Before the last chime

The room wasn't only dark, it seemed to be swallowed in a suffocating blackness, that deadened my senses. It was almost as if someone had stolen away the light, and left the room masked in an inky blackness.
My breathing became quicker and ragged as I spun around, disoriented, hearing a strange, mysterious creaking coming from the direction of the door, as it was pushed open slightly. My instincts kept me completely silent and still, attempting to make it seem as though the room was empty.
The following few seconds felt like hours, and I desperately willed myself to stay invisible. My heart was pounding uncontrollably in my ears, so loudly I thought it would explode. Then came a sudden voice- his voice.
"Elli?" His voice was deep and husky, carrying a raspy undertone that made a shiver rattle down my spine. Despite the gruffness of his voice, there was a profound kindness in his tone, completely opposing his rough speech. It was almost like a gleaming lantern lighting my way through the dark room.
I cleared my throat regally, silently thanking the darkness for hiding my bright crimson cheeks. I lifted my chin, even though he couldn't see it, and turned towards the sound of his voice.
"It's Princess Elizabeth to you." I retorted in a royal tone that made my speech sound so haughty, with each syllable carrying a practiced nobility. There was an ear-splitting pause, and then a rustle of fabric from his tunic
"Well please, excuse me," He murmured in a mocking style. Although his voice was still kind, it dawned on me that he was speaking with sarcasm.
"Your Highness." He finished. It was said in such a strange, mysterious way, but somehow, it made me want him even more.