The next day came like a blur.
In the throne room, Queen Alaria stood with perfect posture, her voice carrying the same sharp authority it always did.
"Go see Aphrodite and get her ready for today's party," she ordered the maid. "And make her presentable."
Maid Lesha bowed immediately. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
She turned and left without hesitation.
Queen Alaria watched her go, then glanced at King Derman beside her. "That's how all maids should act."
He gave a small, approving smile and pulled her into a brief embrace.
Aphrodite was still asleep when a knock came at her door.
Her eyes opened instantly.
"Come in," she called softly.
Maid Lesha entered gracefully, closing the door behind her.
"You're still in bed," she said with a gentle smile.
Aphrodite groaned and pulled the blanket slightly higher. "Do I really have to go? Can't I stay here just this once?"
Lesha chuckled lightly as she walked closer. "You already know the answer."
Aphrodite sighed. "Another party… I just want peace for one day."
Lesha's expression softened. "I know. But we can't control what happens today. Still… I can make sure you look beautiful."
Aphrodite stiffened slightly. "I'd rather not have everyone staring at me."
"That won't happen," Lesha reassured quickly. "I'll keep it simple. Just… nice. Nothing too much."
Aphrodite gave a small, relieved smile. "Thank you. You're too kind."
Lesha tilted her head. "Come on. Let's get you ready before your mother sends someone to drag you out of bed."
Aphrodite finally nodded and sat up.
As Lesha helped her dress, the room stayed quiet for a while—comfortable, almost peaceful.
But as the fabric shifted and layers were adjusted, Lesha's hands paused slightly.
Her eyes caught what she didn't expect.
Aphrodite noticed immediately and turned her head. "It's nothing. I fell."
Lesha frowned. "That doesn't look like a fall…"
"It is," Aphrodite said quickly, turning away. "Please don't make it something it isn't."
Lesha's voice softened. "Aphrodite… someone is hurting you, aren't they?"
Aphrodite's shoulders tensed. "If you ask too many questions, you'll get yourself in trouble. I don't want that."
"That's not what I care about," Lesha replied. "I care about you."
A small, sad smile appeared on Aphrodite's lips. "That's why I like you the most."
For a moment, neither spoke again.
Then, something shifted.
A presence. Aphrodite suddenly stopped moving.
Her eyes flicked toward the far side of the room.
"…Someone's here."
Before Lesha could react, Aphrodite let out a startled gasp.
"Ah—!"
In an instant, a figure moved like a blur.
A hand covered her mouth gently, not harshly, but fast enough to silence her.
"Shh," a low voice said. "Don't panic. It's just me."
King Nikklaus.
Aphrodite's eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"
Lesha froze in shock. "How did you even—"
"I came to see if she was alright," he said calmly, still keeping his voice low. His gaze stayed on Aphrodite. "That's all."
Aphrodite narrowed her eyes slightly. "A king sneaking into a princess's room is not normal."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I never claimed to be normal."
Before anyone could respond —Footsteps, heavy ones and Approaching fast.
All three of them tensed instantly.
Nikklaus stepped back. "Time to go."
"What—wait!" Aphrodite started—
But he was already moving. He turned toward the opened window and in one swift motion he had vanished outside like he was never there at all.
The door burst open.
Queen Alaria entered with guards behind her, her expression sharp and alert.
"Did you see anyone come through here?"
Aphrodite quickly shook her head. "No. Why? What happened?"
"There was a masked intruder in the castle," the Queen said firmly. "We lost him. We thought he might have come this way."
Lesha shook her head as well, still trying to steady her breathing. "No one came in, Your Majesty. I've been with her the entire time."
The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly, scanning the room. Then she exhaled sharply.
"Understood. The party is cancelled. We are under lockdown until further notice."
A pause.
Neither Aphrodite nor Lesha argued.
"Get dressed properly and stay inside," Queen Alaria ordered before turning away. "No exceptions."
The guards followed her out and the door shut.
Silence returned.
But it didn't feel peaceful anymore not even close.
Was it really just coincidence that he appeared in her room?
What is King Nikklaus hiding behind his sudden appearances?
And most importantly… how much longer can Aphrodite's secrets stay hidden?