Chapter 16
Stonehaven Gates
The towering walls of Stonehaven gleamed under the morning sun, its spires cutting sharply into the sky.
The party rode through the grand gates.
Cobblestone streets stretched ahead, lined with citizens who had gathered in anticipation. A wave of whispers spread through the crowd as the procession advanced.
One by one, people bowed.
Children peeked from behind their parents. Merchants paused mid-work. Soldiers along the streets straightened in respect.
The city itself seemed to hold its breath.
The Princess rode with composed grace, her eyes quietly scanning the crowd. Beside her, the Prince guided the procession with calm authority, as if the entire city naturally bent around him.
Stonehaven felt alive—but controlled.
Too controlled.
Finally, they reached the palace gates.
The crowd fell into a respectful silence.
The Princess straightened in her saddle.
Then—
---
The Incident
A sudden commotion broke the silence.
Two women pushed through the crowd, frantic and disheveled.
Women: "You devil worshippers! You killed our child! Give us our child back!"
Their voices cracked with grief and rage.
The Princess froze.
Princess: "What… is happening?"
The Prince's expression darkened instantly.
His voice cut through the crowd—calm, commanding.
Prince: "Commander! Soldiers! Remove them. Take them to the prison immediately."
Guards moved swiftly, dragging the women away as the crowd was forced back into order.
Silence returned.
But it felt heavier now.
The Princess exhaled slowly, still unsettled.
The Prince turned toward the palace.
And together, they entered.
---
Outside the Palace
Marco and Guinevere remained with the soldiers.
Marco: "All soldiers stay here. Wait for further orders."
Murmurs spread through the ranks.
Soldier: "We're on a mission, not sightseeing…"
Soldier: "So we just wait?"
Guinevere's sharp gaze cut through them.
Guinevere: "Enough. Silence. Stay alert."
Instantly, the camp quieted.
John stepped closer to Marco.
John (low voice): "Something feels off. Why are we all being kept here?"
Marco: "Politics. You'll understand soon enough. For now—follow orders."
At that moment, Esabell and Tomasi arrived by carriage.
Tomasi: "Commander Marco."
Marco: "Ah. Tomasi. The Princess may need you inside."
Tomasi: "Understood. Thank you."
He left.
John's eyes shifted to Esabell.
Esabell: "Hello, John. Commander."
John: "Where were you?"
Esabell: "Under Marco's orders."
Marco straightened proudly.
Marco: "Of course. Safety first."
Esabell: "Or maybe you just like controlling everything."
Marco (laughing): "Someone has to keep you alive."
John leaned toward Marco.
John: "Why does Guinevere want him?"
Marco: "Chosen Angel business. Monessa's remains. Complicated stuff."
John nodded slowly.
Marco: "Careful. Curiosity leads to trouble."
Esabell suddenly leaned in.
Esabell: "Actually… I need John for something."
John blinked.
John: "Me?"
Marco shrugged.
Marco: "Fine. Just don't cause trouble."
Esabell smiled brightly.
Esabell: "Thank you!"
---
Inside the Palace
The palace halls were grand, echoing with ceremony and introductions.
The Prince guided the Princess through nobles and ministers.
Every greeting felt heavy.
Every smile, calculated.
By the end, the Princess's shoulders had slightly lowered.
Exhaustion hidden behind royal composure.
Guinevere stepped out from behind a column.
Guinevere: "Tired already?"
Princess: "This is exhausting."
Guinevere: "Want a drink?"
Princess: "Absolutely not."
Guinevere chuckled lightly.
Then—
Guinevere: "You saw those women earlier?"
The Princess's expression darkened slightly.
Princess: "Yes."
A pause.
Princess: "That wasn't random."
Guinevere: "Meaning?"
The Princess's eyes sharpened.
Princess: "Just wait. Stonehaven isn't what it appears to be."
A faint smile crossed her face.
Princess: "It's more like… Stone Hell right now."
Guinevere's eyes sparkled.
Guinevere: "Now that sounds interesting."
They shared a brief laugh—light, fleeting.
A break in the tension.
---
Palace Study Room
Inside a quiet room stacked with books…
John carried heavy piles while Esabell organized them.
After a while, they collapsed onto the floor in exhaustion.
John: "That was more than 'a little help.'"
Esabell (laughing): "Thank you."
John: "Why bring me here? Servants exist."
Esabell smiled faintly.
Esabell: "It wasn't just help."
John blinked.
John: "Then what?"
Esabell hesitated.
Esabell: "I heard about the river."
John stiffened.
Esabell: "Jumping in without hesitation… that was… romantic."
John: "That wasn't romantic!"
He looked away awkwardly.
John: "Anyone would've done it."
Esabell: "Not everyone jumps without thinking."
A pause.
Then—
Esabell: "I also heard about the marriage."
John froze.
His expression darkened briefly.
John: "Oh…"
Esabell watched him carefully.
Esabell: "You care about her."
John: "It's not like that."
Esabell: "Sure."
He sighed.
John: "Why are you helping me?"
Her expression softened.
Esabell: "Because I want her to be happy."
Her voice grew quieter.
Esabell: "She's always been alone… until you appeared."
John frowned.
John: "Me?"
Esabell: "She smiles more when you're around."
John looked genuinely surprised.
John: "She does?"
Esabell nodded.
Esabell: "Don't waste time doubting it."
A pause.
Then she gently took his hand.
Esabell: "Don't lose your chance."
John stared at their hands.
Then quietly:
John: "…She's a Princess."
Esabell smiled softly.
Esabell: "But she's human first."
---
The Prince's Chamber
A knock echoed.
The door opened.
Prince: "Welcome, Commander."
Guinevere stepped in.
Guinevere: "Why summon me?"
The Prince smiled lightly.
Prince: "Just conversation."
Guinevere: "Then I'll make it quick."
He leaned slightly.
Prince: "You're close to the Princess."
Guinevere: "And loyal to her. Not you."
His smile faded.
Prince: "Careful."
Guinevere: "I am."
Silence.
Then—
Guinevere: "Do not mistake loyalty for weakness."
The Prince's expression darkened.
Prince: "Leave."
Guinevere turned calmly.
Guinevere: "As you wish."
And left.
---
The Princess's Chamber
The Princess entered her room.
The door closed softly.
Princess: "Finally…"
She exhaled.
Then a soldier entered and handed her a letter.
She opened it.
Read it.
And froze.
The color drained from her face.
Silence filled the room.
The paper trembled slightly in her hand.
Finally—
Princess (softly): "So… tomorrow is the wedding."
...CHAPTER 16ENDS...