I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 57: Chamber

The heavy oak doors of the royal chamber closed with a soft click behind them, sealing Elysia and Malvoria in a silence that felt louder than any roar of a crowd.

The echoes of the celebration faded into nothingness, leaving only the sound of Elysia's shallow breathing and the soft, measured footsteps of the Demon Queen beside her.

Elysia's violet eyes darted around the room, taking in every detail.

The chamber was vast, larger than any room Elysia had ever seen. The high ceiling stretched above them, draped with deep crimson silks that cascaded down the dark stone walls.

A grand fireplace dominated one side of the room, its flames crackling softly, casting flickering shadows that danced across the floor. The plush carpet beneath her feet was a deep, velvety black, so soft it felt like walking on clouds.

But it was the bed that caught her attention—and sent her heart into a frantic rhythm.

It was enormous, with a canopy of sheer crimson fabric that hung like a delicate veil around it.

The black silk sheets shimmered faintly in the dim light, and scattered across them were rose petals—a deep, blood-red, stark against the dark fabric. The scent of the roses filled the room, heady and almost intoxicating.

Gods help me, Elysia thought, a wave of nervousness crashing over her.

She had known this moment would come—anticipated it, dreaded it—but now that she was here, standing in the very room where it would all happen, her mind felt like a storm of tangled thoughts.

Every muscle in her body was tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap. Her fingers itched to reach for the hidden dagger beneath her gown, to remind herself of her purpose.

Get close. Gain her trust. And when the moment is right...

The thought made her stomach churn.

Malvoria, seemingly oblivious to Elysia's internal turmoil, strolled casually toward a large wardrobe near the bed. She stretched, rolling her shoulders with a soft sigh, and then turned back to face Elysia, her gray eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"I'm going to have a bath," Malvoria announced, her voice smooth and unbothered.

Elysia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden statement. "Oh... okay."

Malvoria smirked faintly, clearly amused by Elysia's awkwardness. She didn't say another word as she disappeared behind a dark wooden door that led to the adjoining bath chamber, leaving Elysia alone in the vast room.

The moment the door clicked shut, Elysia let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She paced slowly to the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing lightly over the soft silk sheets and the delicate rose petals.

Why did she have to make this so much harder? Elysia thought bitterly.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, the soft mattress sinking slightly beneath her weight. Her hands clenched in her lap as her mind raced.

Focus, Elysia. You have a plan. You just need to stick to it.

The plan was simple in theory, yet impossibly complex in practice. She needed to gain Malvoria's trust, to make her feel comfortable, vulnerable. Only then could she strike.

But tonight...

Tonight is supposed to be the night, Elysia thought, her chest tightening. I have to do it. I have to.

The image of her father's face flashed in her mind, his proud smile, the pain in his eyes. She had promised herself she would do whatever it took to save him—to save Arvandor. Killing Malvoria was the only way. It had to be.

But then, the memories of the banquet crept in—the way Malvoria had touched her, teased her, smiled at her like she was a puzzle worth solving. It had unsettled Elysia more than she cared to admit.

Was it all just for show? Or... was it something else?

The soft sound of water splashing from the bath chamber broke through her thoughts, and Elysia's eyes flicked to the door Malvoria had disappeared behind.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry.

Pull yourself together.

Her fingers brushed the hidden dagger beneath her gown, the cool metal grounding her. She repeated the plan in her head like a mantra. Gain her trust. Get close. And when she least expects it...

But the thought was interrupted by the soft creak of the bath chamber door opening.

Elysia's breath hitched sharply.

Malvoria stepped out, her long red hair damp and clinging to her shoulders, droplets of water trailing down her bare arms.

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She was dressed in little more than a loose black robe that barely reached mid-thigh, the fabric thin and draping off one shoulder, exposing the sharp lines of her collarbone and the toned muscles beneath.

The flickering light of the fireplace caught the dark ink of the tattoos that curled along her left arm and down her side—arcane symbols that glowed faintly, a mark of her power.

But it wasn't just the tattoos or the barely-there robe that made Elysia's mouth go dry.

It was the way Malvoria's toned abs flexed slightly as she moved, the defined lines of her body impossible to ignore.

Oh, for the love of— Elysia squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, willing herself not to react. But the image was already seared into her mind.

Malvoria leaned casually against the doorframe, her gray eyes sparkling with amusement as she noticed Elysia's flustered expression. She tilted her head slightly, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"Something wrong, Princess?" she teased softly, her voice low and velvety.

Elysia's cheeks flushed a faint pink, and she quickly looked away, focusing intently on a random spot on the floor. "No," she replied, her voice a bit too sharp. "Nothing's wrong."

Malvoria chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. "If you say so."

Elysia's hands clenched tightly in her lap as she stared at the floor, willing her thoughts to calm down. Focus, damn it.

Malvoria, still clearly enjoying herself, strolled toward the bed, each step slow and deliberate.

She didn't say anything, but the weight of her gaze was impossible to ignore. Elysia could feel it, lingering on her like a phantom touch.

This is fine, Elysia told herself. She's just trying to get under my skin. Don't let her.

Malvoria finally settled onto the edge of the bed, her posture relaxed but predatory. She leaned back on her hands, stretching her legs out with casual ease, her robe slipping a little further off her shoulder.

Elysia swallowed hard and quickly stood up. "I, um... I'm going to take a bath too."

Malvoria raised a brow, clearly amused. "Go ahead," she replied smoothly, her smirk never wavering.

Elysia practically fled to the bath chamber, shutting the door behind her with a bit more force than necessary. She let out a sharp breath, leaning against the door for a moment.

What the hell was that?

She rubbed her temples, trying to clear her thoughts. The bath chamber was just as grand as the main room—a large marble tub filled with steaming water, scented with faint hints of lavender and rose.

The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and soft towels were neatly folded beside the tub. A delicate nightgown, clearly left for her, was draped over a nearby chair.

Elysia undressed slowly, placing her gown carefully aside, the hidden dagger still tucked within its folds for now. She stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping her body instantly, easing the tension in her muscles.

But her mind refused to quiet.

What if she knows? What if she suspects something?

The thought sent a chill through her despite the heat of the water. Malvoria was many things—ruthless, cunning, terrifying—but she wasn't a fool. What if this entire night was a trap? What if she was waiting for Elysia to make a move?

No. She can't know.

Elysia ran her hands through her damp hair, closing her eyes as she tried to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in her head.

And what if I fail? That thought was even worse.

What if she overpowers me? What if she stops me before I can even try? What if—

She exhaled sharply, cutting off the spiral before it could consume her. She had to focus. She had to be ready.

The water grew cooler as time slipped by, and Elysia finally forced herself out of the bath. She dried herself quickly, slipping into the soft, silky nightgown left for her.

It clung to her figure more than she would have liked, but she had bigger concerns. She reached for her gown, retrieving the hidden dagger and carefully securing it beneath the folds of her nightgown.

This is it.

Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for the door, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

You can do this.

She opened the door slowly, stepping back into the grand chamber.

Malvoria was waiting, her gray eyes locked onto Elysia the moment she entered. The flickering firelight cast soft shadows across her face, highlighting the sharp angles of her jawline, the faint smirk that still lingered on her lips.

Then, in that smooth, commanding voice that sent a shiver down Elysia's spine, Malvoria said softly:

"Come here."