Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 161

The monotonous beeping of the infirmary machines had shifted from being a mere sound to a strange comfort. It was as if the rhythmic noise was announcing the end of whatever chaos had ensnared me. I inhaled deeply, letting the air fill my lungs as I began to wake. Almost instantly, I felt a gentle squeeze around my hand. It was a warmth that radiated from my fingertips, coursing through my veins, reaching my mind, and spreading down to my toes. It was as if my entire being was enveloped in a soothing embrace, and with it came a wave of tranquility that washed over me like a gentle tide. My neck slowly turned toward the source of that warmth, and I blinked my eyes open, still heavy with sleep.

At first, everything was a blur, but as my vision cleared, I let out a soft sigh. There he was, Maximus, his golden eyes fixed on me with a gaze that felt both protective and warm. The corners of his lips curved into the slightest of smiles, a small flicker of joy in an otherwise somber atmosphere. His hands enveloped mine, grounding me in the moment.

“Hi,” I managed to rasp, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Hi,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

As I lay there, I could feel his unwavering gaze upon me, and my eyes began to wander around the room. It was then that I realized we were not alone in this space. In his usual spot, leaning against the wall with an air of indifference, was none other than Valentin Lunerly. He still wore the same casual shirt and trousers he had donned during our harrowing encounter in the forest. A smear of my own blood stained his thigh, a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. I shifted my gaze up to his face; as always, he wore an impassive expression, but there was a slight nod in my direction—a silent acknowledgment of my presence.

My exploration of the room continued, albeit slowly, until my eyes landed on a third figure, leaning nonchalantly against the wall. Instantly, a jolt of tension coursed through me as recognition hit. Kairos Moonraiser was here, in my infirmary room.

He must have sensed my gaze, for he turned to meet my eyes. The usual hardness that typically defined his features had softened, his freckles glinting like stars on his sun-kissed skin. His fierce gold eyes, usually so intimidating, now held a warmth that was almost inviting.

A rush of warmth surged through me again, and I felt a sudden urge to fidget. It was becoming uncomfortably warm in the room. Kicking the blanket off my feet, I sighed in relief as the cool air brushed against my skin, soothing the heat that had begun to build. I settled back against the pillows, pressing my palm against my forehead, trying to gather my thoughts.

“What happened?” I managed to ask, my voice still hoarse.

“What do you remember?” Valentin’s voice was gentle yet probing, as if he was trying to help me piece together the fragments of my memory.

I closed my eyes, delving deep into the recesses of my mind, searching for the elusive memories. All I could recall was an overwhelming sensation of pain, a searing heat, and the acrid scent of charred flesh. Then, fleetingly, images of two wolves bursting forth from the depths of the forest came to me—one with auburn fur, the other a muted, ashy brown. My hand dropped to my side, and I turned my gaze toward Valentin.

“You were there,” I said, looking at Kairos. “And, for some reason, you.”

The softness in Kairos’s expression vanished, replaced by the familiar hardness that had become his trademark. He opened his mouth to speak, but Valentin interjected before he could say anything.

“Does wolf blood do the same for vampires?” I asked, curiosity piquing despite the heaviness in my chest.

“Sort of,” Maximus said, his voice calm and measured. “It’s more of a depressant for them. Think of it like human marijuana. That’s why they were draining you— to get high and stockpile a supply.”

I frowned again, my mind racing. I vaguely remembered one of the vampires trying to taste my blood before everything went dark. A dull ache began to throb in my head, and I decided I would ask Mona about it later. I pressed the heel of my palm into my eye socket, ready to request some solitude to sleep when suddenly, the door swung open with a force that startled me.

A whirlwind of dark robes swept into the room, coming to a halt at the foot of my bed. The figure was tall, adorned with an array of gold chains and intricate pins that glimmered in the dim light. Slowly, they pulled back their hood, and my breath caught in my throat.

Queen Victoria Luna stood before me, a striking presence that commanded the room.

“Your Highness,” Maximus stammered, scrambling to his feet and bowing his head in respect. Kairos mirrored his actions, while Valentin, ever the stoic, crossed his arms over his chest, his expression unreadable.