FROST AND FLAME

Chapter 9: FROST AND FLAME



Sabi felt suffocated each day than the previous living on the palace. She never knew she could feel so defeated and helpless in just a few months of her in the palace. Paris, who had once been kind and charming, now dripped venom with every word. The duchess's hatred had morphed into something far more dangerous, a calculated determination to humiliate her.

Paris invited Levi's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, to stay at the palace with an excuse that she misses her and the palace was lonely.

The Dowager was a formidable woman, regal and unyielding, with a deep sense of tradition. Paris knew she'd be the perfect ally in her plan to destroy Sabi.

At lunch one afternoon, Levi sat at the head of the grand table, his jaw clenched as Sabi carefully served the meal. Her movements were cautious, her eyes fixed on the dishes in her hands, trying to avoid Levi's penetrating gaze. Paris, however, was full of energy, her sharp eyes flickering between Levi and the Dowager Duchess.

"Mother," Paris began sweetly, addressing the Levi's grandma seated beside her. "Have you ever heard of instances where royalty… let's say… fell for someone of lower rank? Perhaps a maid?"

The Dowager's spoon paused mid-air. Her cold, discerning eyes narrowed. "Lower rank? A *maid*? Preposterous." She turned to Levi, her voice sharp. "Such arrangements are a disgrace to the crown. They breed scandal, instability. It's unacceptable. No member of this family will ever stoop so low."

Levi didn't respond. His face was unreadable, but his fists tightened under the table. Sabi, overhearing, felt the weight of shame pressing down on her. She kept her head low, but her hands trembled as she poured Levi's wine.

Paris smirked triumphantly. Her gaze darted to Sabi, who was visibly shaken. The message was clear, 'you don't belong here.'

Paris seized the opportunity. She began throwing herself at him whenever Sabi or the Dowager Duchess was nearby. Her touches lingered, her laughter was exaggerated, and her smiles were saccharine. Levi tolerated it with a stony expression, refusing to give her the reaction she wanted. But it didn't stop Paris from trying.

For Sabi, it was unbearable. Watching Paris drape herself over Levi was a dagger to her heart, a reminder of the impossible gulf between them. She told herself she didn't care, that she was foolish for ever entertaining the idea of a connection with him. But the ache in her chest said otherwise.

She began avoiding Levi altogether, refusing to serve him, claiming illness when summoned, and slipping away whenever he entered a room.

Levi noticed.

Days passed, and his patience began to thin. He had never desired anyone the way he craved Sabi. Her absence gnawed at him, leaving him restless and irritable. His eyes searched for her, but she never appeared. When he demanded answers from the staff, they stumbled over excuses, clearly instructed by Sabi to cover for her.

It was such a gloomy evening, like every other day, even worse because she had to hide herself like a shadow. Sabi made her way to the general kitchen, then she heard sound of hushed voices and hurried movements drew her attention, she was inquisitive. She froze when she saw Mateo, Paris's lover, and another male servant, locked in a heated embrace.

Her gasp gave her away. Mateo's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Well, well," he drawled, his tone dripping with malice. "What do we have here?"

The other servant stepped back, his face pale with panic. "Sabi, please—"

But Mateo silenced him with a sharp glare. He advanced toward Sabi, his expression cold and menacing. "You didn't see anything,".

Sabi took a step back, her heart racing. She went to the kitchen table, took out a knife and an apple then sliced them into fours. Ignoring the men who watched her. She took a bite and exhales.

Mateo's eyes bore into hers, searching for any hint of deceit. "You better not," he warned. "Because if you do…" he threatened her life.

"I have no business in your personal life" Sabi said as she walked out of the kitchen.

She could feel it in her bones: Mateo now saw her as a threat. She felt the world against her.

Why can't she just have a peaceful life?

She wanted to escape, to leave the palace and never look back. But a small, foolish part of her couldn't bear the thought of leaving Levi behind, even if their connection was doomed.


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