ARAMINTA’s POV
“Imogen, you can leave. I’m a bit stable now”
Her eyes looked at me sharply before she refuted bluntly “You are kidding, I’m staying with you”
I smiled briefly at her “I’m okay” Yes I was okay physically but not mentally. Imogen already guided me to my room entrance but I needed to discharge her so I could wallow in my shame in peace.
“Are you sure? She asked with concern in her eyes, maybe she could finally grasp that I needed some time alone because my own Imogen would be forcing her way in by now. I nodded my head “Yes, you are so tired and need some rest also”
She came forward and hugged me tightly while patting my head “It's okay to feel down, but it's not your fault Princess. Don't worry, your husband-to-be won't leave you because of this”
I could feel the tease behind her last words but instead of me to laugh it off and take the joke, it rilled up mixed emotions within me. I faked my smile after pulling away from the hug “Ohh, see who is petting me. Where is that small Imogen?
“She grew up, princess, and guess what? Her boobs grew bigger than yours! She said out loud causing me to lower my head in embarrassment as people around the floor stared at our direction. When I thought that I could finally raise my head, my eyes met with Noah’s. “He heard her! My head screamed. His expression was kind of cold or was it annoyed? I could not place my hand on it but it wasn't his usual expression. He didn't look at me twice before he moved past us and when he was about to open his room door, Imogen said behind him “Prince Noah, you look like you are about to kill’
“Oh, it wasn't only me who noticed,” I said to myself while trying to avoid staring at Noah who turned his gorgeous face to us at Imogen’s words.
He stared deep into Imogen’s eyes and I felt chills on her behalf. He stood majestically in front of his door while staring at her, his words came out softly but laced with dangerous intent.
“I implore you to treat me with utmost respect. I won't be so forgiving next time”
His words were strong and he didn't bat an eye before he immediately opened his door and entered leaving us speechless. I timidly faced Imogen and her face was drained of color, I took her hands “Hey, I'm sure he didn't mean it that way but—
“How do you know….I mean not like you know him”
“Well..that’s true, but let's talk about this tomorrow hun. I said to her gently and helped her put the strands of her hair behind her. I wished I could console her from Noah’s words but I needed to be alone real quick. She nodded and walked away to her door which was two doors away from mine. I heaved a deep sign of nervousness and relief at the same time before I carefully entered the room.
Looked like Noah got me the largest and most luxurious room in the hotel because what? It was stunning, the curtains were slightly open and I could see the view of the beautiful city. I wished I could explore more of the room but I was exhausted mentally. I put off my clothes and the light jewelry on me then moved to the huge bathroom. I love baths! I could trade Imogen to bath in a bathtub. “Maybe that's a joke”.
I quickly stepped into the bathtub with my dangling boobs which reminded me of Imogen’s words. I took them in my hands and muttered with a pouty lip “Are they really small?
“Nah, Imogen’s own is just too big” I consoled myself then slipped into reality. I closed my eyes to enjoy the warm water, the warmth of the water began to dull my senses, and my limbs became heavy. “Ara, open your eyes” his words kept echoing in my mind. I slipped into a daze, almost as though I was drowning. “Am I, or am I imagining it? I ignored the tiny voice in my head calling me back to be aware.
I could not explain how weak and ashamed I felt being that vulnerable in front of my biggest enemy. I could not help but think things like that could break me—his gentle words—his actions. I wouldn't let those ever change my aim. He is still the monster have always known, and one day, he will show himself. I will tear him apart to unmask him. “Maybe what he said to Imogen wasn't a joke after all, I should know that much,” I thought to myself. I felt my head slipping down the edge of the bathtub but I could not open my eyes, something was holding me back. Noah—my head was filled with resentful words and emotions. I didn't like the way my panic attack made me feel earlier, I bet he was happy deep down—-
“Loud knocks!!!!!!!!
A rash and heavy pounding on the door jolted me from my insane thoughts. The echo reverberates through the thick silence of the room, I gasped loudly, startled, water splashing on me as I sat up abruptly. My heart was racing but I was still, I could not bring myself to move. “Who….is that??!