black rose

The king ordered his men to allow Aria's father, Vivek, to stay in a room, saying he would speak with him later. The king then departed upstairs.

Queen Lylah took Aria and Ayan to a spacious room, instructing the servants to bring snacks and juice for the girl. She pulled Ayan aside, asking why he helped Aria.

He said -

"Mother, when I saved her from the wolf, she wasn't afraid of me, even when I killed the wolf right next to her. I was scared she'd be frightened, thinking I might harm her, but instead, she bandaged my wounds. Her eyes said I wasn't dangerous. She didn't fear me. That's when I knew I had to protect her.

"Mother, when I rescued her from the wolf, she showed no fear of me, even after I killed the beast right beside her. Despite my own fears that she might see me as a threat, she calmly tended to my wounds. Her unwavering trust in me, reflected in her eyes, made me realize I must protect her."

The queen smiled, understanding her son's motivations.

Meanwhile, the servant arrived with snacks and juice. The queen asked Aria about Ayan, and the girl replied, "I don't know him well, but he saved me from wolves."

Ayan introduced himself, looking slightly sad. Aria thanked him again, and they began conversing.

Aria's attention turned to Queen Lylah, and she expressed her admiration and desire to be her girlfriend. The queen listened warmly, smiling.

King Kael entered the room, announcing, "Aria will stay here for a while. She has business with me and Ayan. If she needs anything, she can order from the servants."

As the king departed with Queen Lylah and Ayan, he cast a possessive glance at Aria, as if warning others not to interfere.

Ayan returned to Aria, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "Wait here, I'll be back soon." He handed her a small locket for safety.

Aria watched them leave, feeling a mix of emotions.

Aria, bored and alone in her room, decided to explore the upstairs hallway. Despite the servant's initial objections, she persisted, curious about the castle.

As she wandered, she discovered a room with a captivating black-patterned bloom. Entering, she found beautiful paintings, statues, and a large, soft bed. Her eyes widened as she explored.

Suddenly, a sound came from the bathroom. Aria hid behind a large bookshelf. A handsome boy, around 14, with piercing grey eyes, emerged. His face exuded coldness as he began reading.

Aria peeked, mesmerized. Their eyes met, and she felt scared. The boy, Elian, retrieved a book from the shelf, unaware of Aria's presence.

However, when Aria moved, the bookshelf creaked, and books fell. Elian rushed to help, saving her.

Their eyes locked, and Aria smiled. Elian took the safety locket from her neck, asking, "Your friend?" His tone implied he knew the locket's owner.

Aria explained, "My friend gave it to me." Elian's gaze intensified, recognizing the locket as his brother Ayan's.

Aria jumped onto Elian, retrieving the locket. He caught her hand, pulling her back.

A servant entered, addressing Elian as "Yuvraj Prince." Aria realized he was Ayan's big brother.

Elian instructed Aria to stay until his family returned. She agreed, sitting quietly.

Elian resumed reading, occasionally glancing at Aria. Her eyes drifted to a black rose plant. Enchanted, she picked a rose and offered it to Elian.

However, Elian's expression darkened. "You have no right to take flowers without permission." Aria's eyes welled up with tears.

Elian took the rose, motioning for Aria to sit. He continued reading, secretly glancing at her.

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