Naseria ran as soon as meeting the ended. She ran so fast as her legs could carry her, her chest tight with overwhelming emotions. She barely made it to the garden before she doubled over, her stomach heaving. Tears flowed freely down her face as she threw up.
“Naia? Are you okay?” Cairo's voice was soft with concern as he hurried over to her. He knelt beside her, grabbing her hair gently to keep it out of her face, rubbing her back soothingly as she threw up again.
"It’s okay, Naia, you're safe," Cairo reassured her.
But his words only ignited the anger in her. Naseria slapped his arm away, wiping her mouth and eyes furiously. “Don’t touch me,” she spat, her voice filled with raw anger.
"Naia..." Cairo began, but another voice interrupted him.
“Naseria,” Emeris Devan Dawsey called out, approaching them.
Naseria rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but Emeris reached out and grabbed her arm. Without hesitation, she slapped him, her eyes blazing with fury. "Don’t ever touch me," she hissed, "and don’t call me Naia. Naia is dead."
“Naia—" Cairo started again, stepping forward.
“Don’t call me that. Don’t you dare cross those boundaries,” she warned, her voice low and venomous. “The only reason I acknowledge you is because of King Theon," she continued. "Because when I needed you, when I called for you, you left me." Her voice broke slightly, but her resolve was firm. She turned on her heel and stormed off, heading straight to her room.
Inside, she found Odessa sitting on the floor, playing with Stark, who purred contentedly. The sight was a brief, unexpected comfort.
Odessa looked up and smiled warmly. “Welcome back, Miss,” she greeted gently.
Naseria forced smiled
"Are you okay?" Odessa said, and stark meowed
"I am trying, but can you and stark left me for a moment" Naseria said, "I wanted to be alone"
Odessa and stark looked each other, and they both nodded "please just call for me if you need anything miss" and Odessa left.
Naseria lay on her bed, crying till she fell asleep.
She woke up late at night, there was food on her table. She stood up, and went to eat it tho it's cold, she ate satsfyingly. She felt her eyes puff she went to her sink and wash her eyes and face to refreshing.
Naseria opened the window to looked outside, the wind brushing throw her face. Then she decided to navigate herself way out, she got lost
"Where are you going?" King Theon asked, his voice soft yet curious.
Naseria paused, glancing back at him. "I was just looking for the outside," she replied.
The king gave her a small smile. "I know a good spot."
They walked through several passages, the winding halls seemingly endless, until they arrived at the top of the castle. The air was cold, crisp against their skin, but the view took Naseria’s breath away. She stood in awe, mesmerized by the vast cityscape that stretched out beneath them. It felt as though the entire kingdom was laid out at her feet.
"I never let anyone come here," King Theon said, his voice quieter now. "Because I don't want people to find this place. It's where I hide when I feel overwhelmed."
Naseria was still entranced by the view, her thoughts momentarily calmed by the beauty surrounding her.
"Miss Naseria," King Theon called her attention, and she turned to look at him. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I'm sorry for everything. I didn’t mean for you to relive the bad memories you’ve carried."
