"This is not going to end well, my princess." Kael muttered with a voice mixed with concern and resignation as he walked back to his palace, his eyes clouded with doubts about the path he had chosen.
Prince Kael sat in his chair, his eyes fixed on some distant point as he sighed deeply, his mind still consumed by thoughts of Stephania. The door creaked open, and Pedro entered, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"It's all set, Your Highness," Pedro said, his voice low and efficient. "The arrangement is in place, and everything is moving smoothly. All you need to do now is marry the princess and leave Eldrida. Once that's done, we can execute the plan."
Kael nodded, his expression unreadable. Pedro's tone turned somber as he continued, "I have to admit, I feel a pang of sympathy for the princess. Her whole life, she's been unloved and used by those around her. And now, we're no better than King Everard, using her for our own gain."
Kael's gaze snapped back into focus, his eyes glinting with a hint of determination. "For now, I'll use her," he said, his voice low and measured. "But I'll let Stephania use me for the rest of my life."
Pedro's eyes widened in shock, and he took a step forward. "What do you mean, Your Highness?"
Kael's expression remained enigmatic, and he said nothing, leaving Pedro to wonder about his true intentions. Pedro's voice took on a cautionary tone as he reminded Kael, "We can't forget, every person with King Everard's blood is our enemy. We can't afford to make exceptions."
Kael's gaze drifted back to the distance, his voice calm and collected. "Perhaps we can make an exception for the princess. She's a victim of Everard's cruelty just as much as we are."
Pedro's face darkened with concern. "Your Highness, don't forget the consequences you'll face if you go down this path. You're playing with fire, and it could burn you."
Kael's silence was his only response, leaving Pedro to wonder what lay ahead for the prince and the princess.
Stephania sat in her room, her gaze still fixed on the hand that had been healed by Prince Kael's kiss. She couldn't shake off the feeling that this man was unlike anyone she had ever met. He seemed to know no boundaries, crashing through every barrier between them with an ease that left her breathless.
"Eat quickly, Your Highness," Elara said, "and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day." Elara entered with a tray bearing a simple meal.
Stephania nodded, taking a bite of the sandwich as Elara fed her. She followed Elara's advice, retiring to bed early and rising before dawn the next day.
In the study, Stephania pored over documents, making notes and planning for the future of her charitable organization. She was almost finished when her mother, Queen Lirien, entered the room.
The queen's face lit up with a warm smile as she approached Stephania. "My dear child," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "I remember when you were young, always so full of life and compassion. You would spend hours playing with the palace staff's children, and your kindness would touch everyone's heart."
Stephania's face softened, and she smiled, feeling a deep connection to her mother. The queen continued, "You will make a wonderful empress one day. You always put others first, and that's a quality that will serve you well."
Stephania's expression turned wistful. "I never wanted to rule a country, Mother," The "I know you better than anyone, Stephania. And I know you want this. You just need to believe in yourself." She paused, her eyes sparkling with approval. "And I must say, Prince Kael seems like a good man. The way he stood up for you in front of the king, and the way he kneels before you, not many men can do that. It shows he has respect for you."
The queen's words were laced with wisdom as she continued, "But, my dear, never depend on anyone else for your self-worth. If anyone disrespects you, stand up for yourself. Nothing is more important than self-respect."
"I will follow your advice, Mother," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for raising me and teaching me everything I know. Don't worry about me; I will always follow your words." Stephania said taking her mother's words to heart.
The queen's face glowed with pride, and she wrapped Stephania in a warm hug. "I know you will, my dear. You always have."
Stephania stood in front of the mirror, her wedding dress fitting perfectly on her slender frame. She had almost completed all the pending tasks, ensuring that everything was in order before her departure. She knew that after the wedding, she wouldn't be able to spend another moment in this place, so she had prepared herself for the future.
As she gazed at her reflection, her thoughts drifted to the memories she had made in this castle – a mix of sweet and bitter ones. The scars on her body still lingered, a reminder of the pain she had endured. Tomorrow, she would leave this place behind, and a new chapter would begin.
"Your Highness, I have some urgent news," Lyka , Stephania's personal knight entered.
She had hired Lyka beforehand, knowing that she couldn't trust anyone in the castle. Despite being confined, Stephania had always been quick-witted and prepared for the worst-case scenario.
"What is it, Lyka?" Lyka hesitated for a moment before speaking, her words spilling out in a rush. Stephania's eyes widened as she listened, her mind processing the information. The doubts she had about Prince Kael seemed to be validating, and she knew she had to be more cautious than ever.
As Kael lay in bed, half asleep, he was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of footsteps in his chamber. Before he could react, a figure lunged at him, sword flashing in the dim light. Kael's instincts kicked in, and he barely dodged the attack, but not without a searing pain in his shoulder as the blade grazed him.
The two figures clashed, their swords ringing out in the darkness. Kael's opponent was skilled, but he seemed to be fighting a small, agile figure. Kael's larger frame and strength gave him an advantage, and he managed to gain the upper hand.
As he pinned his opponent to the ground, Kael's face twisted in a mixture of anger and curiosity. But as he looked down at his attacker's face, his expression turned pale.
The face was small and delicate, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into his soul. Kael's grip on his opponent's wrists loosened, and he felt as if he had been punched in the gut.
"Stephania?"