Chapter 25

Kleena

Kleena’s journey in the palace began with a sense of trepidation mingled with a deep yearning for solace. She was escorted by the human queen’s own Niri attendants to a private chamber, where a warm and compassionate welcome awaited her.

The walls of the room, adorned with intricate tapestries and soft hues, seemed to whisper promises of safety and care, a stark contrast to the horrors she had recently endured.

The queen—a human among the Niri—a graceful beauty with an understanding heart, soon joined her. Her presence was soothing, her every movement imbued with a calm elegance that put Kleena at ease.

Wow, her presence is almost the opposite of Erhan’s. So inviting and warm.

As the queen settled beside her, she felt an unexpected wave of relief wash over her. The queen’s eyes, filled with empathy, silently urged Kleena to share her story.

I could lose myself in those eyes. They seem to brim with love, and she doesn’t even know me.

Taking a deep breath, Kleena recounted her harrowing experience, the memories still raw and vivid.

The queen listened intently, her gaze never wavering, providing a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions.

As she spoke of the auction and the fear that had gripped her heart, she couldn’t help but wonder about the fate of the other women who had been captured alongside her.

“Your Majesty,” she began, her voice trembling, “what happened to the other women from the auction? Were they rescued? And the rescue team… Did they all return safely?”

The queen’s expression grew somber, a shadow passing over her serene features. “I’m afraid, dear one, that only three women survived, including you,” she replied gently. “Two members of the rescue team perished during the mission.”

Her heart sank, the weight of the news pressing heavily upon her.

I had hoped more of them were saved, fewer lives lost.

The realization that so few had lived was a cruel blow, a reminder of the brutality they had faced.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought to keep them at bay, drawing strength from the queen’s unwavering presence.

“I’m so sorry,” Kleena whispered, her voice barely audible. “I wish… I wish I could have done more.”

The queen placed a gentle hand on Kleena’s shoulder, her touch reassuring. “You are not to blame, Kleena. The responsibility lies with those who perpetrated these atrocities. But know that your survival is a testament to your strength and resilience.”

Bonding over their shared compassion for others, the queen extended an offer that caught Kleena by surprise. “Would you consider becoming my assistant?” she asked, her tone both hopeful and sincere. “It would give you a chance to find purpose and begin your journey of recovery.”

Kleena was taken aback by the offer. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the queen’s kindness and the royal family’s efforts in saving her.

This is the perfect opportunity to repay the queen’s kindness. Maybe I can find a new path forward.

“I would be honored, Your Majesty,” she replied, her voice filled with resolve. “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

As the days passed, Kleena threw herself into her new duties, finding solace in the tasks that kept her mind and hands busy.

The grandeur of the palace and the bustle of court life provided a welcome distraction from her inner turmoil. The routine brought a semblance of normalcy back into her life, a sense of purpose that had been missing for so long.

Within the safety of the palace, Kleena deliberately sidestepped any paths that might cross with Prince Erhan’s.

I can’t face him yet. It’s all too… raw.

Her heart was still feeling sensitive from the recent turmoil, the pain of their separation, and the events that had led to it lingering like a shadow over her days.

She couldn’t bear the thought of talking to him, not when her emotions were still so tumultuous.

Despite her efforts to avoid him, she couldn’t completely escape the prince’s presence. Erhan made several attempts to speak with her, but fortunately, the palace protocols and her new duties kept him at bay.

Kleena knew he couldn’t force his way into her life, and for that, she was grateful. The distance allowed her the space she needed to heal and regain her strength.

As she adjusted to her new role, Kleena found herself occasionally stealing glances at the prince from afar. His presence stirred a hurricane of emotions within her, a swirl of longing, anger, and regret.

Whenever their eyes met, a spark of the old connection flared, only to be quickly extinguished by the reality of their situation.

I can’t see a way forward for us, not when so much has happened. And all my wounds are still so fresh.

One evening, as she was organizing the queen’s chambers, a sense of melancholy settled over her. The luxury and beauty of her surroundings only highlighted the stark contrast to the pain she still carried within her. She paused, gazing out of the window at the sprawling palace gardens. The sight was serene, a reminder of the world outside her inner turmoil.

Kleena’s thoughts drifted to the other women who had been rescued alongside her.

I wonder how they’re coping. Are they finding a way to heal from their trauma? Or do they feel lost, alone, and misunderstood, too?

The queen had assured her that they were receiving the best care, but she couldn’t help but worry.

She knew firsthand how difficult it was to recover from such experiences, how the scars lingered long after the physical wounds had healed.

Determined to make a difference, Kleena decided to approach the queen with an idea. She wanted to create a support group for the survivors, a safe space where they could share their experiences and assist each other in their healing journeys.

The queen listened intently as Kleena outlined her plan, her eyes reflecting both compassion and approval.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea, Kleena,” the queen said with a warm smile. “Your strength and empathy will be a great asset to these women. I will do everything in my power to support you in this endeavor.”

Grateful for the queen’s support, Kleena set to work on her new project with renewed vigor. She contacted the other survivors, inviting them to join the group. The first meeting was an emotional affair, filled with tears and shared stories of pain and resilience.

Kleena felt a deep sense of connection with these women, their shared experiences forging a bond that transcended words.

As the weeks passed, the support group became a beacon of hope for its members. She found solace in helping others, her own healing journey intertwined with theirs.

The sense of purpose and community gave her the strength to face each day, to continue moving forward despite the lingering shadows of her past.

Despite her newfound sense of purpose, Kleena couldn’t completely shake the feelings she had for Erhan.

Why do you linger in my thoughts, my dear prince? Am I going to go crazy with all the thoughts of you?

His image remained lingering in her mind like a ghost.

She longed to speak with him, to understand his perspective and to find closure for the unresolved feelings between them.

But the fear of reopening old wounds held her back, a barrier she couldn’t yet overcome.

One afternoon, as she was walking through the palace gardens, she spotted Erhan in the distance.

He was speaking with a group of advisors, his expression serious and focused.

Kleena’s heart skipped a beat, the sight of him stirring a mix of emotions she couldn’t fully untangle. She quickly looked away, her resolve wavering.

How could I ever face him again after everything that happened? After avoiding him for so long?

She paused by a secluded bench, sitting down to gather her thoughts. The palace gardens were a haven of tranquility, a place where she could find a moment of peace amid the chaos of her emotions.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and letting the soothing sounds of nature wash over her. In the quiet of the garden, Kleena reflected on her journey. She had come so far, survived so much, yet the path ahead still seemed uncertain.

The support group had given her a sense of purpose, but it hadn’t erased the pain of her past or the unresolved feelings she had for Erhan.

She knew she needed to find a way to reconcile these emotions and find peace within herself.

If I don’t, I’ll never heal.