Ever since her cover was blown, Steffen have tightened security around her. Every step she takes is monitored by his relentless spies. Escape is out of the question. Privacy is a luxury she no longer have. Every move, every breath, watched, analyzed, reported.
How is she supposed to complete her mission under these conditions?
This isn't how she planned things. Time is slipping away, and it isn't just her life on the line. Mia's fate is bound to hers. A week. That's all she have left before the poison acted again. And when it does, The Lady certainly won't hand over the antidote unless Ella deliver exactly what was asked of her.
As if things couldn't get worse, Balu, the one person she reluctantly relies on, have been completely silent. No messages. No updates. No sign that she is even working on their deal. Have she decided to back out? Or have she simply abandoned her to her fate?
Doubt coiled in her stomach like a snake, tightening with every passing second.
Right as her mind begins spiraling, the soft creak of her door snaps her back to the present.
Her gaze shot toward the entrance, her body tensing instinctively. A shadow moved, slipping into the dimly lit room. Her eyes narrows, her fingers curling slightly at her sides.
The figure steps forward, the moonlight catching a familiar silhouette.
Balu.
Ella exhales, her expression shifting into something between amusement and irritation. She cocked an eyebrow, the corner of her lips tugging into a smirk.
"Took you long enough," she said, her tone calm yet edge with irritation. Her gaze flicker to Balu's feet, noting how she moves toward the open window instead of facing her head-on.
"Heard your little secret is out, Steffen knows. How are you still breathing if he does?" Balu's words hatch abruptly, sharp and unfiltered, her tone carrying an edge of accusation.
Ella tilts her head, her lips curling into an amused smirk. "Wow. You actually wanted him to get rid of me, didn't you?"
Balu doesn't even hesitate. "Sweetheart, I still want him to get rid of you," she spits, her voice laced with disdain. Her glare is sharp enough to cut, but Ella meets it with unbothered eyes. "You're not supposed to be here."
"Well, I am here, darling, so deal with it," Ella fires back, crossing her arms. "And if you don't want me here, you know what to do, get me what I asked for, and I'll be out of your way. If not…" She shrugs, eyes gleaming with mock sympathy. "You'll just have to get used to seeing my face. Oh, and while you're at it, why don't you accept the truth? I'm his mate. His partner. In bed and in business. That's what mates do."
Balu's fingers curl into fists, nails digging into her palms as she glares at the woman before her. The urge to seize Ella by the throat and bury her six feet under is almost unbearable. But she doesn't. Not because she lacks the ability—no, she's more than capable, but because she knows Steffen's wrath would be relentless. He would bring war upon her people. And he would personally see to it that her head was ripped from her shoulders.
She can deny it all she wants, but the truth is staring her in the face. Steffen has changed since Ella's arrival. The King she once knew, the ruthless, calculating ruler, is slipping away, replaced by a man she barely recognizes. And the fact that Ella is still alive after he discovered her secret speaks volumes. If it were anyone else, they'd already be dead.
Balu narrows her eyes. "Let me guess, you're desperate to get those items because if you fail to deliver them on time, you die."
Ella doesn't flinch. Her expression remains unreadable, but the slight tension in her posture betrays her.
Balu smirks. "Figured as much. Most organizations operate that way. It's the key to efficiency, the threat of death keeps things moving."
Ella exhales slowly, tilting her head. "Let's cut to the chase, why are you in my room, Balu?"
Balu leans against the windowsill, crossing her arms. "Fine. I'm here to let you know that I want you gone, desperately. And after several failed attempts, I've realized the only way to get rid of you… is by helping you."
Ella raises an eyebrow. "That's an interesting approach."
Balu ignores her sarcasm. "I've found a way to get one of the items."
Ella straightens. "Which one?"
"Mistress Lily's pearl earrings," Balu reveals. "She's hosting a party to celebrate the transition of young witches."
Ella frowns. "Transition of young witches? What does that mean?"
Balu scoffs. "You seriously don't know?"
Ella rolls her eyes. "Excuse me, Miss Know-It-All, but in case you forgot, I'm a human trapped in a world of supernaturals. So how the hell am I supposed to know these things?"
Balu's gaze darkens with something unreadable. "Well… that's still up for debate."
Ella stills. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Balu tilts her head, a slow smirk forming. "You being human."
Ella's jaw clenches. "If I were anything but human, believe me, you'd be the first I'd wipe off the face of the earth." And she means it. Since day one, Balu has been on her tail, making her life as difficult as possible.
Balu waves a dismissive hand. "Anyway…" she drawls, returning to the topic. "The transition of young witches is a sacred ceremony. It's when witches come of age and receive their full powers. Every year, a grand celebration is held in its honor, and everyone is invited. And since you're Steffen's mate, he's definitely taking you along."
Ella's mind starts working. "So your plan is to steal the earrings at the party."
Balu nods. "The event will be crowded, making it the perfect opportunity. If we do this right, no one will even know they're missing until it's too late."
Ella crosses her arms. "Finally, we're getting somewhere."
Balu smirks. "I'll fill you in on the full plan soon."
"What plan?"
A sudden voice slices through the air, sharp and commanding, sending a cold chill down their spines.
Ella's head snaps toward the door, her heart momentarily stopping when she sees Steffen standing there. His tall frame blocks the entrance, his piercing gaze fixed on them, unreadable yet undeniably intense.
Balu stiffens, but she quickly masks her nervousness with a strained smile, stepping toward him in a feigned display of ease. "Steffen… I—uh, I didn't know you were coming. I mean, what a surprise! So good to see you," she stammers, her words a disorganized mess.
Steffen doesn't blink. His gaze moves from Balu to Ella, who sits poised and calm, an innocent smile playing on her lips. But he knows better. That look—sweet and disarming—has fooled many, but not him. He had heard something, and now he's determined to find out exactly what they were plotting.
"What were you talking about?" he demands, his voice cold and edged with suspicion.
Balu tenses beside him.
"What's the plan?" Steffen repeats, his tone darkening.
Balu's fingers twitch as she anxiously intertwines them, her voice betraying her nerves. "Plan? What plan?" she echoes, her attempt at feigned ignorance painfully unconvincing.
Steffen narrows his eyes. He has known Balu for years—long enough to recognize every nervous tick, every giveaway. She has never been good at keeping secrets, and judging by her reaction, there's definitely something going on. Whatever it is, Ella must be the mastermind.
His gaze sharpens on her, waiting for her to crack, but she doesn't. Instead, Ella exhales softly and tilts her head, her expression remaining effortlessly composed as she steps in to save both their necks.
"What she means is," Ella begins smoothly, "she was planning to take me shopping for a dress for the party tonight."
Balu visibly exhales in relief as Ella takes control of the conversation, spinning the perfect excuse with practiced ease.
"Mistress Lily's party," Ella continues, her voice light, unbothered. "Balu told me about it, and since I'm your plus one, she thought I should look my best. So, we were just discussing the plan—nothing sinister, just dress shopping. We just… didn't expect you to walk in on us like this." She adds a sweet, disarming smile, the kind that could melt even the coldest of hearts.
Steffen studies her, his expression unreadable.
"Yes, that's right," Balu jumps in, regaining her composure. "I know how much tonight means to you, and being your most trusted and closest ally, I wanted to make sure your mate looked the part." She takes a careful step closer, her voice dipping into a more persuasive tone. "I just… didn't know how to bring it up, since it would mean taking her out for a bit."
Steffen's jaw tightens slightly at the implication. His rule about keeping Ella within the castle, within his sight, has always been firm.
A tense silence lingers between them. Then, after a pause, he exhales sharply. "Fine," he concedes at last. "You can take her shopping."
Balu's relief is almost tangible, but before she can celebrate, Steffen adds, "But John will escort you—along with a few guards."
Ella suppresses a smirk at his possessiveness. Even now, he refuses to let her out of his control.
"That's great," Balu says quickly, seizing the opportunity before he changes his mind. "I'll get ready, and then we'll head out." Without waiting for another word, she swiftly moves toward the door, eager to escape before any second thoughts arise.
Steffen watches her go, his expression impassive. But even as he lets the topic slide, doubt lingers in his mind. Something is still off.
And he intends to find out what.
Here's the polished and expanded version:
"Shopping? Is that the best excuse you could come up with?" Balu's voice snaps, her irritation barely concealed. Her body is still stiff from the tension of the earlier confrontation. Of all the things she was supposed to do today, taking Ella shopping had never once crossed her mind. The very idea of helping Ella, of all people, dress up to impress the man she adores, makes her stomach churn.
Over her dead body.
Come what may, she's not helping Ella outshine her.
From the driver's seat, John sighs. "Seriously, what's with you two?" He glances at them through the rearview mirror, clearly amused by their constant back-and-forth. Ever since Steffen had ordered him to escort them, they had been going at each other like cat and mouse.
"None of your business," Balu snaps, cutting him off with a sharp glare.
John raises his hands in surrender, flashing a polite smile. "Alright, if you say so." He wisely drops the subject, focusing back on the road.
Minutes pass in tense silence until John finally speaks again. "We're here."
He steps out of the car first, moving around to open the door for Ella. She gives him a small, polite smile in thanks before stepping out. Balu follows right after, but unlike Ella, she gives little acknowledgment to John's gentlemanly gesture. She just wants to get this over with and return to her own matters.
As they step into the elegant boutique, a warm and excited voice calls out.
"Balu, darling!"
A tall, graceful woman with striking features and a confident smile strides toward them. She pulls Balu into a light embrace, her tone dripping with familiarity and charm.
"Sweetie, you look absolutely stunning," the woman gushes before her gaze flickers past Balu and lands on Ella.
"And who is this?" she asks, her interest piqued as she takes in Ella with an attentive gaze.
Balu hesitates for a fraction of a second before responding. "Marian, this is Ella, a… friend of Steffen," she says, deliberately leaving out the most important detail.
She can't afford for people to know that Steffen has found a mate. For years, she has been seen as Steffen's woman—his most trusted companion and, hopefully, his future queen. Ella's arrival threatens everything. If word spreads that Steffen has a mate, her position will become laughable.
Marian arches a perfectly shaped brow. "Whoa. A friend?" she echoes, her tone teasing. "The king's friend? You must be very special, then."
She steps forward, a knowing smile curving her lips. "It's not every day I meet a female friend of the king."
Ella doesn't miss the subtle taunt, nor does she care to ignore it. If Balu wants to pretend she doesn't exist, she'll make sure the truth is impossible to ignore.
"Oh, I'm more than just a friend. Trust me."
Her voice is deliberately provocative, her eyes glinting with amusement as she meets Balu's glare head-on. Then, with a graceful ease, she follows Marian toward the plush seating area, making herself comfortable on one of the elegant sofas.
Marian's curiosity deepens, her lips parting in an eager grin. "More than a friend? Yay, yay! Girl, you have to tell me all about this." She settles next to Ella, her excitement palpable. Knowing the king's affairs is a rare privilege, and being the first to hear such juicy details would only elevate her among her peers.
Ella leans in slightly, dropping her voice just enough to hold Marian's full attention. "Well, if you must know," she begins, her words laced with both amusement and mischief, "I'm a very, very special and important person to the king. You could say I'm someone… closer to him."
She pauses, then delivers the final blow with a slow, deliberate smirk. "More like a mate."
The effect is immediate.
Marian's eyes widen, and she instinctively leans in closer, excitement flashing across her face. "Wait… mate? Are you saying you're his—"
"Why don't we have Balu answer that?" Ella interjects smoothly, turning the spotlight onto Balu with an innocent smile that is anything but.
Balu's hands curl into fists at her sides. Her entire body bristles with restrained anger. She can feel the growing anticipation in the air, the way Marian is practically bouncing with eagerness to hear confirmation straight from her mouth.
Seconds pass, and with every beat of silence, Marian's curiosity sharpens.
Ella waits. Smiling. Enjoying every second of Balu's frustration.
Balu grits her teeth, swallowing the bitter taste of humiliation. "Marian, darling," she says, forcing a pleasant tone, "we're here for dresses for the party, not to discuss the king's personal life." She flashes a wary smile, but her sharp stare at Ella doesn't go unnoticed.
"Why don't you show us your latest designs instead?"
Marian blinks at the sudden shift, but after a brief hesitation, she lets it go. "Of course!" she says, clapping her hands together. "Right this way."
With that, she turns, leading them toward the stunning array of gowns.
Ella watches Balu from the corner of her eye, satisfaction curling in her chest.
Balu may have dodged the question, but the damage is already done. The seed has been planted, and soon enough, everyone will know exactly who she is to Steffen.
And Balu?
Balu will just have to live with it.