"What are you searching for, maid?" a voice interrupted, sending a jolt of fear through her.

"Ahhhh! You scared me, Your Grace!" she stammered, turning to face Max.

"What are you searching for? I asked," he pressed, his tone sharp. He knew about the magic stone that belonged to Amara, but he couldn’t find it. He had sent Meg twhi close to her and he  follow her and was now desperately waiting for a clue.

"Your Grace, I was... just picking some clothes for my lady," Meg uttered, her voice quivering. But Max had little patience for her lies.

"Riven!" he commanded, and his trusted guard immediately understood. Riven stepped forward, his movements swift and precise. He seized Meg by the arm, pulling her behind him, and drew his sword, pressing the blade to her throat.

The suddenness of it all left Meg bewildered. She barely registered what was happening; it was all too fast.

"You... Your Grace," Meg stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

"Tell me, or you won’t die painlessly," Max threatened, his gaze fierce. Inside, Meg whispered a silent apology to Amara, fearing the consequences of her next words.

"In the blue dress," she finally admitted, her voice shaking.

Max and Riven exchanged glances and began searching the room, but they found no trace of the blue dress or anything resembling it.

"Sir, there is no blue dress. Not even one," Riven reported, a hint of confusion in his tone.

Max let out a laugh, bitter and incredulous. Amara was playing with him; he knew there was no blue dress. 

"You search. I will go to Amara," he said, turning sharply on his heel and leaving the room. He walked quickly, frustration propelling him forward. "I can’t believe I was tricked again," he muttered under his breath. "Amara, please don’t make me force you please" He whispered.

As he approached the door, Max felt his heart racing like a horse in battle. Cold sweat trickled down his back, sending a chill through him. Even if she tried to run, he knew he could catch her, but the sense of losing her gripped him tighter than ever.

When he finally reached the door, he called out, "Amara..." but hesitated. The sight before him was not what he had expected. A wave of relief washed over him, mingling with an unexpected happiness that nearly brought him to his knees. He had never experienced anything like it before; it was a blend of joy and longing that felt overwhelming.

"Hi," he managed to say, his voice trembling slightly.

Amara looked up at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Hi," she replied, her tone warm yet cautious.