Sofia's POV:
His words hit me like a slap, sharp and stinging. I turned back to face my fear.
"Here you go, my Luna," he said proudly, picking the stick back up from the ground, ready to fight again.
I did the same. But I wasn't just here to fight—I had prepared myself to defeat him.
If only I could use magic on him… his head would've been decorating the palace gate by now like a trophy.
He kicked me down so many times. My bones ached, my limbs trembled, but I never gave up. I kept pushing through the pain. It burned like fire across my skin—and I was ready to extinguish it with the little strength I had left.
"You're getting there! Don't give in!" he called out, his voice sounding more like a motivational speaker than an enemy.
I stared at him, trying to read every move, every shift of his feet. I studied him. Observed. Watched. I worked on figuring out a way to take him down, even though it felt impossible—maybe not even in five years could I achieve that.
Still, I tried.
To my surprise, his eyes lit up with pride. I dodged every weapon he swung at me. "You're on point. Keep going," he encouraged, yet his attacks didn't stop.
The world could never understand how proud I felt at that moment. It was like a painkiller rushing through me. His words made me feel like a real warrior. For once—I was proud of myself.
After several minutes, the fight ended. I didn't knock him down. But that didn't matter.
He should be scared of me now—because one day, I'll be the one standing over him.
"Watch your back. My eyes are on you," I said playfully, pointing two fingers from my eyes to his face.
Just then, a guy—probably his personal bodyguard—walked over with two bottles of water and handed one to Adam.
Of course, my personal maid was still right by my side. She hadn't left me for a single second since she was assigned. She followed me like a loyal watchdog—and we weren't even born on the same day.
She rushed to my side and handed me a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off my face.
Adam passed me the bottle of water. I took it and drank like someone who had just run a hundred-meter race. You can't blame me—I deserved it.
We both walked over to a long bench and sat down. I didn't even wait for him to say anything before relaxing my back, like I'd been waiting for it all day.
"We should talk about the first move… or what do you think?" Adam said, his eyes locking onto mine.
I took a deep breath, calming myself before speaking. "I think I need a spy. Not just anyone—I need someone trustworthy," I responded seriously.
"That person will be sent to Snowflake… to find out if my friend is back there. With her, this mission will be faster and smoother," I added, my mind already racing ahead.
Adam looked at me for a long moment. He didn't say anything at first. Instead, he opened the water bottle and took a deep drink.
"A spy… Who would that be?" he finally asked.
We both turned at the same time and looked at his personal guard. Maybe we were thinking the same thing.
"What about him?" I said, breaking the silence.
Adam's face shifted—his expression unreadable. Maybe what he was thinking wasn't what I had in mind.
"Let's go eat. We'll come back to that," he said, standing up.
His mood swings were something else—just like a chameleon. No one could tell what mood he was in or what would trigger it. That's the king for you.
"I need to change my clothes first," I said, walking away before him.
"Don't take too long," I heard him say behind me.
I stopped, turned around with a teasing smile, and bowed slightly. "I won't take too long, my King," I said, still grinning as I walked away.
I reached for the door, but my maid rushed ahead and opened it for me. "Thanks," I said softly.
She looked shocked… and then blushed.
I stepped inside expecting her to follow me, but she stayed outside. Honestly, I preferred it that way. I didn't invite her in.
I walked straight into the bathroom and turned on the water, letting it fall over my head—clothes still on. I was just too weak to undress.
The wounds and scars on my body… They felt like a million stars piercing through my skin.
"Ahhh," I groaned as I finally peeled off my clothes. The pain was unbearable—but I had to bathe. Honestly, I was starving too.
After cleaning up and changing, I went down to the dining table.
If the palace cooks were seers, they must've read my mind perfectly—because they served exactly what I was craving.
I ate like a warrior who just returned from battle.
"Take it easy. No one is taking the food from you," Adam joked from across the table.
He always had something to say—always poking into people's business like it entertained him. Even when no one laughed, he kept going. He always danced to his own beat.
I ignored him and kept eating. I didn't care. The food was worth it.
Then suddenly, I noticed everyone looking in one direction.
An old woman walked in with the elegance of royalty. All the maids bowed respectfully. Even Adam stood up to greet her.
I had no idea who she was, but I stood up too.
She smiled at me as if we'd known each other forever. She ignored Adam's greeting and walked straight toward me.
"Wow. You look stunning, my dear. You deserve better, my angel," she said sweetly, then rolled her eyes at Adam.
Even she could see I was too beautiful for that devil. But I had no choice. If I didn't manage him, who else would? So I kept quiet like calm water.
I was just a little girl trying to find her way out of a deep, dark forest.
"Thank you, ma," I said, returning her smile.
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed through the hall.
"Welcome the crowned king!"
Everyone turned sharply toward the direction of the sound.