The morning sun pierced through her closed eyelids, forcing her awake. As Evelyn slowly opened her eyes, a sharp pain shot through her head. She could still remember the demon's claws around her neck.
"Evelyn, you're awake! Thank goodness. Let's inform the king."
"Don't."
Evelyn looked around the room, grabbed a cup of water from the bedside table, and gulped it down.
"What a wedding night. Historical, I would say," Jane teased.
"How long have I been in bed?"
"Fifteen years."
Evelyn's eyes widened. Not realizing it was a joke, she immediately jumped out of bed, nearly falling as she rushed toward the door.
Her maids burst into laughter. They laughed so hard that tears formed in their eyes.
"Look at her face!"
"It was a joke."
Evelyn groaned and slumped back onto the bed.
"Fifteen hours, to be precise. That's how long you've been unconscious."
Evelyn let out a relieved breath.
Later, she took a bath. Everything around the mansion seemed calm, as if someone hadn't nearly died there the previous night.
What if she had actually died? Would no one care?
Suddenly, she received an invitation to lunch with Michael and his other wives. The thought of sharing her husband with so many women hurt deeply.
Weeks ago, he had looked at her as though she were the only thing he desired. Now, she was merely one of his prized possessions.
"I'm not hungry, and I do not wish to eat in a crowd."
After the maid delivered the message in front of Zafil and the rest of the queens, they exchanged surprised glances.
No one had ever dared refuse the king's invitation before-except Dora, the favorite wife. Zafil had openly declared that no woman in his harem could ever compare to her.
But today, they could see that her position was being challenged, and Dora was furious.
"Let me teach her a lesson," Dora snapped.
"Dora, sit down. Maybe she simply wants to rest. Remember, you almost drained the life out of her."
"I don't understand, Zafil. Don't be so biased toward her. She deserved the punishment Queen Dora gave her. Who does she think she is?" Rachel, the beautiful red-haired third wife, complained. She constantly sought Zafil's attention but rarely received it.
"Let's eat."
That single statement ended the discussion.
"I've suddenly lost my appetite," Dora muttered.
"I advise you to sit back down, Dora, or you won't like my next decision."
"I would also like a decision regarding Evelyn."
"You are in no position to disregard my orders... sit."
Dora was forced to obey. Never before had he humiliated her in front of the other wives. From the corner of her eye, she could see them hiding their amusement.
Meanwhile, Evelyn had no idea of the commotion she had caused. She sat comfortably in her room with Jane and Jade, discussing something important.
Suddenly, the door flew open.
"Privacy," Evelyn said coldly.
"Who do you think you are?" Dora demanded. "Do you think you're the only woman who has ever received a punishment?"
Evelyn rose from her couch and turned to face Dora and three other women standing behind her.
"My message was meant for whoever sent for me. If you heard about it, then the response wasn't for you."
"I am Queen Dora-"
"Then you aren't meant to be in my room asking me unimportant questions. And I'm not going to answer them."
Evelyn stared directly into Dora's eyes as she spoke. She could practically see the anger boiling beneath the woman's skin, and it filled her with satisfaction.
Dora lunged forward.
This time, Evelyn refused to let her have her way. She grabbed Dora by the throat and shoved her aside.
Dora crashed into a table before falling to the floor.
"What is going on here?"
Evelyn immediately recognized the voice.
"Zafil! Ahhh! She hit me on purpose!" Dora wailed dramatically.
"I didn't know your first wife could stoop so low just to get me into trouble. I thought, as a demon, she would know better."
Zafil raised his hand toward Evelyn.
She didn't flinch. Instead, she stared directly into his eyes.
He was actually prepared to strike her for something she hadn't done. His hand slowly curled into a fist.
"Just because I overlooked what you did doesn't give you the right to insult Dora."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. She smirked at Dora before rolling her eyes at Zafil.
Then she stepped forward until only an inch separated them.
"Yes, darling?" she whispered.