Chapter 81: Princess’s Outer Chamber
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Kai bowed, bitterness flickering in his dark ant eyes. "You did all you could, Princess." Mia’s slender hand touched his antenna to confront him.
With that, the queen ant swept from the chamber, her star aura fading into the shadow. Kai and Mia were alone for a moment in that hushed, precious silence before he followed her back through the violet‑scented halls.
"Kai," princess Mia says, "Today you should stay in the core area. Tomorrow I will go back to the worker ant area. We can go back together."
A lantern burned gently in the Outer Chamber of the castle, where carved jade panels depicted the cycle of seasons in delicate relief. Plush cushions and low tables of silverwood made the room feel warm, an oasis of calm amid the palace’s endless duty.
Mia slipped through saying, "rest here. I will be back soon." Kai could reply further. An hour later, Feeling bored, he walked around. There wasn’t a single ant in the area. He found himself in a soft, lantern-lit space scented with rosewater. A low fountain whispered in one corner.
From behind a simple screen came the sound of water dripping on smooth stone. Kai stepped forward, heart pounding in curiosity.
Suddenly the screen rustled and Mia emerged. Her hair was damp, dark strands clinging to her slender neck and shoulders. A wash of steam still clung to her skin. She wore only a thin shift of pale silk, so fine it clung in places and floated free in others.
He called, "Princess Mia?" He can see through her silk clothes. This area is the bathhouse of Princess Mia.