CHAPTER 10
Diandra raised her head and tried to maintain a right posture. There were some waves of her hair that came to her front. She wanted to push them back, but she didn't want to squirm too much in front of His Majesty. She risked a glance in his eyes and averted her gaze quickly. It was wrong to stare at him too much. Though she was tempted by how pleasant-looking he was.
She wanted to close her eyes shut and smack her head for the thoughts that came to her mind. But it wasn't wrong to appreciate his appearance.
Kael folded his arms, studying her carefully.
That's when he truly noticed it then.
Beautiful. She's stunningly beautiful.
Not just in an obvious way, but in a striking, unreal way. The way she stood, straight and poised, like she was born for command. The way her red hair framed her face, cascading in waves in front of her. Her beauty was untamed. It was wild. Dangerous. And then… those eyes.
Blue? Silver? He still couldn't decide.
She was like a goddess of beauty and war combined, so for a second—just a second—he forgot that she was insane.
Then reality snapped back into place.
Right. She was crazy. Absolutely crazy. A beautiful lunatic stood before him, convinced that she was a knight and he was her emperor.
He let out a slow breath, forcing his mind back to reason.
"Let me get this straight." His voice was laced with mock patience. "You don't know where you came from. But somehow, you've decided I'm your emperor?"
Diandra lifted her chin slightly.
"I do not decide, I know."
Kael ran both hands down his face.
What the hell am I supposed to do to this woman?
Kael exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair.
He needed to get rid of her.
The logical solution would be to hand her over to authorities. Let them deal with whatever mental breakdown she was having. He had zero time for this nonsense. With filming starting soon, the last thing he needed was to waste his energy on some delusional woman acting out a fantasy.
But just as he was about to say it—to order Butler Jones to call the police—he stopped.
Wait. If word got out that a deranged woman had broken into his estate, then, it would be all over the news. The paparazzi, the media, would feast on it. People would eat it up.
"Kael Raven's Crazy Stalker!" That was the friendliest title they could give. But most of the time it was the worst they could think for ridiculous headlines.
And after the last scandal with Kalista? Hell no.
His jaw tightened. He could already see the media twisting the story—turning him into a villain. Again. People love real drama for exaggerating things.
He wasn't about to let it happen again. Though he was already used in it but damn, this was something he could control, he could avoid, and he wanted it remain that way.
His gaze flicked to Diandra, who was still standing perfectly poised, perfectly composed—like she truly believed every word she said.
Beautiful. Yes. Extremely. But insane. Absolutely.
He sighed.
Damn it.
"Tch." He clicked his tongue in frustration. "Fine." His voice was sharp, but final. "You stay here. For now."
Diandra's expression didn't change, as if she had expected nothing less.
Kael, on the other hand, was already regretting his decision. "Don't follow me." He uttered and got out as fast in his long strides. He didn't want to hear another word from her.
As soon as Kael left the room, Diandra turned to face the two remaining figures. The maid and the old man.
Though she didn't know where she was or what had truly happened, one thing remained clear—her duty. And duty demanded respect.
She straightened her posture, placing her right hand lightly over her chest, and gave them a graceful court nod.
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I presume you are both close to His Majesty?" She said formally, her voice calm and steady.
The maid blinked rapidly, looking unsure whether to respond, while Butler Jones remained composed, studying her with a neutral expression.
"I'm William Jones. This mansion's butler. You can call me Jones." He finally answered. His tone was polite but cautious.
The young maid hesitated and then, gave a small bow. "I'm Alice."
Diandra acknowledge them both with a nod. Then she dipped her head slightly. "You may call me Dame Diandra, or simply Diandra if you prefer."
Suddenly, a thought struck her. The bow took a little longer that necessary when she just realized it. She stood up straight again and tried to hide the uncertainty in her eyes.
She didn't know her full name. Her fists clenched at her sides. No family name. No title beyond what she instinctively called herself.
Just Diandra.
She must have had a house, a banner, lineage—something to tie her to this world. A family even. But there was none.
All she had was a dagger, a promise, and a name that wasn't even complete.
She breathed slowly to not let out her own frustration. She put a hand to her stomach as the dull ache spread through her body, reminding her of something she had ignored until now.
Her hunger.
She had no idea when was the last time she had eaten. Her body was finally catching up to her exhaustion. She slowly sat back down on the bed, feeling the weight of her own fatigue. The adrenaline rush from seeing the emperor had masked it before, but now that he was gone, the soldiers in her stomach was rampaging again.
Still, she tried to remain composed. A knight shouldn't whine. Instead, she lifted her gaze to Butler Jones and Alice. She had to survive and being meek wouldn't do that for her either.
"Might I trouble you for some food?" She asked no one in particular politely.
Alice hesitated at the overly formal request, then she glanced up to the butler.
Jones, ever the professional, nodded. "Of course, ma'am." Diandra blinked at what he called her. Jones noticed it. "Yes, Miss, Diandra. I'll have something prepare for you immediately."
Diandra gave a small nod and smile of gratitude before exhaling softly.
Alice and Jones stared at her for a moment but she was oblivious to it. The two were mesmerized at how more beautiful she was when she smiled. Then they exchanged glances at each other. There was a silent understanding.
Butler Jones sighed. "Alice, stay here, and keep an eye on her."
Alice stiffened. Her eyes widened in horror. "M-me?" She whispered. She even had her hand against her chest.
"Just until I get back." Jones said firmly. He knew that the young maid had a dramatic behavior, but she was trustworthy in tasks. "She's weak. But we don't want her wandering around."
Alice looked at Diandra, then back at him, then back at Diandra again.
A strange woman who spoke like she came from some medieval play, who appeared with a dagger, and knelt to Sir Kael like for she saw him as her emperor. Most girls saw him as their husband, soulmate, their unreachable star, but as an emperor? That was totally new.
And now, she had to be alone with her?
"B-but—"
"You'll be fine." Jones cut her off. "Just, don't let her do anything weird."
"You mean anything weirder." She whispered again. Alice swallowed hard but nodded.
Just as Butler Jones was about to leave, Diandra spoke again.
"One more thing. My dagger. I would like it returned to me."
Jones stopped. He glanced back at Diandra. Alice standing at the side almost had her eyeballs out of its sockets. She tensed at the mention of the weapon.