Tears streaked Kate's face, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she stumbled into the castle courtyard, blood staining her clothes. Francois, Dominic's brother, rushed to her side, his expression a mix of concern and anger. Dominic, the weight of guilt heavy in his chest, stood frozen as the scene unfolded before him.
"What happened, Kate?" Francois demanded, his voice edged with worry. "Where is India?"
Kate struggled to compose herself, her words tumbling out in a rush. "We were at the moonshade tree...bandits attacked...India...she's hurt."
Dominic's heart clenched at the mention of India's name, a pang of regret piercing his soul. If only he had been there, if only he had stood up to his mother and followed his heart, he could have been by India's side, protecting her from harm.
Francois's eyes blazed with anger as he turned to Dominic. "How did you not see her home? You know how impulsive she is!" His words cut through the air like a knife, each syllable a barb of accusation.
Dominic's stomach churned with guilt and self-reproach. He knew he had failed India, failed to protect her when she needed him the most. The weight of his inaction pressed down on him, a bitter reminder of the choices he had made.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Dominic turned to his mother, the queen, his voice firm and resolute. "I need full access to the kingdom's battalion. I have to find India before it's too late."
YOU ARE READING
Crown Jewels
FantasyIndiana is transported from the modern world to a beautiful palace in France,Jardinelle . Disorientated, Indiana meets the prince of Jardinelle Prince Dominic. As Indiana spends more time in the palace, she and Dominic begin to grow closer, despite...