Lord Maximus's POV
I watched as she entered my room, her body trembling with fear as she got down on her knees. Her eyes were cast down, avoiding my gaze. Her fear intrigued me, and I couldn't help but wonder what could have caused it.
"Melanin," I called out to her.
"My... Lord," she stammered, fear evident in her voice.
"Look up at me," I demanded, and slowly she raised her head, meeting my gaze. In that moment, something unfamiliar stirred within me, something strange and unsettling. But I quickly dismissed it and stood up from my seat.
"Why did you leave the palace?" I asked, noticing her nervous gesture of licking her lips. "Don't you dare lie to me," I warned, observing the fear in her eyes. But, she remained silent, which infuriated me.
"Speak!" I yelled, causing her to flinch
