I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 50: Preparation ( Elysia)

The morning came too quickly.

Elysia's eyes fluttered open as the soft glow of dawn crept through the heavy curtains of her chambers, casting faint golden streaks across the stone walls. For a moment, she lay still, her mind suspended in that fragile space between dreams and reality.

Then it hit her.

Today was the day.

Her chest tightened, a wave of anxiety crashing over her with brutal force. The wedding. The plan. Everything was set in motion, and there was no turning back.

She exhaled shakily, forcing herself upright. The room was quiet—too quiet—but it wouldn't stay that way for long. She knew the moment she rose, her solitude would be fleeting.

The castle would be buzzing with preparations, and soon, the maids would arrive to begin the tedious process of transforming her into a queen.

Her eyes flicked to the small table beside her bed where the dagger lay, its dark surface still faintly glowing with those crimson runes.

The sight of it sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn't risk anyone seeing it, not now.

With hurried movements, Elysia slipped out of bed, her bare feet making no sound against the cold stone floor.

She crossed the room to a large wooden chest near the window, lifting the lid quietly. Inside were layers of folded fabrics—scarves, shawls, and a few dresses she rarely wore.

She tucked the dagger beneath the layers, making sure it was well hidden before closing the chest softly.

The weight in her chest lessened slightly. At least for now.

No sooner had she finished than a soft knock echoed through the room. Elysia barely had time to brace herself before the door creaked open and a flurry of activity burst into her chambers.

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At least ten maids filed in, each bowing deeply as they entered. They were dressed in matching uniforms of dark blue with crisp white aprons, their hair neatly pinned back.

Their faces, however, surprised Elysia. Instead of the solemn, obedient expressions she had expected, many of them looked... excited. Some even wore faint smiles.

"Good morning, Your Highness," one of the older maids greeted warmly, her eyes crinkling with genuine kindness. "Today is a big day."

Yes, Elysia thought wryly, I'm painfully aware.

"Let's begin, shall we?" another maid chimed in, her voice bright. "We have so much to do!"

Before Elysia could respond, they were already bustling around her, moving with well-practiced efficiency. She was gently ushered toward the adjoining bath chamber, the scent of lavender and rose water already wafting through the air.

The bath had been drawn, steam rising from the large, claw-footed tub filled with crystal-clear water that shimmered with the faintest hint of scented oils.

Elysia hesitated at the edge, but one of the younger maids, barely older than sixteen, gave her an encouraging smile.

"Don't worry, Your Highness," she whispered conspiratorially, "it's just water, not molten lava. Though I suppose with your magic, you wouldn't mind that either."

Elysia blinked, caught off guard by the humor. Despite herself, she let out a small, breathy chuckle. It felt strange, laughing on a day like this, but oddly comforting.

She allowed them to help her out of her nightgown, the silk pooling at her feet, before stepping into the warm bath.

The water enveloped her immediately, soothing her tense muscles and drawing a soft sigh from her lips. She sank deeper, the warmth seeping into her bones, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of the day seemed a little lighter.

The maids worked quickly but gently, their hands skilled as they began to wash her hair, the scent of lavender growing stronger as they massaged oils into her scalp. Elysia closed her eyes, letting herself drift, though her mind never fully quieted.

"We've never prepared a royal wedding before," one maid said softly, her voice carrying a hint of awe. "Not like this, anyway."

Another maid, scrubbing Elysia's arm with a soft sponge, chuckled. "I know! My mother worked here for years, and she always said the most exciting thing she ever saw was the annual banquet. And here we are, part of a wedding between the Demon Queen and the Princess of Arvandor."

"It's like something out of a novel," another added, her voice light with excitement. "If someone had told me a year ago that I'd be dressing a princess for her wedding to Malvoria herself, I'd have laughed in their face."

Elysia's lips twitched despite herself. The genuine delight in their voices was almost infectious. Almost.

"Do you remember when we tried to sew those curtains last month?" one maid giggled.

"We ended up with one side three inches shorter than the other, and Lady Veylira thought it was a new trend."

The others laughed softly, and Elysia found herself smiling, though she quickly masked it. It felt strange to be surrounded by such warmth and levity when her heart felt like it was tied in knots. Still, she couldn't help but appreciate their efforts to lighten the mood.

The bath was finished quicker than she expected, and she was gently helped out of the water, a thick, warm towel wrapped around her. The maids dried her hair with careful hands, the strands falling like liquid silver down her back as they worked.

"Your hair is incredible," one of the younger maids breathed, combing through the silky strands with a look of envy. "I swear it shimmers like moonlight."

Elysia chuckled softly, a rare sound that surprised even her. "It's a bit of a hassle most days," she admitted.

The maid grinned. "Worth it."

Once dry, Elysia was guided back into her room, where a large vanity had been set up, covered with brushes, combs, and an array of hairpins, ribbons, and delicate jewelry.

She sat down, and the maids immediately began their work, fingers weaving through her hair with practiced ease.

The room filled with quiet chatter, soft laughter, and the occasional teasing remark as they worked, and Elysia found herself relaxing despite the weight pressing down on her chest.

"I remember the first time I tried to curl my sister's hair," one maid recounted with a laugh. "I used so much magic that her hair stuck straight up like a porcupine for three days."

Another maid gasped. "You're the one who did that? She told everyone it was a cursed brush!"

The room burst into giggles, and Elysia shook her head softly, a smile tugging at her lips despite everything.

As the minutes passed, her hair was carefully styled into an intricate braid that wrapped around the crown of her head, small silver pins shaped like delicate flames tucked into the plaits. The rest of her hair was left loose, cascading down her back in soft waves.

"There," the head maid said proudly, stepping back to admire their work. "Fit for a queen."

Elysia gazed at her reflection, barely recognizing the woman staring back at her. She looked regal, every bit the princess and soon-to-be queen they expected her to be. But inside, she still felt like the same girl who had fled through the forests of Arvandor, heart pounding in fear.

The maids began gathering their tools, whispering amongst themselves as they admired their handiwork. But Elysia cleared her throat softly, drawing their attention.

"May I... have a moment alone?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm.

The head maid hesitated, then nodded, offering a polite bow. "Of course, Your Highness. We'll be right outside if you need anything."

One by one, they filed out, leaving Elysia in the sudden, almost startling silence of her chambers.

She waited a moment, listening to the faint sound of their footsteps fading down the hall before standing and crossing the room to the chest by the window.

Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted the lid, revealing the dagger hidden beneath the folds of fabric. She stared at it for a long moment, her breath shallow, before picking it up.

The blade felt heavier today, as if it knew what was to come.

With careful, deliberate movements, Elysia slipped the dagger beneath the folds of her gown, securing it in a hidden sheath sewn into the fabric. The weight of it pressed against her thigh, a constant reminder of what she had to do.

She exhaled slowly, her heart pounding violently in her chest.

Today, she thought. Today, it all ends.