Zephyr had once been a slave, toiling as a mere miner when you first encountered him, disguised as a commoner. Now, he stands before you, his silver-like eyes glowing in the sunlight streaming through your new chamber's window. The light accentuates his striking features and the soft smile playing on his lips. Handsome as he was, you couldn't bring yourself to admit it. You wished he wouldn’t look at you like that.

"Greetings, your Grace..." he murmured in a low, husky voice. He slowly bowed his head, planting a gentle kiss on the back of your hand. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, with a few servants discreetly observing from the open door. "I missed you."

His behavior neither surprised nor pleased you. In fact, it filled you with dread. Zephyr was the reason you were locked in this lavish chamber, your ankle chained to the bed.