Chapter 4 HELLO, PENELOPE

HELLO, PENELOPE

Joseline’s Pov

A wave of panic rolled through me as the screams grew louder. It wasn't just one voice. It was the voice of over a hundred people.

The sound of horns blasted through the air followed by heavy footsteps.

Shit. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

I turned sharply into the nearest hallway, lowering my head as I walked.

Please, don't recognize me. Don't recognize me.

When a guard passed, I pressed myself against the wall and held my breath.

Their footsteps soon faded and I stepped out again, relieved.

Thank God they didn't catch me.

The rest of my thoughts trailed off when I looked around the hallway.

This was the same corridor I snuck out of but... how? I turned right and left, my stomach tightening in panic when I realized I was lost.

Why didn't I snatch a freaking map on my way out of here?

“Are you lost?” A deep voice came from behind me.

My body locked and slowly I turned around, preparing to scream. When I saw him, I didn't.

He didn't look like the others. Most of the dragons I'd seen had red eyes, fire-toned hair with skin as brown as sand but this man… he had long silver hair flowing down his back and equally silver lashes with eyes as blue as the morning sky. I'm not one to compliment strangers but this man was dangerously beautiful.

He tilted his head as if he'd been trying to remember where he had seen my face.

I blinked. Could it be Cedric? It had to be him. He was the one who brought Penelope here and was probably the one who saved her when she fell off his back.

I stepped forward quickly and lowered my voice. “Please, you have to help me.”

His expression softened. “How can I help you, my lady?”

A sigh of relief escaped me. Thank God. Finally, someone normal. I put away the swords I hadn't realized I'd been holding and whispered urgently. 'Can you take me back?”

He tilted his head. “Take you back?”

“Yes," I nodded quicky. "You're Cedric, aren't you? You brought me here.”

For a moment, he paused, then he snapped his fingers, as if remembering it.

“Oh… Oh! Lady Penelope!” He said aloud.

I instantly shushed him. "Shh. They'll hear us," as soon as the king Can you help me? I need to leave.''

A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes before he quickly schooled his features.

“Alright. I'll help you.” He nodded.

“Really?” I smiled. “Thank you so much.”

While we walked, I kept glancing around us. Surely, Drakarys wouldn't find me sneaking out and burn me to ashes, right? I remember his red eyes and a shiver rolled down my spine.

The silence stretched out between us and I tried making small talk to distract myself. But before I could utter a word, Cedric spoke first.

“But… Why do you want to leave when you just arrived?” He asked.

A pang of guilt cut through my chest. I couldn't tell him the real reason. I couldn't bear the thought of telling him I was a human highschooler who died and woke up in the body of a Dragon's bride so I lied.

"I miss home. That's all.”

"We all do," he nodded calmly, refusing to utter another word.

It was my turn to break the silence.

"So… Cedric, are you married?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Really?” I smiled politely. “Your wife is lucky to have you.”

He chuckled. “I don't know. I just met her.”

“Oh, you got married recently?" I asked, curiously.

"Yes."

"Okay."

We turned a corner and my heart dropped.

What the?

The sound of trumpets exploded through the air as armoured soldiers bearing too many red banners filled the entire courtyard.

My jaws dropped when I realized this wasn't an escape route. This was a trap.

I turned sharply to Cedric. “You tricked me.”

He didn't deny it. I knew that much because despite his silence, his face gave him away the truth.

"Was this your plan?" I scoffed. "Trick me into believing you'll help me so you'll what? Earn a prize from Drakarys?"

"You're wrong." He said softly.

My brows dipped. "Excuse me?"

He continued. "I will never do such a thing to you because I am..."

"All hail His Majesty!" A voice cut through the air.

Almost immediately, every soldier dropped to their knees with their head.

I followed the direction of their gaze and that's when I saw him.

It was the man from earlier. The one with the crimson hair and a permanent scowl on his face.

Drakarys.

Oh no. He found me.

I took a step back to hide from him when he did what made my blood turn to ice.

“Your Majesty!” He joined the others on their knees and bowed.

If this man wasn't the Drakarys, then who…

I looked around me, my heart beating faster in my chest. Everyone was bowing at Cedric.

“All hail His Majesty, King Drakarys!” the red-haired man called out.

I stumbled backwards.

The silver haired man wasn't Cedric. He was Drakarys, the Dragon King. The man I had been trying to escape from this entre time.

"Hello, Penelope,” Drakarys smiled. "Running away from your husband in the first day is rather rude, don't you think?"

My eyes widened.

I opened my mouth to speak but unfortunately, my consciousness wasn't sticking long enough for me to ask them

I fainted.