Moonlit Whispers

Chapter 5

"Oh! Indeed, Your Majesty." Bella composed herself, hoping he hadn't noticed her inquisitive gaze. Being in the presence of royalty was a rarity for her, making it hard to resist curiosity.

The corner of his mouth rose. "What a beautiful name."

Feeling her cheeks redden, Bella replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She gently touched her wrist, sensing her pulse quicken. Bella often wished he would initiate conversation, if only to disrupt her thoughts. But he never did – until today.

"How long have you been at the Palace?" he inquired, marking a page in his book and placing it on his lap. Her eyes trailed his movements, striving to divert her attention from her nerves.

"Five years, Your Majesty."

"Five years? You've been assigned to the Library the entire time? No promotions or reassignments?" He studied her with a slight tilt of his head.

"No, but—I adore it here," Bella confessed, glancing at the towering shelves surrounding them. "I wouldn't wish to work anywhere else, even if presented with the opportunity."

She sensed his eyes linger on her, and she met his gaze. It was astonishing how he could be related to Prince Reagan when he was so… gentle and kindhearted.

Prince Reagan was coarse and short-tempered, an apparent antithesis to Charles. Ugh! She didn't want to dwell on that man; why couldn't she banish him from her thoughts? She lamented the moment she ventured outside for a breath of fresh air.

A brief, quiet moment enveloped them, and Bella was surprised to find it comforting. She didn't feel compelled to fill the space with chatter to please him. "I cherish it here as well," Prince Charles stated simply.

Bella observed him depart, book cradled under his arm. Gradually, her heart settled from the excitement of their encounter. He treated her as an equal, not as a servant or someone under his control—almost like a friend.

As the Library dimmed, Bella ensured everything was properly arranged before preparing to depart.

Upon entering their shared room, Gwen hurried to Bella with a hint of panic on her delicate face. "Bella! There you are. What happened with Prince Charles? Did he say anything...?" Bella knew Gwen's thoughts were on whether the prince had overheard their conversation.

To soothe Gwen's concerns, Bella gave her a comforting smile, brushed back her friend's red curls, and shook her head. "No, he didn't mention anything. I don't think he heard us."

Relief washed over Gwen's face as Bella removed her apron and began to ready for bed. However, it wasn't long before her friend resumed her probing.

"So..." Gwen approached Bella, her freckled face feigning innocence. "Why didn't you tell me Prince Charles frequents the Royal Library? Has anything ever... happened between you two?"

"Are you serious?" Bella spun to face Gwen, her cheeks aflame. "Of course not! He just comes by to read occasionally!"

"Oh, really? Just occasionally?" Gwen smirked, crossing her arms and tapping her fingers lightly. "Are you certain it's not more than that? The way he looked at you was quite revealing..." she teased.

"Enough, Gwen, truly!" Bella tossed a pillow at her friend. "Do you thrive on gossip?"

Gwen chuckled, returning the pillow. "Alright, fine. But honestly, what's up with you? You seem so... distant today."

"I—nothing happened." Bella sat on her bed, evading Gwen's gaze. Part of her yearned to confess everything to her friend, but shame restrained her from revealing the previous night's events.

"I'm just worn out, especially after what occurred with Christina and everything. Can we just sleep? I'm not in the mood for a barrage of questions."

Gwen studied Bella for a moment, as if attempting to discern the truth hidden in her thoughts. Eventually, she sighed. "Alright, just remember I'm here for you, no matter what." Gwen hugged Bella, who struggled to maintain her composure in the face of her friend's support.

"I know, thank you," Bella whispered, pulling away. "One day, we'll escape this place and lead happier lives." It was a mantra they both needed to hear.

With the amnesty the Alpha King planned to sign, their dream seemed more attainable. Where would they go once their names were cleared? It didn't matter, as long as it was far from here.

Gwen grinned and pecked Bella on the cheek. "We certainly will! Goodnight."

"Bella!" A recognizable voice yelled close to her ear, jolting her body back to wakefulness. "Wake up!"

Bella shot up, gasping for air. Thank heavens it was only a nightmare!

In the dream, her life was slipping away. A massive wolf pinned her to the ground, ignoring her pleas as it opened its jaws wide and sunk its teeth deep into her neck. The pain was agonizingly real and unendurable.

"Bella!" Gwen hissed urgently, drawing her attention. It took Bella a moment to realize she was in the room with Gwen, not being devoured in the woods by an enormous wolf. She touched her neck and glanced down to find her hand was clean; there was no blood. Gradually, her heart rate slowed, and her breathing steadied.

Her gown felt drenched, and her skin seemed marred and uncomfortable. Her head throbbed, compelling her to cleanse herself once more to erase his touch—

The dream had felt so authentic... she was convinced she was about to perish at his hands. "Rise quickly! Prince Reagan is here, and he's requested all the maids be inspected!"

The news startled her awake. She clambered out of bed, nearly tripping over herself. The mere thought of facing him made Bella's face blanch. "Inspected? For what?"