The day of departure had finally arrived.
The palace courtyard was bustling with movement, servants lined up on either side of the stone-paved path. At the main gate, the entire family stood to bid farewell to Irene and Lucas before the carriages set off to the south.
Queen Elizabeth was the first to step forward. She raised her hands, murmuring a blessing for them, then embraced Irene warmly and whispered in a trembling voice:
— Ah, my dear, I wish you a beautiful journey… I am truly happy that you will be spending some time together.
A gentle smile appeared on Irene's face, and she answered softly:
— Thank you, Your Majesty…
She then moved on to bid Violet farewell. Violet smiled tenderly as she pulled her into an embrace, saying:
— Don't fall ill, Irene… enjoy your time as much as you can.
But the warmth of the moment was shattered when her eyes fell on Anita. She was standing at a distance, glaring at her with unmistakable disdain. Irene sighed silently and tried to approach her despite everything, but Anita suddenly stepped forward and deliberately rammed her shoulder against hers. Irene staggered for a moment, but composed herself, clutching her aching shoulder.
Violet quickly intervened:
— Anita! What is your problem?
But Anita ignored her completely and continued walking.
Violet held Irene gently, asking with concern:
— Are you all right?
Meanwhile, Anita threw herself dramatically into her brother's arms, who had been speaking to their mother. With an exaggerated voice full of false sentiment, she said:
— I'll miss you so much, brother… please, take care of yourself.
Then she leaned to his ear and whispered softly:
— Keep an eye on your wife, Lucas… she is far more dangerous than you think.
Lucas frowned, his eyes narrowing sharply:
— What are you talking about?
Anita smiled mysteriously and replied coldly:
— You'll find out yourself…
Then she stepped back, returning to her cheerful tone in front of everyone:
— Don't forget to bring me some gifts from the south!
The atmosphere was heavy, but time would not wait. Guards began loading the luggage into three carriages: the main one for Irene and Lucas, a second for the servants, and a third for the belongings. The convoy finally moved, the wheels turning slowly on the cobblestone streets of the capital, as the family's eyes followed them until they disappeared beyond the black iron gates.
Irene sat by the window, gazing at sights she had never seen beyond the palace walls. It was her first time leaving the capital, her first time seeing endless roads. Lucas, reclining across from her and staring out the window in boredom, suddenly seemed different—his eyes oddly vacant. Then, in his calm voice, without looking at her, he cut through her thoughts:
— What are you staring at so intently?
Startled, warmth rushed to her cheeks:
— N-no… nothing.
For a few moments she avoided his eyes, then asked to change the subject:
— How long will it take us to reach the south?
— Three days, if the rain or snow doesn't delay us.
— Ah… I see.
She touched her burning cheeks, whispering inwardly: That caught me off guard…
---
Night fell, and the convoy gradually slowed until the carriages stopped at the outskirts of a small town, surrounded by stone walls and heavy wooden gates. The air was cold, filled with the scent of rain.
One of the guards opened the main carriage door, bowing slightly as he said:
— Your Highness, we will stop here for an hour to let the horses rest and prepare dinner.
Lucas stepped out first, then offered his hand for Irene to help her down. She hesitated briefly, then placed her hand in his. His grip was steady and warm, but a strange current rushed through her fingers, making her quickly pull away.
Lucas's lips curved faintly, pleased she hadn't rejected him this time, though he noticed the chill in her hand.
They entered a small hall in an old inn within the town, where a simple supper was prepared. Irene sat mostly in silence, staring at the bowls of soup and bread without appetite, while Lucas discussed the next day's route with the guards.
When they finished, Irene returned to the carriage, exhausted. She sat by the window, watching the distant lights fade as they left the town. She couldn't hold back a sigh. Lucas turned his head suddenly, speaking in a low voice:
— Are you tired?
She hesitated before answering:
— A little… I'm not used to traveling.
— If you grow too weary, we'll stop the carriage so you can rest.
Irene offered a faint smile:
— I'm fine.
As the hours passed, fatigue overcame her. She leaned her head against the side of the carriage, but its shaking made her sleep light. Between wakefulness and slumber, she finally settled into place and drifted off. Lucas draped his thick woolen coat over her.
Her eyes fluttered open for a moment, seeing him sitting rigidly, staring into the darkness outside the window without glancing her way.
As she sank deeper into sleep, the carriage pressed on through the countryside night. Lucas glanced at her, noting how she shifted to the other side. Then he leaned back himself and surrendered to sleep.
---
Back in the capital.
That evening, Anita made her way to her friend Viola's house.
The room was dimly lit. Viola sat elegantly on a velvet couch, one leg crossed over the other, her gaze fixed on the servant standing by the door.
With icy composure, she said:
Viola: "Say aloud what you told me."
The servant bent nervously, hesitating before speaking:
Servant: "Yes, my lady. I confirmed with the palace maids what happened, as you requested… They said the princess and Crown Prince Bastian lingered in the palace for a long time, and at sunset they both went to the Crown Prince's wing, leaving late at night. The princess was seen carrying flowers in her hand."
A heavy silence filled the room. Anita and Mirna exchanged glances. Then Anita shot up, her voice breaking in disbelief as she exclaimed:
Anita: "I told you from the very beginning! You didn't believe me that day do you remember, Viola? You defended her, even Mother and Violet too… and now she disgraces herself in front of everyone! I was right all along… Do you believe me now, Viola?"
Viola flicked her hand dismissively toward the servant:
Viola: "Enough. You may leave."
The servant bowed quickly and rushed out, the door closing behind her. At once, Anita erupted again.
Anita : "This is madness! Lucas isn't in the capital, and they'll be gone for over a month at least. We should have acted from the start! My brother will come back to find everything ruined without us lifting a finger!"
Viola's lips curved slowly into a measured smile as she replied calmly:
Viola: "Calm yourself, Anita… Anger won't serve us now. This is more dangerous than you realize. The Crown Prince himself is involved. You know the laws If we intervene directly, we'll be putting our heads on the chopping block, no matter our rank "
Anita stepped forward, her face flushed with fury:
Anita: "So what do you suggest? That we just sit idle and let her toy with my brother's reputation?"
Viola answered with confidence:
Viola: "Exactly. We do nothing. We simply watch… from afar. Every word that left the servants' mouths is enough once it spreads among the people. What we need is to hasten the rumor's reach. I'm thinking of hiring people to talk about it in public places. We won't be accused of anything. We're just spectators."
Anita's voice rose again, but Viola silenced her with a raised hand:
Viola: "Think for a moment… If we act openly, we'll be accused of plotting, maybe even treason. But if we let others spread the story, our hands remain clean. And when Lucas returns… he'll find everything already in place, ready to believe what's being said. We'll simply claim we knew nothing, just like everyone else."
At that, Mirna let out a mocking laugh, muttering:
Mirna: "Perfect. My sister is right, Anita. Why involve ourselves in trouble for that whore? Once people hear, no one will believe her again, no matter how much she pretends to be innocent. Her true nature will eventually be exposed."
Viola rolled her eyes at her, then turned back to Anita with a sharp tone:
Viola: "So… what do you say now? Do you still wish to act rashly? Or will you let things unfold as I've planned?"
Anita stood rigid for a moment, fists trembling, before letting out a sharp exhale and finally sitting down:
Anita: "…Fine. But if your plan fails, I'll hold you entirely responsible."
A cold, faint smile touched Viola's lips as she sipped from her glass:
Viola: "Rest assured… it won't fail."
_________
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