Vows And Veil

Ah, The Unrequited Love.

"This is preposterous, Fredrick!" Gerald's voice resonated across the room, his frustration palpable. While Gerald was not one to readily defer, he maintained a modicum of respect for his father, mother, and elder brother. However, at that moment, his ire towards Fredrick surged beyond containment. "What compelled you to return?" he demanded, his tone tinged with incredulity.

Upon Adelaide's initial disclosure of Fredrick's presence in the palace, Gerald had harbored doubts. Nevertheless, he reluctantly investigated, only to find his elder brother standing pensively by the railing, engrossed in the preparations for the Gala. Gerald approached him and guided him to a secluded chamber nestled in a remote corner of the palace. Throughout their encounter, Fredrick remained reticent, prompting Gerald to temper his initial hostility.

"I understand the depth of your affection for Portia," Gerald began, his voice now gentler, imbued with a touch of melancholy. "I facilitated your escape so you could pursue happiness with her, dear brother. It was not for you to return and compound our troubles further." Gerald sighed, a blend of frustration and disappointment shadowing his countenance.

Finally, Fredrick raised his gaze, his visage troubled. "Gerald, my brother, I offer my sincerest apologies," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Advancing, he placed his hands on Gerald's shoulders, his gaze earnest and sincere as it met his younger sibling's.

"I was unaware that Father intended for you to wed Princess Adelaide. By God, had I known, I would not have departed," he confessed to his brother.

Gerald flared his nostrils before exhaling sharply and gently removing his brother's hands from his shoulders. "Even so, I would have vehemently opposed this ill-fated union," Gerald asserted. He paused, swallowing hard, before continuing, "Though I am a stranger to matters of the heart, I recognize the depth of your feelings for Portia. Such devotion is a testament to the power of love."

Fredrick's eyes glistened with emotion as he shook his head, preparing to voice his dissent. Yet, before he could speak, Gerald intervened, his tone resolute. "There is little merit in dwelling on this matter now, brother. What transpired, however regrettable, cannot be undone. Regrettably, she is now my spouse," he conceded through clenched teeth, his gaze averted as if to evade the unpleasant reality.

"Neither you nor I possess the power to alter this course of events," Gerald acknowledged with a resigned nod. "She is now my burden to bear," he confessed to his brother.

Fredrick released a heavy sigh, grappling with the weight of his guilt. "How am I to reconcile with this burden, Gerald?" he implored, seeking solace from his younger brother. Gerald's response was wordless, a silent acknowledgment of the pain inflicted upon their family by the scheming actions of Adelaide and her conniving father.

...

Adelaide sought refuge from Prince Fredrick and Gerald, longing for a moment of solitude. Fortunately, her wish was granted when her mother-in-law intervened, instructing Adelaide to prepare for the upcoming gala. With the imminent arrival of guests, Adelaide acquiesced to her mother-in-law's directive and was ushered into a secluded chamber where she would remain until she emerged for the event.

As the day progressed and Adorea's nobility busied themselves with gala preparations for Lovaria, Adelaide commenced her own preparations. Escorted to a bathing chamber, Adelaide disrobed, the warm water embracing her weary form as she stepped into the bath. Beneath the soothing scented waters, her tense muscles began to unwind, offering a brief respite from the tumultuous events unfolding around her.

Assisted by attentive helpers, Adelaide underwent her ablutions, her long brown locks attended to with care while her body was gently cleansed. Despite her mother's insistence on meticulous cleanliness, Adelaide disregarded the directive, her mind preoccupied with deeper concerns than the meticulousness of her bathing routine.