KING OF TERROR

Aria's pov

I stood frozen, my ears straining to believe what I'd just heard. Did Lord Nigel really just ask me to stay? I shook off the shock, moving to stand in the corner of the room.

As I watched, Lord Nigel began to eat his snacks, his movements so neat and gentle. He chewed calmly, his eyes closed in appreciation. I couldn't help but stare. He ate like a king – no, like a lord. His every move exuded confidence and refinement.

I felt my heart racing as I gazed at him. His lips were so pink and soft, inviting. I had an overwhelming urge to touch them, to see if they felt as gentle as they looked. It was as if I'd forgotten how to breathe. This guy didn't look human to me. He looked like a god.

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In the kingdom of Evria, King Maric lay on his bed, a physician attending to him. Despite his protests, his mother, the queen mother, insisted that he receive medical attention.

"I'm okay, Mother," King Maric reassured her. "I just need to... take care of something."

The queen mother's expression remained skeptical. "We'll see about that," she said, nodding to the physician to continue his examination.

King Maric's mind, however, was elsewhere. His thoughts seethed with anger. "How dare he?" he muttered to himself.

Just then, he remembered the letter he had sent. He summoned his messenger and demanded, "Was the letter delivered?"

The messenger bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. But we are yet to receive a response."

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Lord Nigel's pov

I gazed at Arya, standing frozen in the corner of my room. I almost laughed at her naivety, but managed to compose myself. Among all the maids I'd encountered, she was by far the most innocent.

"Come here and stand in front of me," I instructed, my voice firm but curious.

She hesitated, then slowly made her way to me. As she stood before me, I was struck by her beauty. I couldn't believe I'd asked her to stay. It was impulsive, and now I couldn't take it back.

"What's your name?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing interest.

"Aria" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled to myself. Arya was a beautiful name. And as I gazed at her, I couldn't help but think that she was a beautiful person, too.

What was I doing? I thought, shaking my head. I couldn't believe I was having a conversation with a maid. It was unheard of. Yet, here I was, drawn to her innocence and charm.

I gazed at Arya, and a pang of guilt struck me. How did I manage to punish her so harshly? She hadn't done anything wrong. In fact, she seemed to be the only one around me, apart from lady charlotte,who didn't have an ulterior motive.

I thought back to the way she'd stood in the sun, her skin burning, her spirit broken. I'd been so caught up in my own anger and frustration that I hadn't stopped to consider the consequences of my actions.

Now, as I looked at Arya, I felt a deep sense of regret. She was just a maid, after all. She didn't deserve to be treated so cruelly.

"What am I doing?" I muttered to myself, shaking my head. I couldn't believe I'd let my emotions get the better of me.

Aria's pov

I stood before Lord nigel, my head bowed in reverence. I couldn't believe the Lord of Ashwood Kingdom was actually speaking to me. It was an honor, a privilege I never thought I'd experience.

Despite the harsh punishments he'd inflicted upon me, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. But my nervousness got the better of me. I feared that even my breath would stain him, that my words would be unworthy.

So I stood there, silent and still, until Lord nigel asked, "Why are you here?" His tone was soft, a gentle whisper that caught me off guard. It was the first time I'd heard him speak so kindly.

My mind reeled in shock. What was happening? Why was he being so gentle with me? I couldn't process the sudden change in his demeanor.

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Davina departed the witch's hut, leaving the dense bush behind. She boarded the carriage that had brought her there and began her journey home.

As she rode, Davina's whispers turned into a menacing mumur. "I'll find out who that stupid girl is, and I'll destroy her." Her mind seethed with anger and resentment.

How dare some foolish girl claim what was rightfully hers? Davina's indignation grew with each passing moment. She dismissed the witch's words, convinced that the old witch was ignorant and useless, much like she was as dusgusting as the environment she inhabited.

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The rain continued to pour down heavily outside, showing no signs of stopping. Lord Nigel gestured to a nearby chair, his eyes locked on Arya. "Sit," he commanded, his tone firm but gentle.

Arya hesitated at first, unsure if she should obey. But Lord Nigel's expectant gaze made her feel like she had no choice. She sat down, trying to appear composed despite her growing unease.

As she settled into the chair,feeling of discomfort washed over her.

As soon as Lord nigel finished, Arya hastily moved to pack the wine cup and plate. In her hurry, she didn't notice the table leg and collided with it, stumbling forward. She almost fell, but Lord Nigel's swift arm caught her, his hands grasping her waist.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Time seemed to freeze.

But their intimate moment was shattered when Lady Charlotte burst in, her sudden presence making Lord nigel release Aria. Aria lost her balance and fell to the ground, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.