I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 72: Something feel off

"Can we get food for the others?" Kael asked softly as they walked down the cobbled street, his small hand still wrapped in Elysia's.

Elysia blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his request. She glanced down at him, noting the hopeful gleam in his violet eyes.

"For the other children at the orphanage?" she clarified.

Kael nodded eagerly. "They don't get to eat good food a lot," he whispered, almost embarrassed by the admission. "If we bring them something... they'll be really happy."

Elysia's heart clenched at his words, and without hesitation, she gave him a warm smile. "Of course we can."

Kael's face lit up with excitement, and one of the soldiers chuckled softly. "Looks like you've got your orders, Your Majesty."

Elysia rolled her eyes playfully. "Then let's get to work."

Kael, now brimming with enthusiasm, took the lead. He darted between stalls, pointing out foods with the decisiveness of someone on a mission.

The soldiers followed with amused grins, carrying the growing collection of items Kael selected.

At the fruit stand, Kael's eyes sparkled at the sight of plump berries and ripe apples. "These!" he declared, grabbing a handful of each. "They're sweet. The others will love them."

The vendor, a cheerful demon with bright orange skin and a toothy grin, chuckled as he packed the fruit into small woven baskets. "You've got good taste, little one."

Next, Kael led them to a bakery where the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. He pressed his nose against the glass display case, eyes wide as he stared at the array of pastries and loaves.

"Can we get the honey rolls?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he couldn't believe he was even asking.

Elysia nodded. "We'll take a dozen," she told the baker, who quickly packed the golden-brown rolls into a box, the honey glaze still glistening.

As they moved from stall to stall, Kael's excitement grew, and Elysia found herself smiling at his infectious joy. At one point, he insisted they buy a large wheel of cheese, much to the soldiers' confusion.

"Cheese?" one of them asked, raising an eyebrow. "Really?"

Kael nodded firmly. "Trust me. Cheese makes everything better."

Elysia laughed softly. "Who am I to argue with that logic?"

With their arms full of food, the group finally started making their way toward the orphanage.

Kael walked beside Elysia, his small hand still holding hers tightly, his face beaming with pride at the bounty they carried.

But as they approached the orphanage, Elysia's steps slowed.

This... this is an orphanage? she thought, stunned.

The building before them was nothing like what she had imagined. It stood tall and grand, its stone walls polished to a pristine shine.

Elegant archways adorned the facade, and large windows framed with ornate carvings allowed sunlight to stream into the building.

The entrance was flanked by lush gardens, filled with colorful flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. It looked more like a luxurious manor than a home for orphaned children.

Elysia glanced down at Kael, a frown tugging at her lips. Why would he run away from this place?

Before she could dwell on the thought, the front door opened, and a woman stepped out to greet them.

She was tall and impeccably dressed, her dark hair twisted into an elegant bun. Her golden eyes sparkled with what appeared to be warmth, but Elysia's instincts immediately whispered otherwise.

The woman's smile was wide—too wide—and there was a practiced air to her demeanor, as if every gesture was carefully calculated.

"Welcome," she greeted, her voice dripping with sweetness that felt almost... artificial. "What a delightful surprise!"

Elysia offered a polite smile, though her suspicions simmered just beneath the surface. "We brought some food for the children," she explained, gesturing to the soldiers behind her who were struggling to carry all the supplies.

The woman's smile faltered for the briefest moment before she quickly masked it. "How generous of you," she replied. "Please, come inside."

Kael squeezed Elysia's hand a little tighter as they stepped through the grand entrance.

The interior of the orphanage was just as opulent as the exterior. Gleaming marble floors stretched beneath their feet, and the walls were adorned with rich tapestries and golden sconces that flickered with enchanted flames.

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Plush rugs covered the floors, and intricately carved wooden furniture filled the space. It was beautiful—almost too beautiful.

Elysia's eyes narrowed slightly. Something feels... off.

As they entered the main hall, the children—dozens of them—appeared from various rooms, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the food.

"Food!" one of them squealed, and in an instant, they all rushed forward, their excitement palpable.

The soldiers barely had time to set the food down before the children swarmed the table, eagerly grabbing whatever they could.

Elysia's chest tightened as she watched them. They weren't just excited—they were desperate.

The way they clutched the bread and fruit as if it might vanish at any moment, the hurried bites they took as if afraid someone would take it away from them... it wasn't normal.

Why are they acting like this? Elysia wondered, her frown deepening. In a place this luxurious, why do they look like they haven't eaten in days?

Kael, now seated at the table with the other children, glanced up at Elysia and gave her a small, grateful smile. Elysia returned it, but her mind raced with questions.

The woman, still wearing that too-perfect smile, clapped her hands. "Children, please, mind your manners," she cooed, though there was a sharpness to her tone that made Elysia's skin crawl.

Elysia's gaze flicked to the soldiers, who were also noticing the odd behavior. One of them gave her a subtle nod, silently acknowledging that something wasn't right.

As the children ate, one of the younger ones, a little girl with curly black hair and wide amber eyes, tugged on Elysia's cloak.

"Ma'am," she asked softly, her voice filled with innocent curiosity. "Can you play with us?"

Elysia's heart melted instantly, and she crouched down to the girl's level, offering her a warm smile. "Of course I can."

But even as she spoke, her mind whispered a single thought:

Something here isn't what it seems.