A ROYAL OBSESSION

Maya was uncertain how long she had been unconscious, but the persistent tapping on her body finally brought her back to reality. As she stirred on the hard ground, her first thought was that she was back at Eliana's, and despite how dreadful that place was, it would have felt better than this. Opening her eyes, however, revealed the damp, cold, and dark confines of the cell.

Right. She was still in the castle. And married to that man—the one who had imprisoned her in this dark dungeon without a second thought.

But she wasn't alone. Nadira was in front of her, holding a lantern, while the guards loomed outside the cell. Were they here to release her?

Groggily, she asked, "What's happening?"

"I don't have time to explain, my lady. Just eat and drink this," Nadira urged, bringing a tray of soft bread and an unfamiliar tea that gleamed invitingly in the cup closer to Maya.

"Why? How long have I been out?" Maya questioned, sitting up and trying to comprehend the rush in Nadira's demeanor.

"It's evening," Nadira informed her. "You slept through the morning and afternoon. I was worried you hadn't eaten or drunk anything—that's why I brought this… before you meet his majesty."

Maya clenched her fists. The last thing she wanted was to see him after how he had treated her. One could wear a fine facade, but their heart could be utterly dark. She had no desire to be anywhere near him.

Yet, she hadn't realized how long she had been unconscious. Could it be God's way of shielding her from the nightmare she was living? For now, she wouldn't have to confront it; people were around her.

Nadira pulled her from her thoughts, saying, "His majesty requests your presence. You must fulfill your duty."

Maya's eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with Nadira, her expression hardening as if Nadira was Leon himself. "Duty? What duty?" She snapped, incredulous that he could request anything after tossing her into this dark hole.

"Fulfilling his majesty's desire is your duty," Nadira clarified.

Maya gritted her teeth. "I'm not going anywhere." She turned her head defiantly, refusing to leave this cell for that man. After locking her away and ignoring her, he now expected her to cater to his needs, just because he was horny? How delusional could he be? It infuriated her. She hated his guts—and hated herself even more for being powerless. He was enjoying this torture, thinking he could use her just because she was trapped. But she had learned a key lesson while growing up: no one should be allowed to use her, no matter their status. They were all the same. She would show him he had messed with the wrong person. Her fingernails dug into her palm. She was going to fight back.

"Your majesty... You don't have a choice. Things could get worse if you don't answer to him," Nadira added, her voice laced with fear.

Maya's gaze shifted back to the young woman, noticing the trepidation in her eyes. The king had instilled fear in everyone. But she was not like everyone else. She was no longer that weak Maya.

"Please," Nadira begged.

Without hesitation, Maya reached for the bread and began to eat, shocking Nadira into silence. Then she turned her attention to the tea. "Is this supposed to help?"

"Yes, it will help you relax and diminish the pain... just pleasure," Nadira said as she offered the tea closer. Maya accepted it without a second thought and began to drink, surprising Nadira once more. In an instant, the woman who had been reluctant to comply now seemed determined to face whatever awaited her.

As Maya consumed the bread and tea, she genuinely felt better. The tea was soothing, calming her nerves, while the bread filled her empty stomach after missing both lunch and breakfast.

Once she finished, Nadira draped a cloak around her shoulders and led her out of the cell. Maya caught the gaze of the guard who had left the lantern for her yesterday. She smiled softly at him. "Thanks for yesterday." He nodded in acknowledgment before she was ushered out of sight.

Maya followed Nadira without hesitation; the girl made sure she was alright and navigated the path with ease, ensuring that Maya wouldn't trip. If they were outside, Maya would undoubtedly have befriended Nadira, despite her being slightly younger. In this imposing, cold, and dark place, Nadira's kindness felt like a beacon of light for Maya.

They walked through the dark halls once more, the curtains already drawn tightly, plunging the corridors back into shadows.

Maya struggled to understand how someone could revel in darkness, as if they shunned light entirely. Perhaps he was the devil himself. But Maya was resolute—she would not be consumed by him and his darkness.

As they reached the chamber, the heavy door swung open, revealing an air that was colder than Maya had anticipated. Her eyes landed on the man sitting lazily on the couch, legs crossed, twirling wine in his golden cup. His gaze was fixed on her, unwavering.

"Her majesty is here," Nadira announced.

Leon dismissed the maid without a glance, his attention wholly on Maya. A subtle smirk curled his lips as he observed her clench her fists, cheeks flushed with a mix of fury and embarrassment, as if she yearned to unleash a punch on his face, but that would never land, not even in her dreams.

"Get out," he commanded firmly.

Nadira understood who the order was directed at; she bowed her head and made her way to the door. Maya's eyes narrowed slightly; he hadn't explicitly told her to leave. She decided to play her hand. Turning on her heels, she headed for the exit, but before she could reach it, the door slammed shut, as if an invisible force had intervened.

"Did I say you could leave?" Leon questioned, his tone calm yet laden with menace as he rose from the couch, discarding his glass casually.

He approached her, each step deliberate, the distance between them rapidly closing.

Maya turned but then felt her confidence falter, replaced by a deep unease as she instinctively gulped at the sight of him.

He exuded intimidation effortlessly; his piercing gaze felt sharper than a thousand daggers, compelling her to shrink back, and his posture was so commanding it made everyone seem small, like mere dust beneath his feet.

She swallowed hard, breaking eye contact. "Why did you come late?" he demanded, his authority unyielding.

"I was preparing myself," Maya replied smoothly, still avoiding his gaze.

His eyebrows arched in skepticism. "Physically and mentally, huh?" The challenge in his tone made it clear he sensed her struggle. It was revolting to think he felt entitled to demand her presence after tossing her into a dungeon like she was nothing, merely to satisfy his desires.

"But I don't believe you, Maya... Are you stalling, thinking I would postpone my intentions?" he pressed.

She clenched her fists, her frown deepening as she met his piercing gaze. "I'd never do that," he asserted, seemingly unfazed. "I've given you two nights to prepare. Now, I'm taking you whether you're prepared or not" His voice dropped as he began to close the distance between them, and Maya stepped back until her back hit the wall, cornered with no escape.

His presence was overwhelming; the scent of him clouded her senses, making her lightheaded. "I... I feel sick," she managed to say, her voice trembling.

"Did a night in the dungeon make you sick?" he scoffed, his tone mocking her weakness.

How would he even know? He had never been there in his entire life, he had no idea how the dungeon felt or what it did to the people in there.

"I prefer mine sick," Leon added, eyes narrowing as he noted her expression of disgust.

He sighed internally before raising his hand to check her forehead temperature, intensifying her anger and frustration. Her temperature was just normal.

Leon tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips as he withdrew his hand. "You're such a terrible liar, Maya. I know you want to escape, but it won't happen."

Straightening up, he issued a new command. "Go to the bed."

Maya hesitated. "Now" His next words made her start moving even though she didn't want to.