CHAPTER 2
Sorayael woke from a deep, unfamiliar slumber.
The first sensation that greeted her was the softness of a bed she had never known, and the warmth of a blanket that smelled faintly of lavender and luxury.
Napabalikwas siya sa kaniyang hinihigaan, eyes darting across the room in quiet panic.
The surroundings were lavish; ornate curtains, polished marble floors, and shelves lined with ancient books and trinkets she couldn't name.
It was unusual. Too gentle and safe.
A sharp pulse of pain suddenly flared in her temples. The memories clawed their way back but they were blurry as if her mind itself hesitated to revisit them.
She smiled at the sight of her brother being alive.
Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. Her body tensed up and was ready for another battle.
The door creaked open.
A maid entered, balancing a silver tray of food, her face framed by a calm, practiced smile. Her presence should've been comforting, but to Sorayael, it was laced with unease.
'What if she wasn't just a maid? What if this isn't a dream but rather a nightmare?'
She said nothing. She simply watched, eyes unblinking, and her guard raised behind every breath she took.
The maid glanced at Sorayael, recalling her master's instructions clearly.
"Keep an eye on them for now. They'll be playmates to my son. They've gone through more than most at their age, caught in the crossfire of a war they didn't ask for. I'll have the guards ensure their safety."
She looked at the girl before her and felt a pang of pity. So young... yet already marked by suffering.
The maid blinked, shaken from her thoughts by Sorayael's hesitant voice.
The maid offered a gentle smile, placing the tray of food before her.
Sorayael said nothing. Her expression stayed still, but inwardly, her thoughts swirled.
'The Grand Duke? A national hero? And I'm to be a playmate for his son...? What in the world is happening?' her thoughts.
Sorayael sighed deeply, her eyes dropping to the untouched food. She couldn't stop the uneasy curling in her chest.
Her memories came in fragments, flashes of fear, light, and a name that lingered, Alexander.
He was no friend to her mother, only a traitor cloaked in false kinship.
The rest was a blur. A voice, distant yet familiar, had whispered something through her lips, a word not her own, but one that answered the moment.
She couldn't explain what happened. All she knew was that something ancient had awakened within her.
The two eat quietly, savoring the moment.
Sorayael froze, her throat tightening, she didn't know how to answer. Before she could speak, the maid returned, gently interrupting the moment.
Sorayael couldn't bring herself to speak about their mother. Her throat tightened, and the words clung to her tongue as though uttering them would break something sacred. It felt forbidden like the mere mention of their mother would shatter the fragile silence holding her together.
They were led to the bath, where warm water and scented oils filled the air. The maids offered to assist, gently insisting they would handle everything, but Sorayael politely refused. She wanted to protect even the smallest shred of their dignity.
Once they had washed, Sorayael found herself staring at the garments laid out for them. The clothing shimmered like moonlight on still water, the silks so fine and pristine, it felt almost sinful to touch them.
'Oh no...'
She didn't even get the chance to refuse.
An hour passed, and they were transformed. Sorayael now wore a soft pink gown, her hair braided with delicate ornaments that sparkled with every movement. Krios, meanwhile, looked like a young noble in his powder-blue suit.
'Jezha... got it,' Sorayael noted.
The maid excused theirselves while Sorayael and her younger brother were brought to the living room.
'what if he asked for something that we do not have?'
'what if he wants to use us for his son's slaves?'
'oh no... oh God...'
Sorayael was drowned by her thoughts until someone spoke.
'huh?'
Sorayael didn't realize that she was staring at someone because of her overthinking.
'is thiz cowect?' Krios asked himself while glancing at his big sister.
They sat down together. Sora held her young brother's hand as if she was protecting him.
He suddenly rant about her father. Sora were stunned for awhile because she didn't expect the behavior of the young master.
'oops'
Sorayael smiled while cursing him inside her head.
'??'
They both look at Krios who is curious about the young master's sword.