Days had passed since Odesse began living in the Moonlight Palace. She and Eryx had grown closer, often spending their free time together by the stables.
Eryx was feeding the horses when Odesse crossed her arms and said with a pout, "Eryx, you promised to take me around town."
Eryx laughed, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry, Odesse. I've been really busy. I have to clean the horses and prepare their gear for tomorrow."
"What's happening tomorrow?" she asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
"Master Valex and his men go on patrol once a month," Eryx explained. "And I was told to get the horses ready."
"Hmph." Odesse folded her arms tighter and looked away, pretending to sulk.
Just then, a woman approached them. "Odesse," she called.
Odesse turned. "Yes?"
"Master Valex requests your presence in his study."
"Oh... okay." She turned to Eryx. "I'll be back soon."
Eryx nodded and returned to brushing the horses.
Odesse walked through the quiet halls until she reached the study doors. She took a deep breath and whispered, "Here we go." Then she knocked, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.
"Sir, you asked for me," she said softly.
Valex sat behind his desk, glasses resting on the bridge of his nose as he read a thick book. Without looking up, he said, "Come closer."
Odesse obeyed, keeping her head bowed.
"I want you to clean the shelves," Valex said.
She blinked in confusion. "Sir, I already cleaned them this morning."
Valex finally looked up, resting his jaw on his hand. "Well," he said calmly, "clean them again."
Odesse clenched her teeth, muttering under her breath, "Yes... sir."
She moved toward the shelves and began dusting, trying to steady her breath. But every turn of a page from Valex's desk reminded her he was still watching.
Moments later, she heard his chair slide back, slow, deliberate. Her breath hitched. He was walking toward her.
She froze where she stood, her hand still on the shelf. His presence loomed behind her, close enough for her to feel his warmth.
Valex raised an arm and plucked a book from the shelf just above her head. Odesse turned slowly, keeping her gaze lowered.
"Look up," Valex said, his voice low and commanding.
Her eyes met his, a storm of emotion, power, and something unspoken passing between them. Her heart skipped wildly.
Valex reached forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Your hair..." he murmured.
Odesse felt her breath tremble. His touch slid to her cheek, then traced down her neck... to the mark. The moment his fingers brushed it, heat flooded her body. She closed her eyes, overwhelmed.
His thumb brushed her lips, parting them gently. "Your lips..." he whispered, almost to himself.
Odesse opened her eyes slowly, meeting his gaze again. For a second, time stood still... until Valex abruptly stepped back, as if breaking a dangerous spell.
He turned away sharply, running a hand through his hair. "You may leave," he said coldly.
Odesse stood frozen, her heart pounding so hard it hurt. She nodded, voice barely steady. "Yes, sir."
She stepped out of the study, the heavy doors closing behind her. Her face burned, and she pressed her palms against her cheeks.
"What is wrong with you, Odesse?" she muttered to herself. "Have you gone crazy? Get it together!" She lightly slapped her face a few times before hurrying down the hall.
Inside the study, Valex sat still, staring at his hand... the one that had touched her lips. Slowly, he lifted his finger and tasted it, his voice rough with frustration.
"What is wrong with me?" he muttered. "This girl... what is she doing to me? Every time I see her, I can't control myself."
He ran both hands through his hair, eyes darkening. "Odesse..."
The next day, Odesse went outside. She visited the stables, but Eryx was nowhere to be found. She looked around and sighed.
"Where's Eryx? If he doesn't have time to take me around town, I'll just go by myself," she said quietly.
Determined, Odesse decided to slip out of the Moonlight Palace unnoticed. She walked through a narrow path, her steps light and careful, until she found herself on a long, straight road. It wasn't deserted, but it was peaceful, with the wind brushing gently against her face.
She smiled, inhaling the crisp air and touching the wildflowers by the roadside. "This place is beautiful," she whispered. "The sky is so bright... I love it here. I wish Cara was here too."
Up ahead, she noticed a large gate. Curiosity stirred inside her, and she pushed it open. Beyond it lay a lively town filled with small, colorful houses. People walked about cheerfully, children played in the streets, and market stalls lined the corners.
Her eyes widened in awe. "Oh my goodness," she said softly. "This place is amazing... and in such beautiful order."
Odesse wandered further in, taking in the sights. A ball suddenly rolled to her feet. She looked down and saw a small boy running toward her.
"Sorry, ma'am!" he said breathlessly.
"It's okay," Odesse replied kindly. She picked up the ball and handed it to him.
"Thank you!" the boy shouted as he ran off.
She smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest, then continued walking. Soon, she found herself in the marketplace. The air was rich with the aroma of spices and grilled food. Her stomach growled softly.
"Amazing," she murmured, sniffing the air again.
She began strolling between stalls, admiring baskets of fruit and trays of pastries. Then a man called out to her.
"Beautiful lady! Come over here!"
Odesse smiled shyly and approached his stall. He was grilling meat with vegetables over glowing coals, and the smell made her mouth water.
"Here, have some," the man offered, smiling.
"Really?" Odesse asked, surprised.
"Yes, yes! Try it."
He handed her a small plate, and she took a bite. The flavors burst in her mouth, rich, smoky, and perfectly seasoned. Her eyes widened.
"Woahhh! This is so good, mister. Oh my goodness!"
The man chuckled as she eagerly ate more, speaking between bites. "Sir, this is so good... wow!"
When she finished, she sighed happily. "The food was amazing. Thank you, sir."
"Yes, yes," the man said proudly. "I'm the best meat griller around here."
"You really are," Odesse said, smiling. "I'll leave now."
As she turned to walk away, the man's tone suddenly changed.
"Hey, girl!" he called sharply.
Odesse turned, puzzled. "Yes, mister?"
"My money," he said, his expression darkening. "You haven't paid."
"Money?" she asked, blinking. "But I don't have any money."
The man's eyes widened. "What?"
"I thought it was free," she said nervously.
The man's voice rose. "Thief! Thief!"
Odesse froze as several men stepped out from nearby stalls.
"She ate from my stall and refuses to pay!" the man shouted.
The others began moving toward her.
"Oh my goodness," Odesse gasped. "What kind of people are these?"
She turned and ran.
"Catch her! Catch her!" the men yelled.
Odesse sprinted down the street, her heart pounding. "I really shouldn't have left the palace!" she muttered breathlessly. "Oh my days, I haven't run this fast since Miss Miris caught me on riding a horse!"
She glanced back, the men were still chasing her, getting closer.
"Ahhhh! They're gaining on me! Oh no, that meat isn't digesting properly... I think I'm going to throw up!"
Suddenly, everything happened at once. A man on a black horse galloped from behind, his face covered by a dark cloth. In one swift motion, he leaned down and lifted Odesse onto the horse.
"Ahhh! Hey... who is this?" Odesse yelled, struggling.
He held her firmly in front of him and urged the horse forward, riding fast through the dusty road.
"Let me go now! You can't kidnap me! I know the king, and he'll not spare you! Let me go!"
The man remained silent.
Odesse looked back, the men had stopped chasing. She exhaled with relief. "Phew... thank goodness."
As the horse slowed to a steady pace, she turned her head slightly. "Hey, who are you? Tell me now. I know how to fight, I'm not weak, okay?"
The man looked down at her, his voice low. "Oh really?"
Odesse's eyes narrowed, studying him. He slowly reached up and pulled the scarf from his face.
Her eyes widened in shock. "Sir... Master Valex?"