Chapter 161: Books
Rose’s eyes widened as she managed to whisper, "Please don’t," just before the door began to push open. Then, suddenly, it stopped. She let out a shaky sigh of relief as she heard retreating footsteps. Her racing heart began to calm, though her arms—still wrapped tightly around her chest—tensed even more.
She didn’t want to imagine what would’ve happened if he had come in... especially since she was completely naked. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She quickly turned off the tap and poured the necessary soaps into the water, watching them swirl before stepping into the tub. As she slid into the warmth, she dipped her hair in, submerging her face and letting the water soak into her scalp.
The dye began to lift.
She had her reasons for coloring her hair. It wasn’t a lie—at least, that’s what she told herself. She did it for a reason. Now, as the dye bled away, her natural black hair slowly reemerged, reaching down to her shoulders. Carefully, she kept rinsing until all traces of the blonde were gone, then wrapped her damp hair into a bun and began to wash up.
After she was done, she stepped out and dried her hair with a towel, eyes locking on her reflection in the mirror. Her dark hair framed her face now, and it struck her—how different she looked. How different she felt. Blonde made her look like someone else. This... this was her.
She let down the bun, letting the black strands fall freely before slipping into the robe. As she stepped out and quietly closed the door behind her, her body froze.
"Roselina."
Her heart skipped a beat. No one had to tell her—that was his voice.
His Highness.
What was he doing here? She had thought he’d gone. She heard footsteps retreating. She knew she heard them.
Slowly, cautiously, she turned. And there he was.