Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Bailey’s POV

I don’t remember the last time I had such a relaxing bath. Every ache and knot in my muscles had melted away, and for a few glorious minutes, I had dozed off. Kara really knew how to make someone feel…good. Whatever she had added to the water rejuvenated me completely. For a moment, it was as if the chaos of the past few days had never happened. No wonder Nathaniel kept her close. But their closeness made me uneasy. How deep did their relationship go? Her reaction to our engagement hinted that maybe it wasn’t too deep—but I wasn’t taking any chances. I needed to keep my distance.

Even though the bath had cleared my body, it hadn’t cleared my mind. That kiss. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It had been meaningless—he had done it to seal the engagement—but the warmth of his lips still lingered on mine. My head spun with the memory of his tongue swirling with mine, rough, demanding, possessive, like he wanted to own every inch of me.

I pinched myself, forcing my mind to focus. This was Nathaniel, not some fairytale prince. No romantic daydreams here. Focus.

And yet, the reality of my engagement pressed down on me. Thousands of questions bombarded my thoughts like arrows: When do we get married? What do I do after that? And most importantly…why the hell did he want to marry me?

I knew why I had said yes—but why had he proposed? Nathaniel had a plan. I would figure it out. In the meantime, I would play the role he demanded, establishing my place in this world while quietly plotting my escape. Next time, I wouldn’t be exhausted. Next time, I would save Spike. I just hoped he wasn’t badly injured.

I slid into the clothes I had prepared earlier, letting my blond hair fall loose, curling slightly at the ends. My body sank into the silky sheets, ready to drift off—when a loud bang on the door made me jump upright.

Kara stormed in, furious as ever. Did she go to Nathaniel earlier to confront him about the engagement? If so, it clearly hadn’t gone well.

“Get your lazy ass up! You need to prepare yourself for tonight!” Her words hit me like a whip, her body trembling with barely contained rage.

“Why? What’s happening tonight?” I tried to keep calm, keeping my magic in check.

“Your wedding!”

What? Tonight? That wasn’t right! Nathaniel had said the ceremony would be at the annual ball. Preparations weren’t even close to being finished. I thought it was days away, not…tonight!

“What? Nathaniel said it would be at the annual ball!” I snapped.

“Well, circumstances have changed. He wants it done tonight.” Her glare burned into me, pure hatred radiating off her.

“What is your problem?” I barked, my patience snapping. If she wanted a fight, fine—I’d give her one.

“Excuse me?” she blinked, taken aback by my boldness.

“You heard me! I don’t get what your problem is. You don’t even know me!”

She stomped closer, fury in every step. “What do I have against you? Everything! You are about to marry my man! I should be the one beside him, not you. And it’s not like it’s your looks! What is it about you, huh?!”

Humiliation clearly came naturally to her. I may not be a supermodel, but I wasn’t about to let some spoiled brat intimidate me. Wait…am I seriously arguing over him? Breathe, Bailey.

“Trust me, I don’t like this any more than you do, but I have no choice. Nathaniel is giving me no choice. If I don’t marry him, he’ll kill my friend!” I forced the words out, hoping she’d understand.

Her anger faltered slightly. Maybe now she’d see reason.

“Kara, rest assured, I am not in love with him. Quite the opposite,” I added.

Her tension eased, though a flicker of jealousy remained. She adjusted her dress, straightening her posture.

“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?” I asked impulsively.

She froze, eyes widening. My suspicion confirmed. She quickly composed herself, straightening her shoulders.

“In love? Nonsense! He’s a powerful king in need of an equally powerful queen—which you are certainly not! I am the most powerful female here. I should be by his side, not some Prime Earth scum like you! How do you even possess magic? Humans were denied it eons ago!”

Of course, denial. Nathaniel wouldn’t tell her about my condition, so why would I spill my secrets?

“I guess you could say I was…blessed,” I said, giving her a small, awkward smile.

She stared for a long moment, then gave up, waving her hands in defeat.

“Get going. Benjamin is here to take you to the kitchen. I’ll prepare everything here. Don’t you dare come back late! I’m not cleaning your mess with the king.”

Annoying. I got up and headed for the door, slamming it behind me for emphasis.

Out in the hall, I froze at the sight of a man standing calmly in front of me. Broad shoulders, short hair, and…purple eyes. The same shade as Kara’s. How odd. His outfit was casual, a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants, like he’d been running. At least something here reminded me of home.

“Benjamin Waters?” I asked. He gave a quick nod. Good—off to a decent start.

He motioned for me to follow. I did. The glass hallway and elevator passed in silence, and I quickly realized Benjamin was a man of few words. All I knew was that he was Nathaniel’s right-hand man—right after the general. The rest of the walk, he remained silent, keeping a steady pace.

When we arrived at the kitchen, I stopped in my tracks. Its size was overwhelming—at least fifty chefs, a hundred more staff, all rushing like a well-oiled machine. The clatter of silverware and murmurs filled the air. Many stole glances at me; I was clearly the new variable in their ordered world.

Benjamin commanded with a wave: “Theodor! Bring Miss Bailey today’s special.”

We sat at a nearby round table. A middle-aged, slightly overweight waiter approached, carrying a tray with three courses. Bowing low, he set it before me. My stomach growled; I hadn’t eaten in days. I was going to savor every bite.

Theodor hesitated, eyes flicking nervously between Benjamin and me.

“What is it, Theodore?” Benjamin’s eyebrow rose.

“Well…my lord. The staff and I were wondering if…” He faltered, then whispered to me, “If we could know why the lady is here? There are…rumors.”

Benjamin cut him off sharply. “You may not. Miss Bailey’s role will be made clear soon enough. Off you go.”

Finally, I could eat in peace. Sweet relief washed over me. The warmth, the flavor, the simple act of filling my empty stomach—it grounded me, even if just for a moment.

Benjamin remained silent across from me, watching, but saying nothing. I had to break the tension.

“So…how’s the army?” I asked, hopeful for conversation.

“What?” he replied, startled.

“Throw me a bone here!” I grimaced.

“I am sorry. I was instructed not to interact unless necessary,” he said, calm as ever.

“What?!” I nearly yelled, standing up. Everyone around us fell silent. Did this world hate smiles or happiness?

I clenched my fists, magic itching at the surface. Benjamin’s eyes flicked briefly to my hands—he knew.

I inhaled, forcing the warmth of my magic down, and sat back down.

“Army’s doing well,” he finally said quietly. “Several new recruits in training. Some promising.”

Praise the Lord. Maybe I wasn’t completely doomed after all.

And deep down, I felt it—a stirring in my veins, a subtle pulse of power I wasn’t supposed to feel. Tonight would change everything. Somehow, I knew it.