𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(33) My Princess.

"........," 

Leading Callisto through the twisting corridors of the manor, I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, "This way? No, wait, the other way… or was it this way…? Ugh, forget it!"

Callisto's tall form cast long shadows that danced on the walls behind him. 

"Strange,"

I mumbled to myself, the recent turn of events causing unease to bubble in my stomach. 

Could it be true? Had someone cursed him, and he mistakenly thought it was me?

'Probably nothing serious,'

I reassured myself, pushing the thought away.

'He did say 'strange dreams'… what does that even mean? Nightmares?' 

A shiver ran down my spine at the possibility.

Emerging from the grand halls, we stepped into the cool embrace of the moonlit night. 

Reaching his carriage bathed in silver light, I gestured towards it. "Here you go."

Callisto glanced at it briefly, but didn't climb in just yet.

"Isn't Cedrick supposed to be here?"

He inquired, a hint of surprise in his voice.

'Whoops. Didn't even register that the guy wasn't around,'

I admitted to myself with a mental sigh. 

"Honestly, I'm not sure where he could be," I replied truthfully. "The manor's quite sprawling – he could be anywhere. Should I fetch him?"

"No need for that," Callisto said with a slight grin, pointing towards the entrance of the manor. "There he is now."

Cedrick, looking like a whirlwind had just swept through him, hurried towards us.  H

is usually composed demeanor was replaced by a state of disarray – his hair messy, tie loosened, and an alarming amount of… makeup? 

"Covered in lipstick and hair ties,"

I muttered under my breath, unable to stifle a snort at his peculiar appearance.

Callisto raised an eyebrow at my comment but didn't ask further. 

Instead, he tilted his head in confusion as Cedrick approached, a red smear staining his cheek and multiple hair ties dangling from his usually immaculate hair.

"My apologies, Your Highness,"

Cedrick began awkwardly, his voice strained. 

He clearly wasn't thrilled about his present state.

"Looks like you ran into some… unexpected company,"

I ventured, trying to lighten the mood with a chuckle.

Cedrick gave a sheepish smile.

"Not quite the plan I had in mind, Your Grace,"

He admitted, glancing nervously between me and Callisto.

Callisto's curiosity peaked further. 

"Explain yourself,"

He demanded, a hint of amusement battling with his growing confusion. 

"What happened here? And what on earth is all… that?" 

He gestured to Cedrick's disheveled state.

Cedrick sighed heavily, bracing himself to explain the events that had led to his current predicament.

He cleared his throat, his face flushed a shade that rivaled the lipstick stain.