Maya pulled away from Leon, her gaze steady as she watched his expression transform from shock and confusion, then simmer into anger.
She had crossed too many lines today to hope for forgiveness, and it was clear he wanted her gone for good. "You..." he started, trying to regain his composure, but she cut him off, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Aha!" Maya declared, pointing at him with a laugh that filled the room, her nonchalance a bold challenge in the face of potential execution. To her, it was a calculated risk, the last resort to save everyone, herself included.
Leon's eyes narrowed in irritation, his confusion turning into frustration as he struggled to comprehend her next move. She was pushing all his buttons, making it increasingly difficult for him to control the situation.
The others stood frozen, shock plastered on their faces; Nadira's eyes widened in disbelief at the unfolding moment. Bound by guards, they were powerless but captivated by the bizarre exchange.
"Did you see that?" Maya called to her maids, who looked on with wide eyes, spellbound by the unexpected turn of events. Here she was, having kissed him and laughing, despite the looming threat of execution hanging in the air.
Leon snapped, his voice sharp as he demanded, "See what?"
"You broke the fast too," Maya asserted, locking her gaze on him with unwavering confidence. "You just had a taste of the food. Fair is fair—you should face execution like the rest of us, don't you think?" She turned to the others, seeking their silent support, but they blinked in disbelief, still processing how she had turned the tables.
"This wasn't supposed to happen, Maya. You did this... You forced your way into my mouth and now you're trying to manipulate me?" His incredulity dripped from every word, unable to grasp her boldness.
"Regardless, you ate as well. Therefore, you should be punished alongside us," she countered, her tone firm. "I know what you're about to say—you're the king; you can't be executed for breaking the rules. So why don't you do the right thing and order our release? If you aren't punished, it's only fair that we all go free," she continued confidently, her words cutting through his mounting frustration.
"Right? Everyone is free now?" Maya inquired, tilting her head and offering a bright smile, her bravado a stark contrast to the life-or-death stakes at play.
Leon closed his eyes, massaging his temples, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Maya had turned out to be far more formidable than he anticipated. He had expected compliance, but instead, she was outsmarting him, skillfully steering the conversation in her favor. He felt cornered, realizing that she had made him break his fast, forcing him into a position where he'd have to agree with her.
Maya assessed Leon, searching for any sign of his thoughts, her heart pounding. What if he countered her? What if this went the way she didn't expect it to?
She wouldn't allow that; failure meant execution for her and her maids, the very people who came to her aid. It was unacceptable and she refused to let their fates rest on her shoulders.
Concealing her hands behind her back to mask any signs of nervousness, she reaffirmed her resolve. She might not know everything about Leon, but she was certain that any indication of weakness would be exploited.
Just as he had commanded her to the dungeon before, she had thought crying would make him change his mind, but it didn't faze him at all. Now, she was going to match his energy and not give him the chance to succeed in his plans.
"Are you still in deliberation, your majesty?" Maya inquired, maintaining her smile despite the turmoil within her as she considered the implications of this situation's outcome.
Leon opened his piercing blue eyes and straightened his posture, their gazes locking. "Release them," he commanded, his tone firm.
"Your majesty?" One of the guards questioned, incredulous at the unexpected change in command. Leon was known for his unwavering resolve, and such a shift in demeanor was uncommon.
"Did you not hear my order?" he addressed them with a sharp glare, his jaw tightening as he fought against this decision. The guards exchanged wary glances before complying, letting the maids go, who fell to the floor, hands clasped, tears of relief in their eyes. "Thank you, your majesty," they sang in unison, their gratitude filling the air. Leon's expression hardened, aware that the source of this change was none other than Maya.
"Everyone is dismissed," he reiterated, and as soon as he spoke, the guards and maids rushed to obey, leaving the chamber silent, as he preferred.
He turned back to Maya. "What are you still doing here?"
Startled, Maya nearly jumped but swiftly regained her composure. "Excellent decision, your majesty. You truly are just," she complimented, a light chuckle escaping her lips. Internally, she sighed in relief, having narrowly avoided a dire outcome. She praised herself for executing her mission well—provoking him, yet somehow avoiding punishment. However, she realized that her actions might have intensified his disdain for her, but she didn't care.
Leon's eyebrows knitted as he stepped closer, observing her instinct to retreat. He noticed her surprise and hesitation clearly.
"I'll take my leave now," she said, her smile unwavering. "Thank you, your majesty, and have a good day." She pivoted swiftly, heading for the door.
However, he interrupted her movement, placing a hand on the edge of the table to block her path. She swallowed hard, compelled to meet his gaze before nervously diverting her eyes. Internally frowning while maintaining her outward smile.
"You were fortunate today, Maya," he whispered, his voice low, causing a sense of tension to rise. "Don't become overconfident; luck isn't always on your side. If you dare challenge me again..." His words trailed off ominously.
"You'll confine me to the dungeon," Maya interjected, completing his thought, which earned her a sharp glare for her boldness.
"I'll have you killed," he declared, a finality in his tone that sent a chill down her spine. He spoke with a certainty that made it clear he wouldn't hesitate to follow through should she test him again.