Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-Nine

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓨-𝓝𝓘𝓝𝓔
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╰➢ Chapter 29, let's go!

Y/n had spent the past few days confined to her room, recovering under the watchful eyes of the Xilmaris family. They ensured she rested properly, not wanting her to feel any discomfort while she was still bleeding. Though she appreciated their concern, at times, their constant hovering became overwhelming. Now, however, she finally felt like herself again.

Sitting in the warm bath, Y/n absentmindedly traced patterns in the water with her fingers. The gentle ripples swayed around her, soothing her nerves. She sighed in relief—her body had finally stopped bleeding, and for the first time in days, she felt truly at ease.

A soft knock on the door drew her attention. "Miss Y/n, I have brought you a towel and a fresh set of clothes," a servant's voice called out from the other side.

"Come in and set them on the table," Y/n replied, sinking deeper into the bath for a moment longer.

The servant entered, carefully placing the folded clothes and towel on a nearby table before bowing and exiting without another word. Y/n took her time finishing up before stepping out of the tub, the cool air hitting her damp skin. She grabbed the towel, quickly drying off before wrapping it around her wet hair.

The clothes left for her were simple but comfortable—a light gray shirt and black pants. She slipped them on with ease before making her way to the end table by her bed, where her family crest necklace lay. Taking the pendant in her hands, she stared at it for a moment before tucking it beneath her shirt.

After running a brush through her slightly damp hair, she put it away, picked up the towel, and slid on her shoes. As she stepped into the hall, a passing servant suddenly reached out and took the towel from her hands with a polite nod before walking away.

Y/n blinked, slightly puzzled by the gesture. Before she could dwell on it, a firm but gentle grip clasped her wrist. She snapped her head around, only to find herself face-to-face with King Venali. His lips stretched into a playful grin as he effortlessly pulled her toward him.

"Venali?" she started, but before she could protest further, he swiftly lifted her off the ground and slung her over his shoulder.

A startled yelp escaped her lips. "What are you doing?!"

The king chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "What does it look like I'm doing?" he quipped, striding confidently through the halls.

Y/n squirmed, but she wasn't truly resisting. From her awkward upside-down vantage point, she caught glimpses of the passing servants, who smiled knowingly at the scene unfolding before them. The entire palace was well aware of Y/n's growing relationship with both the king and queen.

Venali carried her all the way to his study, where he finally set her down onto the plush sofa with surprising gentleness. Y/n huffed, looking up at him with narrowed eyes, both curious and suspicious.

Before she could voice her thoughts, a soft hand touched her chin, tilting her head slightly upward. Y/n's breath hitched as her gaze shifted to see Queen Solana, who had approached so silently that Y/n hadn't even noticed her presence. A warm, knowing smile graced Solana's lips as she studied Y/n's face, clearly enjoying the flustered expression forming on her cheeks.