Deviant: No Longer Human

As the quilt fell, revealing Wang Xiao's form, Elina's mind seemed to whirl in a whirlwind of emotions. 'There goes my happy marriage... Thanks royal duties...' She let out a deep sigh, a sigh of resignation as she accepted the unexpected turn her life had taken. She had sworn an oath to serve, and this was well within the scope of her duties.

Yet, amidst the turmoil of her thoughts, there was a strange realization. She never imagined that this day would come, not with the king no longer among the living and the little prince merely in middle school.

Elina couldn't help but wonder if Princess Josephine was orchestrating this as some form of retribution for Elina's previous spying endeavors. If she backed out now, she feared Josephine's retaliation, and that was a gamble she couldn't afford to take

_____

After leaving Elina with the responsibility of attending to Wang Xiao, Josephine had retreated to her take breakfast alongside Seraphine, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She was torn between her duties to her family and her growing feelings for Wang Xiao.

The hour she spent away felt like an eternity, filled with a mix of apprehension and hope about the permission she sought from her mother, Seraphine.

Finally, with a mixture of relief and nervous anticipation, Josephine made her way back to Wang Xiao's room. She had managed to convince Seraphine to allow her a brief respite outside the castle walls, albeit with a condition that puzzled her.

As she neared the room, her pace slowed, her heart pounding with a blend of excitement to share the news and uncertainty about what she might find upon her return.

Josephine's hand hesitated on the door handle before she gently pushed the door open. The scene that greeted her was one of calm after the earlier storm of events. Wang Xiao, fresh from his bath, exuded a sense of relaxed alertness.

Elina, having finished tidying the room and attending to Wang Xiao, was in the process of buttoning up her top, her expression a mask of professionalism despite the odd situation.

Josephine cleared her throat to announce her presence, her bitterness at the earlier scene quickly masked by a smile. "I have good news," she began, stepping into the room. Her eyes met Wang Xiao's, trying to gauge his reaction as she delivered the surprising update from her mother.

"Mother has given me permission to go outside." Josephine announced, her voice betraying a hint of forced cheerfulness.

Wang Xiao, wrapping a towel around his waist, turned to her with a look of surprise. This was unexpected, given Seraphine's earlier insistence on her staying within the castle walls.

"But," Josephine continued, "she agreed only on the condition that you accompany me."

Now Wang Xiao's surprise morphed into confusion. Was this an indirect acknowledgment from Seraphine of his capabilities? His mind raced with questions. It seemed almost too convenient, a direct contrast to the caution and restriction that had previously been imposed.

"What is this woman up to?" Wang Xiao mused aloud, his gaze shifting between Josephine and Elina, who was now trying to make a discreet exit from the room. His thoughts were clouded with suspicion. Seraphine's decision to allow Josephine outside, specifically under his escort, didn't add up unless she had an ulterior motive.

Josephine, sensing his confusion, added, "I was surprised too. But maybe she's starting to trust you." Her words, meant to be reassuring, tinged with her own uncertainties about her mother's intentions.

Wang Xiao, still pondering the implications of this development, realized that this might be a calculated move by Seraphine. Perhaps it was a test of his abilities or a ploy to uncover more about him.

As Elina exited, closing the door with a quiet click, Wang Xiao began dressing himself. The casual ease with which he moved caused a faint blush to creep across Josephine's cheeks. She retreated to the sanctuary of her bed, trying to compose herself.

"So, when are we leaving?" Josephine asked, her voice carrying a note of excitement. She swung her legs playfully as she sat on the bed, her earlier discomfort momentarily forgotten in the anticipation of the outing. "I want to show you around the city, and then we could pick up my brother from school as well!"

Wang Xiao, buttoning up his shirt, glanced over at her, a small, appreciative smile playing on his lips. He was aware of the change in her demeanor – the eagerness to share her world with him, a sign of growing trust and perhaps something deeper.

"We can leave as soon as I'm ready," he replied, fastening the last button. He looked at her, considering her proposal. "A tour of the city sounds interesting. And meeting your brother... that will be an important step."

Josephine beamed at his response, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. "You'll love it! The city has so much history and beauty. And as for my brother, I'm sure you two will get along," she said, her eyes shining with the prospect of introducing Wang Xiao to more of her life.

As Wang Xiao finished dressing, he reflected on the significance of this outing.

Not only would it be a chance to learn more about Josephine's world, but it would also be an opportunity to observe the dynamics of her family and perhaps gain insight into the capital city of Sylvergard as well.

With a nod to himself, he was ready to step into a day that promised to be both revealing and enjoyable.

The room was charged with a blend of anticipation and enthusiasm, as Wang Xiao abruptly remembered something important. "Hey, Josephine. Can you pass me that small pouch?" he asked calmly, pointing towards a spot near the bed.

As Josephine delicately grasped the small pouch, her movements were graceful yet slightly hurried, fueled by the excitement of their impending outing. "This one?" she queried, reaching back and retrieving the pouch perched atop the lampstand.

"Yes, but be careful with it," Wang Xiao warned, a note of caution in his voice. However, as if on cue with his warning, the pouch slipped through Josephine's fingers, cascading its contents onto her. A soft "Oops..." escaped her lips, her eyes widening in surprise as golden dust glittered against her skin.

Wang Xiao whirled around, his face a picture of surprise and worry. "What did you do...!?" he exclaimed, his tone a blend of alarm and resignation.

Josephine attempted to speak, to brush off the incident as a minor mishap that the maids could easily rectify, but her voice refused to cooperate. Her throat felt constricted, her vocal cords unresponsive.

Wang Xiao sighed heavily, a mix of frustration and resignation evident in his expression. "Don't even try to speak. That dust is a potent poison used for emergencies. It paralyzes on contact," he explained with a tinge of regretful voice.

Panic flickered in Josephine's eyes, her body rigid and unresponsive. The reality of her situation began to dawn on her – she was completely at Wang Xiao's mercy.