The World Cannot Know

Chapter 15

Matthew Wild

The first light of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes, casting a soft, muted glow across the room. The remnants of the night's turmoil still hung in the air, a lingering reminder of the chaos we had barely begun to untangle. I sat by the window, the chill of the early morning seeping through the glass and into my bones as I reflected on everything that had happened.

The palace was unusually quiet, the usual hustle subdued by the weight of our collective uncertainty. It was as if the entire kingdom was holding its breath, waiting for the next move in this dangerous game that Valoria had thrust upon us.

I looked over at Katharina, who was still asleep on the couch across from me. Her face, usually so composed, was marred by the faint traces of worry and exhaustion. She had shown such courage last night, agreeing to a marriage that was as much a political strategy as it was a personal commitment. I admired her strength, but I also felt a deep sadness for the burden she had to bear.

And then there was Sebastian. I couldn't stop thinking about the conversation we had shared and the quiet moments between us that carried so much unspoken emotion. The kiss we had shared—a secret I held close, almost afraid to dwell on it too deeply for fear it might disappear into the ether of wishful thinking—had been a revelation. It was a moment that had shattered the boundaries of duty and friendship, revealing a deeper connection that I had only begun to understand.

A gentle knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I rose quietly, careful not to wake Katharina, and crossed the room to open it. A young page stood there, looking slightly anxious.

"Good morning, Sir Matthew," he said, bowing slightly. "The King requests your presence in the council chamber. Lady Katharina and your parents are also required."

A knot of anxiety tightened in my chest. The urgency in the page's voice was unmistakable. "Thank you," I replied, nodding as I took a deep breath. "We'll be there shortly."

As the page hurried away, I turned back to Katharina, who was beginning to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around the room, disoriented for a moment before her gaze settled on me.

"Good morning," she said softly, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, offering a small smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," she admitted, sitting up and stretching. "But ready to face whatever comes next."

I admired her resolve. "We need to see the King. There's a meeting with our parents to discuss the wedding."

Katharina's eyes widened slightly. "The wedding?" she echoed, as if the reality of the situation was just sinking in.

"Yes," I said, my tone gentle but firm.

She took a deep breath, nodding slowly as she processed the information. "I see. Gosh this is all so sudden"

"But you did say you liked him, remember" I agreed.

Katharina looked at me, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I did, didn't I?" she replied, her voice laced with a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty. "It's just... it's one thing to like someone and another to marry them under these circumstances."

I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I know it's a lot to take in," I said softly. "But Sebastian is a good man. And we'll all be here to support you."

She took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a steely determination. "You're right, Matty. We have to do what's best for the kingdom."

I squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "We should get ready. Father and Mother will be waiting for us in the council chamber."