward the bathroom. Before she could even speak, more maids entered, ready to help.
Ravena glanced at her, eyes suspicious. "Okay, Thalia, what's the big occasion? It's just some annoying dinner, right?"
Thalia shook her head. "No, my Princess. This isn't just a dinner. It's very important. High-ranking nobles, elders, even family relatives will be attending."
Ravena rolled her eyes. "And how exactly is that my business? We're not part of the royal family or this kingdom. Why would the Queen invite me?"
Thalia hesitated. "Well… I don't know."
She led Ravena into the warm bath, helping her sink into the scented water. The air was soft and fragrant.
Ravena sniffed. "What's that smell?"
Thalia smiled. "It's to make you smell nicer, my Princess."
Once the bath was over, they helped Ravena into the golden gown. It was breathtaking—rich in detail, fit for royalty. Jewelry followed, and soft golden makeup that made her features glow.
Ravena looked into the mirror and frowned. "I don't really like this… it's too much."
Thalia grinned. "Well, the Queen said I should make you look breathtaking today."
Ravena turned to her slowly. "And why is that, exactly?"
Her green eyes sparkled in the mirror, brighter than ever. They looked almost… otherworldly.
Thalia stared in awe. "My Princess… you look stunning. I just wish you'd let me dress you like this more often."
Ravena rolled her eyes. "Oh please…"
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Thalia rushed to open it and spoke softly with the person outside. Then she turned to Ravena, smiling.
"It's time."
She walked her to the door, where two tall men in regal uniforms bowed with graceful smiles.
Ravena blinked. Okay… what is going on now?
The men led her down the long hallway toward the dining hall. The corridor shimmered under elegant chandeliers. The walls were lined with gold patterns, and the scent of rare flowers filled the air.
The lights shone brighter than usual. Something was different. Too perfect.
I have a strange feeling about this…
Her fingers curled slightly around the edge of her dress as she walked.
Whatever the Queen was planning…
She was already in the middle of it.