As Tina's sweet voice reverberates in my ear, I sluggishly try to fight off the urge to get up. However, the insistent tone in her voice made it clear that I had no choice but to oblige. With a sense of resignation, I mutter a half-hearted response.
As I lay there, the warm and cozy embrace of my soft sheets was the only thing that offered me solace. However, my momentary peace was short-lived as Tina's fingers swiftly peeled off my sheets with agility.
As the natural light filters into the room through the opened blinds, it illuminates the walls with a soft, golden hue. The serene atmosphere of the room is almost juxtaposed with my persistent drowsiness, making it harder for me to get up.
"We can go to the gardens after breakfast if you wish," she says dragging off her sentence.
Tina's suggestion catches my attention. I felt a pang of longing as I realized that I hadn't visited the gardens since that fateful day when everything changed. You know...
The thought of walking through the lush frosted greenery and breathing in the fresh air was enough to jolt me into action.
With newfound energy, I drag myself out of bed and begin to get ready; with Tina's help.
As Tina deftly dresses me in the warm, layered dress, I can feel the soft fabric enveloping me in its warmth. The intricate design of the dress is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the castle's tailors. The layers are perfect to protect me from the chilly weather outside.
As I look outside, I see that the snow is still falling in heavy flakes, covering the landscape in a blanket of white. It's almost hard to believe that it's been snowing continuously for so long. The thought of spending almost all year in the snow-filled landscape is daunting, to say the least.
But then, as I look at the serene beauty of the snow-covered hills and the way the sun glitters on the snowflakes, I can't help but feel a sense of awe. The way the snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland is nothing short of magical.
With my coat on and my boots laced up, I follow Tina out of the room and into the corridor. I was going to breakfast before heading outside, but I wasn't really planning on staying long.
As we make our way through the corridor, I can't help but notice the enticing aroma wafting from the nearby dining area. My stomach rumbles in response, reminding me that breakfast might just be the fuel I need for whatever adventure awaits outside.
Breakfast was truly delicious, just the thing I needed. Although, I hate to admit it I hated eating it alone. Sure, I had Tina and gods I loved her, but it wasn't the same as having him.
Fuck. Him...
"Are you ready to go?" Tina's voice reminds me of what I had actually wanted to do today.
I nod and give a small, weak smile in response. Why was I so upset all of a sudden? Shouldn't I despise him, not be mourning over his stupid decision.
Stop. I need to stop.
As we walk towards the gardens, I feel a sense of anticipation building up inside me. It's been too long since I've stepped outside and taken in the beauty of the castle's gardens.
We step outside, and the cold air bites at my cheeks, but the layers of clothing are enough to protect me. The thin snow crunches under my boots as we walk towards the gardens, and the smell of pine and fresh snow fills my nose. It's a refreshing change from the stale air of our- my room.
I stroll further into the bushes and trees. The enchanting garden, a crisp winter morning greets me with a gentle kiss of frost. The once vibrant blooms now stand as delicate remnants, their petals either withered or encased in a glistening layer of ice.
Every breath I take seems to mingle with the chilly air, creating tiny clouds of mist that dance in front of me. The surrounding bushes and trees, adorned with a delicate frosting, exude an ethereal beauty that captivates my senses.
Delicate snowflakes delicately sprinkle over the frozen flowers, as if nature itself has adorned them with delicate winter jewelry. The garden becomes a frozen wonderland, where time seems to stand still, and the silence is broken only by the soft crunch of my boots on the icy ground. It is a scene that commands both reverence and awe, reminding me of the fleeting yet mesmerizing beauty that exists even in the coldest of seasons
"Bella!" a voice shouts out to me with a mix of delight and relief.
I turn quickly to face the spice of the call. Benedict. Oh, I haven't talked to him in ages! A smile quickly adorns my face and my paces hasten as I make my was towards him.
Next to him is Matteo of course, and Cammile. Their presence only makes my more exited to be able to speak with them. In fact, this may be the only actual conversation I've had to someone that isn't Tina since that night. Well, exulting my rants to Patches when I decides to come into our- well his room. I don't really know who's it to be completely honest. I have been in my old room for the past two night, unable to face the excuse of a man. But I will probably be forced to move back in soon enough.
I embrace the three in a group hug, although, Matteo is quick to pull away. Cam and Benedict both accept it, so it's fine.
"Shall we sit and talk?" I question once the hug is over.
They all agree and we walk over to the benches in the little nook of a spot in the centre of the gardens.
As we approach the benches nestled in the heart of this tranquil haven, I notice that they too bear the mark of winter's touch. Layers of icy snow have transformed them into glistening seats, offering a surreal and inviting ambiance. Without hesitation, we lower ourselves onto the frost-kissed surface, trusting that our well-insulated clothing will shield us from the chill seeping through. The coldness of the bench contrasts against the warmth within our bodies, reminding us of the delicate balance between nature's harshness and our human resilience.
However, amidst the settling stillness, I realize that Tina is no longer by my side. Her absence tugs at my curiosity, prompting me to wonder if she had been called away to attend to her responsibilities. Perhaps duty beckoned her, a reminder that even in this tranquil sanctuary, obligations can never be fully escaped. Nonetheless, I find solace in the camaraderie of my companions and the serene beauty that surrounds me.
"Bella, I feel like I haven't seen you in like way too long," the young girl starts, almost complaining of my absence. I laugh and tell her I missed her too.
"Do you know where Nikolai has been? Not to be intrusive, but we haven't seen him since, uhh well..." Benedict's voice trails off, hinting at the traffic event of the passing of the late King and Queen, clearly not wanting to upset poor Cammile.
Nikolai.
His question takes me by surprise. I have tried my hardest not to think about the man, not to think about what he did. And what he didn't do.
Beneath the lighthearted exchange, the mention of Nikolai stirs a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me. I pause for a moment, my smile fading as I search for the right words to respond. Meeting Benedict's gaze, I see the weight of unspoken pain and concern reflected in his eyes, mirrored by the unspoken understanding between us. It is a delicate subject, one that carries the burden of unfulfilled expectations and shattered trust.
Taking a deep breath, I attempt to answer truthfully, my voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and guardedness. "I... I don't know, Benedict," I lie, my tone carrying a hint of sadness. "After everything that happened, Nikolai... he distanced himself. I've been trying to talk to him, but he has not been answering. I am sorry."
I can feel Cammile's eyes upon me. Like she knows I am lying though my teeth. Like she knows what he did...
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Tied to the Throne
Romance"This marriage is nothing but an alliance to me. Don't expect anything else, because you won't get it. I will never love you." "It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A princess and a prince, forced into a marriage th...
