"I was scared I wouldn't survive."
The words echoed in my heart as the air grew heavy around me.
"What was going on here?" the high-status man demanded.
I lowered my head, trembling, ready to speak—but before I could, a soldier rushed forward.
"Sir, William still hasn't paid his debt."
The man's eyes hardened. His voice was calm, yet cruel:
"It doesn't matter. Kill his wife and return her body."
My blood froze. Panic consumed me. Was this the kind of man he truly was? Would I be next? My breath quickened, my chest tight. I didn't know if I would survive another moment.
He stepped closer, and my heart pounded as if trying to escape. His hand rested gently on my head, and to my surprise, a faint smile curved on his lips.
"You know how to fight, don't you?" he asked softly.
I stammered, "I-I'm sorry, sir… it won't happen again."
He laughed lightly. "Oh, you're frightened. I was just asking."
Shaking my head, I gathered a little courage. "But, sir… you never told me what my duty here is."
His expression softened. "I have a son. You are to stay by his side, protect him, and obey his every command."
His words left me confused. Protect his son? How could I protect anyone when I couldn't even defend myself?
"Sir," I whispered, "how can I protect someone? I don't even know how to fight…"
I thought to myself bitterly, This man must be crazy—one moment cruel, the next calm.
Then, once again, his hand rested gently on my head. But this time, the feeling wasn't fear—it was strange comfort.
"You'll be trained," he said in a voice sweet as honey. "Don't worry."
Something in his tone stirred me. A flicker of happiness bloomed in my chest. Deep down, I had always been drawn to the thought of fighting, though I had never tried before.
"Your training begins tomorrow," he declared. "So tell me—are you ready?"
His hand lingered on my head, warm and steady. My heart raced as though I were being blessed. With sudden joy, I answered, "Yes, I'm ready. Thank you… for choosing me."
I left with a light heart, almost overjoyed. Something new was beginning in my life.
The house around me was vast and beautiful. Wandering through its endless halls, I stumbled upon a garden overflowing with flowers and plants. It was a sanctuary of peace. The wind carried the scent of blossoms, and the silence of nature surrounded me.
I sat beneath a tree, watching the sun sink slowly into the horizon. I felt I could stay there forever.
But as the last rays of light faded, I sensed something behind me. Turning, I froze.
A boy stood there—young, perhaps younger than me—with hair as white as snow and fire burning in his eyes. His expression was filled with anger.
"Why did you come here?!" he shouted.
Before I could answer, he drew his sword and pressed the cold steel against my neck. Soldiers rushed in, circling me from all sides.
My body locked in fear. I couldn't move.
Then a familiar voice thundered through the garden. "Put down your swords!"
The high-status man appeared, his royal attire flowing in the breeze. His eyes glowed with controlled fury.
The boy snarled, "Can't you see—"
But one sharp glance from his father silenced him. The boy lowered his blade, though his burning eyes remained fixed on me.
The high-status man approached me, his expression softening once more. "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
I swallowed my fear and answered, "Yes, sir… I am fine."
He turned to the others. "This is my son," he said. "Forgive his actions."
I stood quietly, too overwhelmed to respond. The boy's fiery gaze lingered on me, but I forced myself to remain calm, silent.
The man's hand rested on my shoulder this time. "Are you ready?" he asked.
I nodded faintly.
"Go to your room," he said.
I obeyed. Inside, my thoughts swirled in chaos. Have I walked into the jaws of death? Can I really survive this world?
That night, I lay awake, believing it could be my last.
The next morning, they sent me for training. My heart pounded as the carriage rolled forward. The road stretched long and uncertain, every moment filling me with nervous energy.
Hours passed, and by the time we reached our destination, the sky had already begun to darken. Evening shadows followed us as we finally arrived at the training center.
But what stood before me wasn't just a training ground.
It was… a palace.