The exchange of gifts ceremony felt like a stifling cage, each lavish offering serving as another weight pressing down upon me. The grandeur of the occasion only served to amplify my sense of suffocation.
As the courtiers applauded and feigned admiration, I struggled to maintain my composure. I had hoped to stay until the end of the ceremony, but my nervousness got the better of me. I couldn't bear to be suffocated within the confines of the royal chamber any longer.
“I don't agree to this wedding,” I declared, my voice cutting through the tense silence that had enveloped the court.
The weight of my words seemed to hang heavy in the air, causing Prince Savoy to visibly panic, his worry etched onto his features. I knew that my decision would negatively affect Alveria's future, but I couldn't ignore what I believed was best for both myself and Nicole.
Behind the mask that concealed my face, guilt slowly started churning me inside. Was I truly grateful for the path I had chosen?
As I turned to leave, a stern voice shattered the quiet.
“Prince Rushford!” My father's tone was laced with rage. His words echoing across the grand chamber.
I faced him, bracing myself for his inevitable outburst. I was unprepared for this volume of his voice within the hallowed halls of the royal court.
“Prince Nicole has traveled a long way to present his proposal,” my father continued, his demeanor softening slightly but maintaining an undercurrent of sternness. “I insist you provide him with three months to win your heart.”
“Yes, Father,” I replied. I understood all too well the meaning of his insisting.
I announced my departure. “I shall take my leave now.”
As I strode away, I resisted the urge to glance back at Prince Nicole. I couldn't bear to witness his reaction—whether it be happiness, sadness, or something else entirely.
Outside the suffocating confines of the court, I made my way to the rooftop, craving the solace of open sky.
The sun, usually a beacon of warmth and light, was obscured by heavy clouds, casting a pall over the landscape below.
“Ford.”
I turned to meet Enzo, his expression a mix of concern and understanding.
“What was the prince's reaction?” he inquired, his tone gentle.
“You don't want to know,” I replied with a heavy sigh, the weight of my decision settling heavily upon me.
Enzo's reassuring presence offered some comfort in the midst of my turmoil. “I can't take it anymore,” I confessed to him, my voice tinged with resignation. “Do what you always do. I need to escape the confines of the palace for a breather.”
“Always,” Enzo affirmed, his unwavering loyalty a balm to my troubled soul.
With a grateful smile, I turned and made my way toward the backdoor, eager to escape the suffocating pressure of courtly obligations, if only for a moment. I needed this escape to survive the next three months.
YOU ARE READING
"Eclipse"
Romance"𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧." In a kingdom where 𝐚𝐥...
