Forbidden Union: The Evil Prince's Temptation

Chapter 20 | Revelations of Secrets!

The following morning, Seraphina awoke on the same bed she had risen from after her demise. The night had been tumultuous, having traversed several miles on a shaky cart that left her with an excruciating headache.

She perched on the bed, her heart burdened by a heavy weight, and exhaled deeply as she noticed the faint glow of the rising sun. Her nocturnal routine had been disrupted, failing to provide the solace it once did.

Aware that a restful eight-hour slumber was imperative, she found herself unable to attain the serenity she sought, interrupted by Kara's boisterous voice upon opening her eyes.

Once more, she sighed and settled back on the bed, propping herself up with her elbows.

Like an overwhelming tsunami, memories of her stay washed over her. The stolen moments shared with Damian, the enigmatic fate intertwined with Genghis, and the uncertain future that lay ahead elicited both apprehension and eager anticipation within her.

She rested her head in her hands, acknowledging that the road ahead held greater challenges. Among her ruminations, a profound guilt cloaked her heart: What if she were still Jane?

Her mind continued to churn with contemplation, reaching deeper depths of thought.

She thought... thought... And thought.

And in the end, her ponderings led to yet another revelation.

"If I were still Jane, none of this would have happened," she mused aloud, her voice filled with a mixture of longing and resignation.

As Jane, she would have served as the king's consort, playing a pivotal role in matters of state and diplomacy. She would have acted as an advisor, offering guidance and support in decision-making. Her responsibilities would have extended to charitable and social initiatives, representing the kingdom and fostering goodwill among its people. Additionally, she would have worked towards preserving traditions and culture, serving as a symbol of unity and continuity for the realm.

That was her previous life—the life that had killed her existence and granted her the opportunity to live anew as Seraphina.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, she shifted her gaze to the still-packed travel trunk. The recollection of the journal left atop the trunk flooded her mind.

"I almost forgot about its existence," she murmured, her curiosity piqued. With a deliberate attempt to avoid making noise and disturbing others, she tiptoed towards the trunk.

The thin walls needed caution, and she opened the trunk gently, using one hand to sift through her clothes. Her fingers encountered the familiar solidity of the book, and she grabbed it, holding it up to examine closely.

Traces of dust clung to its surface, which she brushed off delicately before studying the letters inscribed upon it.

"I remember..." she whispered, her gaze fixed on the familiar script.

They were the same letters she had discovered on the quills, remnants of her mother's possessions. She could vividly recall spending countless hours scrutinizing those letters, immersing herself in the story and striving to discern her place within its narrative.

Yet, as she realized that the actual tale diverged from her expectations and that the details did not align, she had ultimately given up on unraveling its secrets.

But the book in her hand said otherwise.

This was not a fictional book or a fantasy book, but it looked as if it was a journal.

[4th October 1782]

Dear Journal,

Another day has come to pass, and with it, I find solace in the embrace of my cherished journal. As the sun's golden rays gently caress the aged pages, I am compelled to pour forth the musings and events of my weary heart. This morning greeted me with a symphony of chirping birds, their melodies weaving through the open casement of my chamber. The air, crisp and cool, whispered promises of autumn's arrival.