The silk sheets felt cool against my skin as I stirred, the morning sun barely peeking through the heavy drapes. Pancakes, fruit, and bacon – the familiar, comforting aroma wafted through the air, stirring my appetite. My lips curved into a small smile; a simple pleasure to start the day.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Maddison chirped, already laying out my outfit for the day – a regal blue gown, perfect for the council meeting later. Hazel, ever gentle, began to brush through my long, brown hair, the rhythmic strokes a soothing balm.
I sat up, indulging in the breakfast laid out before me. The responsibilities of being Queen of Northernglades weighed heavily sometimes, but moments like these, these small pockets of normalcy, helped to keep me grounded.
"Thank you, both," I murmured, finishing the last bite of pancake. "I will go take my bath."
Maddison and Hazel exchanged knowing glances before Maddison led me to the opulent bathroom, where a steaming bath awaited. Once they left to give me privacy, I quickly undressed, the cool air raising goosebumps on my skin. I sank into the warm water, a sigh escaping my lips as my tense muscles began to relax. I submerged myself completely, welcoming the momentary silence, the feeling of weightlessness.
As I resurfaced, a scent, distinctly out of place, tickled my nose. Vanilla. My heart skipped a beat. I turned my head, and there it was: another white rose candle, its delicate petals glowing in the soft light. Next to it, another note, but this time accompanied by a gift bag. A chill ran down my spine. This was escalating.
I cautiously reached for the note, my fingers trembling slightly as I unfolded it.
Hello love, it's nice seeing you enjoy yourself.
Wanted to drop in and give you something.
Enjoy, you will thank me later~
-Love Shadow
"What the hell..." I whispered, the words barely audible above the gentle lapping of the water. This wasn't a harmless admirer; this was a stalker. A persistent, unnervingly observant stalker who somehow managed to breach my security with ease. The palace was supposed to be impenetrable. Wilson, my head bodyguard, would have a fit.
How did he get in here? Maddison and Hazel were just in my room. The guards patrolled the hallways. It was impossible. A shiver ran down my spine, and not from the cool air.
I reached for the bag, my movements hesitant. Inside, nestled amongst the tissue paper, was a beautiful golden bracelet, my initials, I.R.A, intricately engraved on the outside. It was exquisite, undeniably expensive. I rummaged further, my fingers brushing against something soft. I pulled it out, my breath catching in my throat. It was a plush white bunny with a pink nose, ridiculously adorable. A small sticky note was attached to its ear.
I peeled it off, my eyes scanning the familiar, chilling words.
Saw you looking at the bunnies the other day,
thought you wanted one of your own.
A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me. Unease, fear, but…a flicker of something else. A strange sense of vulnerability, a disquieting, undeniable…attraction? I pushed the thought aside, disgusted with myself. This man was violating my privacy, invading my space. He was a threat, not a romantic interest.
A blush crept onto my cheeks. Was I truly ashamed that I found this gesture sweet, or was I terrified that he had been in my bathroom, a room that was supposed to be locked, without a single guard noticing?
I set the bunny down on the edge of the tub, the unsettling gift staring blankly back at me. I forced myself to continue my bath, trying to shake off the feeling of being watched, of being…known. Who was this "Shadow?" What did he want?
I had to find him. I would not live in fear, constantly looking over my shoulder. He had made a grave mistake, treating me like some damsel in distress. I was Queen Isabella of Northernglades; I was not helpless.
I rose from the water, a new resolve hardening my gaze. "I will find you, Shadow," I vowed, my voice barely a whisper, but filled with steely determination. "And once I do…you will show yourself, and you will give me the answers I deserve."
Later that day, after the council meeting and the endless stream of paperwork, I summoned Wilson to my private chambers. He arrived promptly, his weathered face etched with concern.
"Your Majesty, you requested my presence?"
"Wilson," I said, my voice firm. "There has been a…breach of security. Someone has been entering my chambers, leaving gifts and messages."
Wilson's eyes widened, his hand instinctively moving towards the hilt of his sword. "What? How is this possible? I will have every guard questioned, the palace locked down."
"Do that," I instructed, "but discreetly. I don't want to cause panic. And I need you to find out everything you can about this…Shadow. He calls himself 'Shadow' at least."
I showed him the notes, the bracelet, and the bunny. Wilson examined them with a grim expression. "This man is dangerous, Your Majesty. He is targeting you deliberately."
"I know," I said, my voice low. "That's why I need you to find him. I want him apprehended, but I also want to know who he is, what he wants."
Wilson nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I will do everything in my power to protect you, Your Majesty."
As Wilson left, my gaze drifted to the window, staring out at the vast expanse of my kingdom. A kingdom I was sworn to protect, a kingdom I would rule with strength and justice. And I would not let this "Shadow" undermine me, intimidate me, or control me.
I picked up the bunny, its soft fur strangely comforting. I would use his own game against him. I would lure him out of the shadows, into the light. And when I did, he would face the full force of my wrath.