BOUND BY FATE: ENTANGLED WITH MR HELL

Chapter 15

"Unraveling"

Rosa's POV

I really don't know why I flared up like that…

The second I stepped into my chambers, guilt twisted in my chest like a dagger. Maybe I overreacted. Maybe… I was just overwhelmed.

Without thinking, I trashed my clothes to the floor and stormed into the bathroom.

A cold bath. That's all I needed. Something to silence the chaos in my head.

Without asking a single question—bless her for that—Paige began preparing a bath for me. Rose petals, jasmine oil, flickering candles dancing across the marbled walls. The scent of lavender seeped into my nerves.

I slipped into the tub and gave her a soft wave. She left quietly, closing the doors behind her.

Silence.

My thoughts drifted—unexpectedly—to my late parents.

I don't know why... but I missed them so deeply, it felt like a physical ache.

Now that I had power—access to secrets—I needed to learn the truth.

About the Pack.

About the rebellion.

Did it really perish? Or had it gone underground, like a dying flame hiding in the dark?

The warm water embraced me, grounding me in the present. My body relaxed, but my mind...

My mind wandered to him.

Bryant.

The way he stormed into the courtroom, the way his voice cut through the tension, how he stood in front of me like a shield.

That image played in my mind over and over.

And then… the arrow.

The execution.

I felt grateful… but also conflicted. He didn't have to kill her.

Yet, knowing Bryant, he probably thought it was the only way.

He's always protected me. Since the day I was forced into this position, he never let me face cruelty alone. Yes, he's cold. Yes, he's distant.

But still… he's always there.

Maybe... maybe I'm falling for this stone-hearted man.

And who wouldn't?

His presence alone commands attention—those sharp eyes, that chiseled face, that dangerous aura… and the way power clings to him like a second skin. He's terrifying.

And yet, he's intoxicating.

I rose from the tub, reaching for my bathrobe, my decision already made.

I need to apologize.

I want to.

On my way to the closet, a soft glimmer of light caught my attention.

I froze.

My dressing room had been transformed.

Glittering fabrics, rare perfumes, jeweled accessories, luxurious silks—everywhere. The scent of wealth and affection was almost dizzying.

"Your Majesty," a soft voice came from behind. I turned to find Paul, Bryant's ever-composed eunuch, bowing respectfully.

"His Majesty extends his deepest apologies for hurting you," he said, his voice gentle. "He hopes you'll forgive him."

Then, with reverence, he pulled out something from his inner pocket.

A black card.

I gasped softly.

The Black Card.

Only ten existed in the world. A symbol of unlimited wealth and favor. Even my father never possessed one. The very aura of the card sent shivers down my spine.

I was stunned. Happy. Touched.

No words could describe the fluttering sensation blooming in my chest.

Paul bowed once more and left the room quietly.

Paige joined me, and we both began unboxing the treasures together. I was in awe—of the detail, the taste, the thoughtfulness.

No... I had to return this favor. I needed to do something.

Something for him.

I looked at Paige, who was still delicately lifting a diamond-encrusted robe from one of the boxes.

Her eyes met mine, curious.

"Your Majesty? What is it?" she asked.

I hesitated. Then, in a whisper, I said the words I never thought I would.

"How do you think I can make His Majesty happy?"

"What can I give him?"

She paused. Then, a mischievous, knowing smile touched her lips.

She leaned close, and whispered something into my ear.

My eyes widened. "Paige!" I gasped.

She only giggled.