The prince tour

As Prince Riku grips my hand, I feel an unsettling mix of confusion and dread. It’s like he’s treating me like a child, dragging me along as if I were some toy to show off. I glance up at him, trying to gauge his intentions, but his expression is a curious mix of amusement and something darker.

“Come on, Haru! I’ll show you your new home,” he chirps, his tone almost childlike. It’s bizarre, especially considering the circumstances. I’m not a plaything, yet here I am, being led through the grand halls of the palace like a little kid on an adventure.

As we walk, I can’t help but notice the opulence around us. Golden chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and marble floors that gleam underfoot. But each step feels heavier, like I’m being pulled deeper into a realm where I don’t belong.

“Here’s the dining hall!” he announces, flinging open a massive set of double doors. “You’ll find it quite… lively during meals.”

I peer inside, my stomach turning at the thought of being surrounded by laughter and conversation that doesn’t include me. The long table is set for dozens, with enough food to feed an army. “It’s beautiful,” I manage to say, forcing a smile, though my heart races at the thought of sitting at that table.

Riku continues to lead me through the palace, his grip on my hand firm but oddly playful. “And this is the library!” He opens another door, revealing towering shelves filled with dusty tomes. “You’ll find plenty of things to read. I promise not all of them are boring.”

His laughter echoes in the vast room, but it feels hollow, like he’s trying too hard to make this seem fun. I glance at the shadows lurking in the corners, my unease growing.

“And here’s your bedroom,” he announces dramatically, throwing open another set of doors with a flourish. My breath catches as I step inside. The room is lavish, decorated with silk drapes and a massive four-poster bed that looks like a throne. But there’s something eerie about it—the way the shadows dance in the corners, making the room feel like it’s alive.

Riku releases my hand, a mischievous grin plastered on his face. “This will be your sanctuary! Isn’t it cozy?” He spins around, arms wide, as if presenting a prize. “Just think of all the fun we can have!”

I can’t help but feel a creeping sensation. Fun? What kind of fun does he mean? The gleam in his eyes sends a shiver down my spine.

“It’s… nice,” I reply, forcing the words out. I try to mask my discomfort, but I can feel his gaze piercing through me, as if he’s assessing my every reaction.

“Don’t worry,” he says, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I promise I won’t bite… unless you want me to.”

I laugh nervously, but the sound is shaky and uncertain. The way he said that feels too intimate, too familiar for someone I barely know.

Riku chuckles, clearly enjoying my reaction. “I’m just kidding! Well, mostly.” He winks, but the laughter doesn’t reach his eyes.

I take a step back, bumping into the bed, feeling trapped between the soft fabric and his unsettling presence. “What do you want from me?” I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips before I can stop them.

His smile falters for a moment, and an unsettling silence fills the room. “I want you to be happy, Haru. But happiness means different things to different people, doesn’t it?”

His eyes linger on me, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just stepped into a trap of his making. The laughter fades, replaced by a heavy tension, and I can’t help but wonder what I’ve gotten myself into.

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