Chapter 3

I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water against my cheeks, forcing myself to calm down.

I couldn't let this blow up. Not yet.

We were on a cruise ship in international waters. If I provoked him, he might do something desperate.

I had to get off this ship alive.

I felt my way through touching up my makeup, then pushed open the bathroom door.

"Feeling better?" Arthur stepped toward me, his voice back to that sickeningly gentle tone.

"Still not great. Arthur, I want to go back to the room and rest." I pressed a hand to my stomach, brow furrowed, putting on a show of weakness.

Arthur went quiet for two seconds.

【Master, he's clenching his jaw. He's furious.】

"Alright. If you're not feeling well, we'll head back to the room. I'll have someone clean up the pool area." Arthur gave in and guided me toward the cabin.

The VIP suite was thick with the scent of expensive incense.

"Scarls, lie down. I'll get you some hot water."

I leaned against the headboard, listening to his footsteps as he walked toward the mini bar.

【Master, he put a white powder in the water! It's a hallucinogen! He wants you to lose your mind and jump overboard!】

My heart seized. I gripped the bedsheets with both hands.

"Here's your water. It's a little hot — drink slowly." Arthur placed the glass in my hands.

The warmth from the glass made my blood run cold.

"Arthur, I want something sweet to settle my stomach. Could you go to the restaurant and get me a slice of Black Forest cake?" I cradled the glass, keeping my voice soft and sweet.

"Well..." Arthur hesitated.

"What's wrong? You don't want to?" I lowered my head slightly, letting a hint of hurt creep into my voice.

"Of course I do. Wait here — I'll be right back."

The moment the door clicked shut, I threw back the covers, felt my way to the bathroom, and poured the spiked water down the toilet. I flushed it away.

Then I refilled the glass with tap water and made my way back to bed.