Married To Darkness
Chapter 286: Fart Scenario

Chapter 286: Fart Scenario

Ava let out a soft, throaty laugh, her lips brushing against his skin one last time before she rose gracefully to her feet.

She smoothed her dress—a rich emerald green that hugged her curves and left very little to the imagination—her expression one of satisfaction and control.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Your Highness," she said, her voice a sultry purr. She leaned in, her lips grazing his ear as she added, "But don’t think I’ll be staying to bask in your compliments. There’s a birthday to attend, and I know better than to be caught lingering in your chambers."

Enid smirked, adjusting his tousled blond hair as he watched her. "You’re a dangerous woman, Ava. But you already know that, don’t you?"

"Danger is what makes life interesting," she replied, stepping back and running a finger along his jawline before letting it drop. "And I suspect you’ll be quite interesting yourself on the dance floor tonight—if you survive the maids gossiping about me for the hundredth time."

Enid chuckled. "Let them talk. They’re jealous they could never be you."

Ava’s smile widened, her confidence unshaken. "Oh, I’m sure they’ll try. But there’s only one Ava." With that, she turned and strutted toward the door, her hips swaying in a way that was both natural and utterly deliberate.

The maids waiting outside immediately straightened as the door opened, their eyes widening at the sight of her.

They curtsied deeply, murmuring their greetings.

Ava, ever the queen of her own kingdom, nodded slightly in acknowledgment, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Ladies," she said as she passed, her voice dripping with amusement.

Once she was gone, the maids exchanged furtive glances, the momentary silence giving way to hushed whispers as they filed into Enid’s chamber.

"She was here again," one of them said, barely concealing her disdain.

"Of course she was. She’s never missed an opportunity to worm her way into these chambers," another replied, shaking her head as she began gathering Enid’s clothing for the day.

"She’s so shameless. The nerve to walk out like that, smiling as if she owns the castle."

"And doesn’t she, though?" one of the younger maids muttered under her breath, earning herself a stern look from the others.

"Enough," the head maid snapped, clapping her hands. "We have a prince to prepare, and we’re running late."

Inside the chamber, Enid was already lounging back, his shirt still discarded, a lazy grin on his face.

He watched the maids scurry about, clearly amused by their flustered energy. "You’re all so tense this morning," he drawled. "Ava really does leave quite an impression, doesn’t she?"

The maids said nothing, though a few of them exchanged exasperated looks behind his back.

As they worked to dress him in layers of royal finery for the king’s birthday celebration, Enid leaned back in his chair, a smug satisfaction lingering in his expression.

Outside, Ava walked through the castle halls with the same confidence she always carried, her emerald dress glinting in the sunlight that streamed through the high windows.

She didn’t look back; she didn’t need to.

She knew the effect she had, the whispers she inspired, and the chaos she left in her wake.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Diana Reed’s chambers were a picture of controlled elegance, much like the woman herself.

The queen’s sister had an air of command that no one dared challenge, least of all her maids, who scurried around her, ensuring that every detail of her preparation was flawless.

"Make sure the corset is tight," Diana instructed coldly, her sharp eyes fixed on the mirror as the maids worked. "I won’t tolerate a single wrinkle in this gown."

"Yes, Lady Diana," one of the maids murmured, pulling at the laces with trembling hands.

"Not like that," Diana snapped, glancing over her shoulder. "Tighter! Do you think this is a garden party? I’ll be standing before the entire court, and I will not be anything less than perfection."

The maids exchanged nervous glances before obeying, yanking the laces until Diana was satisfied.

She inspected herself in the mirror, her emerald gown clinging to her figure like it had been sewn onto her.

Her dark brown hair was being styled into an intricate updo, but she tilted her head slightly, frowning.

"Fix this side," she demanded, pointing to a single strand of hair that had dared to defy her exacting standards. "Do I have to do everything myself?"

"Of course not, Lady Diana," her head maid said quickly, stepping forward to smooth the offending strand back into place.

Satisfied for the moment, Diana stepped to the side table and picked up a glass of water.

She sipped it delicately, her brow furrowing slightly as a strange odor caught her attention. She paused mid-sip, her nose wrinkling in distaste.

"What is that smell?" she asked sharply, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the room.

The maids froze, exchanging panicked glances. "We don’t smell anything, Lady Diana," one of them stammered.

"It smells like—" Diana paused, her nostrils flaring. "Did one of you fart in my chambers?"

The maids paled, their expressions a mixture of horror and embarrassment.

"N-No, Lady Diana, we would never—"

"Silence!" Diana barked, her icy gaze sweeping over them. "Do you take me for a fool? I can smell it!"

The maids stood frozen, unsure whether to defend themselves or flee. Diana’s glare was enough to make them all take an instinctive step back.

"Out!" she snapped, pointing to the door. "If you can’t even maintain basic hygiene in my presence, you’re useless to me. I’ll finish this myself."

The maids hesitated for only a moment before scurrying out, their heads bowed in shame.

Once the door slammed shut behind them, Diana pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath about incompetence.

She set the glass down and walked back to the mirror, inspecting her reflection with a critical eye.

Her hands moved deftly to adjust her gown, smooth out a wrinkle, and apply the finishing touches to her makeup.

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