A few minutes had passed since we left the dungeon, and since our last encounter, this strange prince hadn't said a single word to me. It was as if he were mute or incapable of normal human interaction. Honestly, I didn't know what kind of person he was. One moment, he had thrown me into a dirty old dungeon cell to stay the night while relentlessly threatening to end me if I offended him. And now, when I caught him open and vulnerable, sleeping on me, he pretended as if nothing had happened.
I won't lie
It hurt a bit. He was such a… dammit, I didn't even know what to think. I was really scared he might take me somewhere worse than the dungeon, but that wasn't possible… was it? Still, with how irritable this man could get, it was possible. And honestly, I wouldn't have blamed him.
From behind, his forehead looked huge—oddly shaped in a way I couldn't explain. And his smell… he freaked out of blood and hadn't showered. How anyone could find him attractive was beyond me. If anyone did, they had to be crazy. I imagined him throwing me into the horse stable, or even a burning pit of doom. I began to sweat profusely as I thought about it and even resorted to biting my nails to calm myself.
This human knows I can read minds, he thought. The nerve she has…
I couldn't help but chuckle quietly; I hoped he didn't hear me. It was funny. For centuries, no human had dared to think anything like that in my presence. My little visitor would be… interesting, nonetheless. I had to keep her on her toes. I still wasn't sure if she was a spy. But I would have fun with her.
"Hey, human," he said.
"Eeep!" I immediately shot up as his voice commanded obedience. I tried to sound brave and confident, but all I could manage was a stammered, "Ye-yes… sir?"
"What kind of person do you think I am?" he asked. "Many fear me, not because of my title or position, but because of the deeds I've done that remain part of my dark past. But curiosity gets the better of me… so I ask you, human. Will you be honest, or will you cower like the rest?"
I swallowed hard and gathered my thoughts. "You are ruthless… you have major daddy issues, abandonment issues… lacking empathy. Your calm, bashful kindness is a generosity you can't afford. You rely on your power, and without it, you'd be nothing. You have an entertaining personality, but you're weak, cocky, arrogant… and you… look like a fish butt."
At first, I didn't understand his expression. Then I realized…. the room had completely shifted. What felt like a simple conversation turned into an atmosphere that screamed I could kill you in seconds.
I stepped back cautiously.
Then, unexpectedly, the sour-faced prince burst into loud laughter, echoing through the halls. He almost shed a tear from laughing so hard. Turning to fully face me, he said:
"It's the first time I've had such a good laugh in years. I might keep you alive a little longer. Whether you are a spy for the human world or not, I will see how entertaining you are. A sharp-mouthed girl like you… will make the afterlife far more interesting for me."
He paused, then turned and walked away at a hurried pace. I followed, not because I was afraid of my legs being broken, but because I had too many questions to leave unanswered.
"Have a seat," said his assistant. "This is the study area…. your headquarters for now. You may come here to discuss anything. Tomorrow, I'll give you a tour of the palace. Whatever you do, do not leave your room at night. Creatures roam the halls looking for prey—strays, killers… not even the palace is completely safe. The only person you can trust is yourself."
"And where will I stay?" I asked.
"You have multiple rooms to explore. But do not enter the one down the hall to your left—it's the prince's personal family room. Disobey, and you will face severe consequences. Clear?"
"Uh… yes, sir," I said shakily, crossing my fingers behind my back. Rule-breaking was basically my hobby.
"Good. Now, Adam, escort the young lady to her new quarters near the basement. Ensure she doesn't go beyond the basement."
"All right, Miss," Adam said. "The boss said I should escort you. Let's go before he changes his mind… and it's never a good thing when he does."
I followed obediently, though curiosity burned in me. What would my new room look like? I had no idea, but I hoped whatever awaited me would at least settle for the night.
Deep down, I knew the mysteries ahead were far from over. And somehow… I had the feeling that the prince wasn't finished testing me.