I lowered myself onto the chair across from Adrik, every movement sending a sharp reminder of last night's events rippling through my body. My legs trembled slightly beneath the table, muscles sore from the sheer intensity of what we had done. I tried to sit with some semblance of composure, but the lingering ache made it impossible to ignore.

Adrik noticed. Of course, he did. His sharp eyes flickered with amusement, a slow, knowing smirk curving his lips as he casually sipped his coffee. The silence between us crackled with unspoken words, heavy with the remnants of the night before.

I could feel the warmth of his gaze lingering on me, studying every shift in my posture, every slight wince I tried to suppress. He didn't need to say a word—his expression alone spoke volumes. Satisfaction. Possession. The pleasure of knowing exactly why I couldn't sit comfortably.

Heat crept up my neck, but I refused to look away. Instead, I picked up my fork with feigned nonchalance, focusing on my plate as if my world hadn't just been unraveled by him mere hours ago. But Adrik wasn't one to let things go unnoticed.

"Something wrong, printsessa?" His voice was a low purr, dripping with amusement, teasing and dark.

I swallowed, gripping my utensil a little tighter. "No," I lied, even as my body betrayed me.

His smirk deepened. "Good." He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease, reveling in the aftermath he had left me in.

Breakfast suddenly felt like a battlefield—one I wasn't sure I could win.

As breakfast came to an end, I barely noticed the clatter of dishes being cleared away. My mind had already drifted elsewhere—to Elsa, my little bunny. A small, warm pulse of affection stirred in my chest at the thought of her, waiting patiently for me, probably twitching her tiny nose in anticipation.

I needed to go. Now.

The urge to feed her settled into a quiet desperation. I could already imagine the way she'd nibble eagerly, her soft fur brushing against my fingers as she pressed close, trusting and delicate. The thought alone made me restless.

I'd have to find a maid to get more vegetables. The idea made me hesitate for a second. Would she look at me strangely? Question why I needed extra greens? The last thing I wanted was a skeptical glance or some offhanded comment. Maybe I was overthinking it. Or maybe I just didn't want to explain myself to someone who wouldn't understand.

More importantly, I needed to take the pills I had hidden in the tree. The thought sent a chill down my spine. No matter what happened, I couldn't risk getting pregnant—not by Adrik. Not by a man like him. The very idea made my stomach churn.

I shifted in my seat, ready to stand, but before I could move, Adrik's voice cut through the air.

"Where are you going?"

I stilled, forcing my expression to remain neutral as I met his gaze. His sharp blue eyes locked onto mine, unreadable, calculating.

"The garden," I answered smoothly.

His brow lifted slightly, but instead of pressing further, he simply said, "No need. We need to visit the doctor."

Every muscle in my body tensed. The doctor? My heart slammed against my ribs as I struggled to keep my panic at bay.

"Why?" I asked, my voice deceptively calm.

"Just a check-up."

A chill crawled down my spine. A check-up. If we went to a hospital, they could find out. They could run tests. And if Adrik discovered I had already taken birth control, he might kill me without a second thought.

I needed to think fast.

I forced a small smile, tilting my head slightly as I softened my voice into something sweet, something harmless. "I'm perfectly fine," I murmured, letting my fingers brush lightly against the table in a show of nervousness. "And... please, I don't like the smell of hospitals. It makes me sick. Can I please not go?"

I kept my tone light, almost pleading, my eyes wide and innocent.

Adrik studied me for a long moment, his gaze steady, unreadable. A slow exhale left my lips, barely noticeable. If he insisted, if he pushed, I'd have no choice but to go.

But then—

"Okay," he said.

I blinked. Okay? Just like that?

Before I could dwell on it, he stood up, smoothing out his sleeves with the effortless elegance that always made him seem untouchable. "I'm leaving for the office now," he said casually, as if the last few seconds hadn't felt like a noose tightening around my throat.

Then, before I could react, he leaned down and captured my lips in a slow, sensual kiss.

My breath hitched. His lips were warm, firm, demanding, lingering just long enough to make my heart stutter in confusion. When he finally pulled back, his smirk was barely there, but the weight of his dominance settled over me like a heavy chain.

"Be good while I'm gone, printsessa."

And just like that, he was gone, leaving me sitting there, pulse hammering, mind racing.

I needed to get to those pills. Now.

The moment Adrik stepped out, the air in the room felt lighter—though not by much. His presence lingered, his kiss still burned on my lips, and even as I swallowed the unease crawling up my spine, I knew I couldn't waste time.

I pushed my chair back carefully, suppressing a wince as the soreness in my legs reminded me once again of last night. But I had more pressing matters. I needed to get to the garden, to the tree where my pills were hidden.

Keeping my movements controlled, I made my way out, keeping my head down as I walked through the halls. The last thing I needed was a nosy maid or a guard questioning where I was going.

As I reached the back entrance, the scent of freshly turned soil and morning dew filled my senses. The garden stretched before me, quiet and untouched, the perfect sanctuary. My heart pounded as I moved toward the tree where I had hidden the pills.

I quickly retrieved the small packet from the hidden hole inside the tree. My fingers trembled slightly as I pulled out a pill, placing it on my tongue and swallowing it dry. A bitter taste lingered, but I didn't care. I had to protect myself.

Tucking the empty cloth back into its hiding place, I brushed the dirt off my hands and straightened my posture. I couldn't stay out here too long—someone might start asking questions.

With a deep breath, I walked back toward the house, keeping my steps light and my expression neutral. I had another task now. Elsa needed food.

I made my way toward the kitchen, where the maids were busy with their morning duties. The clatter of pots and the scent of fresh bread filled the air. I spotted a maid I didn't recognize well—she was tall, with sharp cheekbones and narrowed eyes that immediately made me uneasy.

I approached her cautiously. "Excuse me," I said, keeping my voice soft. "Could I get some extra vegetables? Just a little."

She barely spared me a glance as she wiped her hands on her apron. "And why would you need extra vegetables?" Her tone was laced with sarcasm.

I hesitated. "It's... for my bunny," I admitted.

At that, she let out a harsh laugh. A few of the other maids turned their heads, sensing the shift in energy.

"A bunny?" she repeated mockingly. "You think we're running a pet shop here?"

I blinked. "It's just a few vegetables. It's not like—"

She cut me off with a scoff. "Look at you. Acting all high and delicate, like you're some kind of queen." Her voice dropped, turning sharp. "You think sleeping in his bed makes you special? You're nothing. Just another plaything for him to use until he gets bored."

The words hit me like a slap to the face. A bitter sting of humiliation burned in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"You must be very bold," I said quietly, tilting my head. "Speaking this way to someone Adrik personally brought into his home."

Her eyes darkened. "I'm just telling the truth. Girls like you? You never last. You should be grateful we even let you eat at the same table as him."

Something inside me snapped.

I took a step closer, leveling my gaze with hers. "And yet, here you are, scrubbing dishes while I sit at that table," I said, my voice smooth but laced with venom. "Tell me, which one of us is truly beneath the other?"

Her nostrils flared, rage flashing in her eyes.

Then—slap!

The sharp sting of her palm cracked across my cheek, sending my head snapping to the side. A few gasps echoed through the kitchen, the other maids frozen in place................................................. 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓸𝓷. Link in my bio

Don't forget to like and comment👌and follow

That maid is about to get it