The maids crowded around Ayleran, their anxious attempts to check on him creating a chaotic scene in the hall. Their whispers blended into a cacophony of concern, spreading unease like ripples in still water. But suddenly, the sound of steady, measured footsteps descending the staircase silenced them all.  

As the man entered the grand hall, a heavy, authoritative presence filled the air, causing every head to turn toward him.  

“Your Majesty, my lord...” one of the maids addressed him reverently, her voice quivering with respect. At that moment, I immediately realized the situation had become even more serious.  

“Are you well?” the man asked.  

Ayleran’s response was calm, but it carried a practiced tone, as though he were masking any weakness.  

“Yes, Father,” he replied.  

The man’s gaze, cold and emotionless, was fixed on his son. His voice, devoid of warmth, carried a weight that left no room for doubt or hesitation, as though he had never questioned that Ayleran would return unharmed.  

“I will summon the royal doctor to ensure your complete recovery,” he said.  

“Yes, Father. Thank you,” Ayleran answered, his tone composed.  

Hidden behind Ayleran, I dared to peek out cautiously. My gaze met the man’s piercing, crystal-clear ruby eyes. His stare was sharp, scrutinizing me as though he could see straight through me. For a fleeting moment, I felt frozen in place, but to my surprise, he said nothing. His expression remained unreadable.  

“You should be examined. And the child needs rest,” the man said, his voice curt and decisive. Without another word or further explanation, he turned and walked toward his study, his departure as silent and commanding as his arrival.  

Ayleran turned to me, his expression softening slightly.  

“You should go with one of the maids and rest. My father told you to rest,” he said.  

I hesitated, unsure how to respond, my unease growing. He must have noticed it because he leaned closer and said gently,  

“Don’t worry. These maids won’t harm you. They can’t harm you.”  

As he spoke, his gaze darkened, and he shot the maids a sharp, warning look. They immediately bowed low in submission, their heads lowered respectfully. One of them stepped forward, her movements graceful yet cautious, and motioned for me to follow her.  

“Please, come with us. We’ll prepare you for dinner,” she said kindly.  

“Dinner?” I asked, confused.  

“Yes, His Highness requested it.”  

But Ayleran hadn’t said a word about dinner... What did they mean? Was this part of some hidden plan? My mind spun with doubt and unease as I reluctantly stepped forward to follow the maids. One thought consumed me: **Oh heavens, save me.**