Hybrid

Chapter 17

As I scrubbed the dishes in the corner of the kitchen, my ears pricked up at the sound of hushed whispers from the other servants nearby. The name "Auzrael" caught my attention, and I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation. They were discussing Princess Isabel's latest tantrum, fueled by the fact that Auzrael was away attending to his royal duties in another kingdom.

"He's always been there to serve her every whim," one servant remarked with a hint of annoyance. "I can't believe she's throwing such a fit just because he's not here for a few days."

Another servant chimed in, "Well, she's used to having him at her beck and call. They've always been so close, you know."

I felt a pang of jealousy and longing as I listened to them talk about Auzrael's closeness to Princess Isabel. I knew their bond was strong, but it still hurt to hear how much she relied on him, especially when I wished he would rely on me too.

"He's probably off gallivanting with some other beautiful woman," a third servant remarked, a touch of bitterness in her voice.

"Who knows," another added with a shrug. "All I know is, she's in a terrible mood, and it's not going to be pleasant for anyone around her."

I tried to focus on my task, pushing away the twinge of jealousy and insecurity that threatened to consume me. Auzrael had never explicitly confessed his feelings for me, and we had decided to take things slow, but that didn't stop me from hoping that one day we could be more than just friends and confidants.

As the day wore on, the chatter of the servants continued, and the gossip about Princess Isabel and Auzrael's absence persisted. I couldn't help but wonder what Auzrael was doing in that distant kingdom. Was he thinking of me as I thought of him? Did he miss me as much as I missed him?

As the sun began to set, I found myself standing by the window of the kitchen, lost in my thoughts. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, a beautiful backdrop to the turmoil of emotions within me. It was in moments like these that I allowed myself to admit the depth of my feelings for Auzrael, even if it remained unspoken between us.

In the quiet solitude of the kitchen, I allowed myself to daydream about the possibility of a future with him—a future where we could openly acknowledge our love for each other, a future where we could be together without fear of judgment or consequence.

As I turned around, I faced Prince Kael, my heart skipped a beat, and I felt a rush of conflicting emotions. The sight of him, with his smirking lips and piercing eyes, sent a surge of adrenaline through me, even though I tried to deny the attraction that seemed to be blossoming within. My heart belonged to Auzrael, and I had to remind myself of that fact, even as my body betrayed my mind.

He taunted me, claiming that I was slacking off, and a mixture of irritation and embarrassment flared within me. I knew I had been diligently working, but there was little point in arguing with him. His words had a way of getting under my skin, and I had learned that it was best to keep my composure in his presence.

"What do you want, Prince Kael?" I asked, trying to maintain a tone of neutrality.

He smirked, seemingly amused by my persistence. "Follow me," he commanded, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart flutter.

"Why should I?" I retorted, my frustration getting the better of me.

Kael's lips curved into a wicked grin. "Curiosity, perhaps?" he teased, his voice a low, seductive murmur. "Or maybe you just can't resist the opportunity to be in my presence."

I felt my cheeks flush, both from irritation and the inexplicable attraction I felt toward him. "I have more important things to do than follow you around," I replied, trying to sound unaffected.