Soft rays of light streamed into the room. The faint sounds of birds echoed outside, and the gentle morning breeze that moved through the golden curtains. Lila stirred, her lashes fluttering before her eyes opened slowly.
She blinked several times, her voice hoarse as she whispered, "Where… where am I?"
The room was large, covered with golden curtains, marble floors and the faint scent of incense lingering in the air. Then her gaze shifted—her eyes showing a flicker of relief. There he was—Davien—sitting by the window, arms folded, his head resting lightly against the wall, eyes closed.
"Davien…" she called softly, her voice barely a whisper.
He looked up immediately, his eyes scanning her. "You're awake," he said, standing and walking toward her. "How do you feel?"
"I…" she murmured faintly.
"You fainted by the spring," he continued. "I know you're wondering where we are. We're at the Queen's palace in verin."He sat at the edge of her bed.
"Oh… but how did we get here?" she asked. Sitting up on the bed."The last thing I remember was when we were still on our way."
"I brought you here," he said. "You remember the injury you got when your people were attacked? It was serious—too serious. Good thing we made it here; otherwise, you wouldn't have survived."
"Was it that bad?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," he replied. "it was."
"Then… how did I survive?"
"The Queen gave permission for you to enter the Spring of Life. You stayed there for three days straight. Do you remember any strange thing that happened while you were inside?"
"No, I don't remem—" she paused suddenly as flashes from the spring surged through her mind. She grew silent—as if lost in thought.
"Lila… Lila!" Davien called, snapping her out of it. "I was asking if you saw something."
"Oh… n-no, sorry. I didn't," she replied quickly, furrowing her brows. "No, I didn't."
He studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. Get some rest. We'll talk later," he said, standing and walking toward the door.
Lila watched him leave. "Even if I told you… you wouldn't believe me," she whispered, pulling her legs close to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.
Moments later, the door opened softly. A young servant girl entered carrying a silver tray of fruits and warm tea. She bowed gracefully.
"Good morning, my lady. I'll be the one attending to you today," she said, setting the tray down and pouring tea into a small cup. "Here, my lady—have some tea."
"Thank you," Lila replied softly. "And you can call me Lila from now on."
"Oh no, my lady, I couldn't dare," the maid said, bowing her head.
Lila didn't argue—she simply sipped her tea. "Hmm… the tea is nice."
"The Queen said to prepare it specially for you," the maid smiled.
"Then I must thank her when I see her," Lila said, setting the cup down.
"Well, my lady, I have to get you ready," the maid said gently.
"It's fine, I can do it myself," Lila replied, trying to stand from the bed.
"But, my lady, the Queen personally told me to prepare you. It would be bad to decline," the maid said with pleading eyes.
Lila sighed. "Alright let's go."
"Yes, my lady," the maid said happily.
Lila sat in front of the mirror the maid brushed her hair.
"My lady, you are so beautiful. I've never seen hair like yours—it's so dark yet it's shining. No wonder all the maids are talking about you."
"Talking about me?" Lila raised a brow. "What are they saying?"
The maid leaned in and whispered something into her ear.
Lila's eyes widened, her face flushing red. "That's not true!"
The maid giggled softly. "It's just what they say—but I think they'd believe it if they saw your reaction."
"You shouldn't believe such nonsense," Lila said, trying to sound composed.
"As you say, my lady. But that man—Sir Davien—he refused to leave your side. He sat there the whole night. And you say he's not your lover?" the maid teased as she styled her hair.
Lila's face turned red again "No, he's not! We don't have that kind of relationship."
"Oh really, my lady?" the maid smirked. "Then he must care for you deeply… for no reason, huh?"
"Stop it," Lila said, cheeks burning.
A sharp sound interrupted them—someone clearing their throat. Both froze, turning toward the door.
"Your Highness!" the maid exclaimed, nearly dropping the brush. She bowed deeply. "Forgive me, my Queen, I didn't notice your presence."
The Queen stepped gracefully into the room, her eyes calm but amused. "Don't worry, I'll take it from here," she said, taking the brush from the maid's hand. "Now, leave us."
"Y-yes, Your Highness," the maid stammered, bowing again before hurrying out.
"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty—I didn't recognize you," Lila said, standing quickly.
"Oh, no worries," the Queen smiled. "Besides, we've only just met. Now sit—your hair still needs to be done.
Lila sat back down as the Queen began brushing the hair.
"You know," the Queen began, "the spring hadn't healed anyone for hundreds of years. It became nothing more than an ordinary pool of water. But a few days ago, Master Shiho came to me for help. Though none of us believed it would work, but davien insisted and when he carried you into the water… it changed. It was as if the spring knew you.
The Queen tied off the last braid with a ribbon and smiled. "You've been through so much, my dear. You need rest." She placed a gentle hand on Lila's shoulder. "You look lovely."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lila said shyly.
"You're welcome." The Queen said. "I'll take my leave now. Take care, Lila."
Lila watched her go, then turned her gaze back to the mirror, her fingers brushing the ribbon in her hair. "Pretty…" she murmured.
She stood, walking toward the bed and sitting on it, lost in thought. What did he mean? I don't understand… she whispered to herself.
"Understand what?"
The voice came from the window. Lila turned—Davien stood there, watching her arms crossed.then for a moment just a single moment his eyes widened then quickly became normal.
"Davien!" she gasped softly. "When did you get here? I didn't even hear your footsteps."
He ignored her question. "Who made your hair?"
"The Queen did," she said. "She said it looks pretty."
"It doesn't suit you," he said, glancing out the window.
"Oh…" Lila muttered under her breath.
"We'll leave tomorrow morning," Davien said flatly. "I've already told the others and they approved."
"So soon?" she asked, surprised.
"Lila, you don't understand," he said, turning to face her. "We have people on our trail. The longer we stay, the more attention we draw. There's still much you need to know."
Lila lowered her head, unsure how to respond.
Davien turned walking towards the door,then he paused and turned his head slightly, facing him. "Rest while you can," he said softly. "Tomorrow will be long."
The door closed behind him, leaving Lila alone in the quiet golden room.
As soon as he stepped out, a maid called out, bowing her head.
"Sir Davien, the Queen has requested your presence. Please follow me," she said, walking in the opposite direction.
Davien followed quietly, passing through several large doors, empty halls until they came to a stop. Before them stood a large door, slightly away from the others — a bit secretive.
"It's here, sir," the maid said, bowing again before taking her leave.
Davien pushed the door open lightly. Inside were the Queen and Master Shiho, their expressions troubled.
"You're finally here," the Queen said, looking at Davien. "Come closer. We have something important to discuss."
He stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Your Highness. Master Shiho."
"What is the matter?" he asked.
Master Shiho sighed deeply. "Davien… you know that boy who was with me — my apprentice?"
"Yes, I do. What happened?" Davien replied.
"He's been killed," Master Shiho said, his voice heavy. "Brutally murdered. There were no signs of struggle, so it must have been a quick attack. If only I had been there earlier… if only I were with him."
"Master, it's not your fault," Davien said firmly. "Right now, we have to find the killer. But… how does this involve me?"
"Well, you see," the Queen began, her tone grave, "those people I told you were watching you — I don't think they were there just to gather information. I believe they were after you. But why did they killed the boy. What's strange is that they didn't even bother to hide the body. In broad daylight, they left it there — as if they wanted us to find it."
Master Shiho frowned. "But who would do such a thing?" "who ever these people are they are not people to joke with.
"Yes," the Queen said slowly. "You are correct. we have to be careful "
She looked at him with concern. "Are you sure you still want to leave tomorrow? Your safety should come first."
"I appreciate your concern, Your Highness," Davien replied. "But it would be better if I left — I don't want to cause any more trouble for you or your people."
"Alright," she said after a pause. "I understand. You may take your leave now. Return to your chamber and rest well."
"Thank you," Davien said, bowing once more before turning and leaving the room.