forgotten maiden

6

Lilys pov
Chapter 6: Shattered Illusions

I stood transfixed, my gaze locked onto Andrew's chiseled physique, his eyes gleaming with amusement. The eunuch's discreet cough broke the spell, and I regained my composure.

"I need to speak with you," I demanded, my voice firm but trembling.

Andrew's brow arched, but he nodded, dismissing the eunuch with a wave. Alone, I confronted him, my heart racing.

"How could you?" I whispered, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

Andrew's expression softened, and he reached for me. Our lips met in a fiery kiss, all reason forgotten. But reality intruded, and I pushed him away.

"Not again," I pleaded, my voice cracking.

Andrew dropped to his knees, his eyes pleading. "Be mine, Lily. Forever."

My family's voices echoed in my mind, searching for me, unaware of the royal wedding preparations. My brothers begged Father to reconsider, citing Andrew's love for Venus.

"Every woman belongs to the king until declared one," Father replied, his tone unyielding.

Lesley and Morris rushed to the palace, determined to persuade Andrew. I returned for my forgotten bracelet, stumbling upon their confrontation.

"What do you want from our sister?" Lesley shouted, his face reddening. "Wasn't Venus enough?"

Andrew's smile twisted. "The crown needs an heir... from your clan."

Lesley's anger boiled over. "You'll never love Lily! You're using her!"

Andrew's admission cut deep: "Venus is mine, the beholder of my heart... no one can take that away."

A slap echoed through the room, followed by Andrew's declaration. I emerged from my hiding spot, my voice shaking.

"This was all about Venus, right? Andrew, to think you loved me..."

Tears streamed down my face as I turned to my brothers. "Morry, let's go home."

As we fled, Andrew's words haunted me: "Venus is mine."

The palace corridors blurred together, my heart shattered into a million pieces. I had been a pawn in Andrew's game of power, a mere substitute for his true love.

Lesley's arm wrapped around my shoulders, offering comfort. "We'll get through this, sis."

But the wound ran deep. I had given Andrew my heart, and he had crushed it.

The royal wedding loomed, a constant reminder of my humiliation. I vowed to protect myself, to never again fall prey to false promises."