IMPRESS. [Book 1]

Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Deadly Stage 5

IMPRESS.

Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Deadly Stage 5

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I can't believe the King tried to kiss me. Oh my God. I am disgusted.

Looking over my wrists and ankles, I winced at the obvious bright red marks the branches and vines had left on my skin. I bet my neck was even worse, it's where I could feel the most pain.

If the guard had not burst in when he did, I fear for what he would have done to me. Would he have pushed me into using my own abilities on him... I suddenly shuddered at the thought. It truly shocked me that King Creon had used his ability on me! I had never really seen him use it to that extent on anyone before.

Was he honestly hurt because I had refused him? I protectively hugged myself, deep in thought as the guard led me down the castle corridors. "Would he try and make a move on me again," I almost inaudibly whispered to myself. Was it because I looked like a mix of my mother and great grandmother... Did he get confused?

I don't know the reason why but I never want to be alone with the King again. I may not have shown it, but I was vulnerable and frightened in his presence. "Natalya Ascelyn," startled, I jumped when I heard the guard's voice cut through my thoughts.

Did the guard just call me by my name? In fact, he had done it twice now. Typically, the guards here would address me as a Lady... but I'm guessing I have lost that privilege too.

I looked up at him and emotionlessly hummed, waiting for him to say what he had to say. "King Preston asks for you to wait in here, he will be with you shortly. In the meantime, this is Juliana, she is our new castle healer. She will bathe you, bandage you up and help you dress."

A kind middle-aged lady with greying hair came and stood in front of me. She sent me a nurturing smile and reached for my face, "my child, I will take care of you. Dry your eyes and suppress the pain. You will be good as new in no time."

I barely managed a smile as I bowed my head respectfully towards the experienced healer. "Thank you," I muttered, speaking only when the guard closed the door behind him after leaving the room.

***

"King Preston is a lucky man, Lady Ascelyn, you look beautiful," Juliana finished pinning my hair up and looked at me through the mirror in awe. She had done a great job taking care of me and did one hell of a job making me look presentable because my reflection was breathtaking.

Too bad my mood was still quite sour at the thought of my encounter with the King to have fully acknowledged Juliana's efforts. "You should smile more, remember, a lot of people would die to be in your position."

Would they? Not if I told them that the King was a predator who tried to kiss me and that everyone else in this castle was a psychopath... I sighed. "I'll try to smile more," I said forcing the corners of my lips to rise. "I am just a little down at the moment, it is nothing against you Juliana so thank you for helping me get ready for the arena."