Hearts in Conflict

Chapter 17: Ultimatium

The days following the betrothal celebration were a blur of activity at Stone Hedge. Preparations for the wedding were underway, with servants bustling about, ensuring every detail was perfect. Emilia Tully immersed herself in the planning, her mind set on creating a flawless event. Despite her outward focus, a seed of doubt regarding Aeron's loyalty continued to fester within her.

Aeron, on the other hand, was consumed by his thoughts of Alyana. Every encounter with Emilia felt like a betrayal of his heart. He had to find a way to see Alyana again, to speak with her without the prying eyes of Stone Hedge upon them.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Aeron slipped out of the castle and made his way to a secluded part of the estate. He had sent a message to Alyana earlier that day, asking her to meet him. His heart pounded as he waited, the shadows lengthening around him.

"Aeron," came a whisper from the darkness. He turned to see Alyana stepping into the faint light of the moon.

"Aly, you came, " he breathed, moving towards her. He was relieved that she showed up.

"I shouldn't be here," she replied, her voice filled with worry.

"Do not worry, no one will see us," Aeron assured her. "I needed to talk to you. I can't stand this anymore. Pretending that I don't love you."

Alyana's eyes filled with tears. "I love you too, Aeron, I do. But you're not mine to love, you are to be married soon."

"I don't have a choice," Aeron said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Our families... It's all politics and alliances. But you're the one I love."

They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them forgotten. Their lips met in a kiss filled with longing and desperation, each moment together a precious respite from the storm brewing around them.

Back at Stone Hedge, Emilia was restless. She had noticed Aeron's frequent absences and his distracted demeanour. Her suspicions about Alyana had grown, fueled by her jealousy and fear of losing Aeron. She decided it was time to take matters into her own hands.

The following day, Emilia approached her father, Lord Hoster Tully. "Father, I need to speak with you."

"What is it, Emilia?" he asked, looking up from the scroll he was reading.

"It's about Aeron and that whore, Alyana Burns," Emilia said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I don't trust her. I think... I think something is going on between them."

Emilia's father frowned, his expression darkening. "Are you certain?"

Emilia nodded. "I've seen the way they look at each other. Please, Father, we must do something."

Lord Tully considered his daughter's words carefully. "If what you say is true, we cannot let this stand. The union between our houses is too important to be jeopardized by such... indiscretions."

Emilia felt a surge of satisfaction. "Thank you, Father. I knew you would understand."

A few days later, Alyana received a summons to Stone Hedge. She arrived, her heart heavy with dread, and was escorted to a private chamber where Emilia awaited her.

"Lady Burns," Emilia greeted coldly. "Thank you for coming."

"Lady Tully," Alyana replied, her voice calm but guarded. "How can I be of service?"

Emilia's eyes narrowed. "You can start by staying away from my betrothed."

Alyana's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. "I don't know what you mean."

"Don't play coy with me," Emilia snapped. "I've seen the way you and Aeron look at each other. I won't tolerate it. Aeron is mine now, and you will stay away from him, or there will be consequences."

Alyana met Emilia's gaze evenly. "I have no intention of causing trouble, Lady Tully. But I cannot change my feelings."

"Then you will learn to hide them," Emilia said sharply. "This is your only warning, Alyana. Stay away from Aeron, or I will ensure that you regret it."

With that, Emilia turned and left the room, leaving Alyana to grapple with the reality of her situation. Her heart ached with the weight of her love for Aeron and her fear of the consequences that loomed over them.

As night fell, Aeron waited in the courtyard, hoping to see Alyana. But instead, he was met by Emilia.

"Aeron," she said, her voice filled with false sweetness. "Why don't we take a walk? There's something I need to discuss with you."

Aeron nodded, though he felt a sense of foreboding. As they walked through the moonlit garden, Emilia's demeanour shifted.

"I spoke with Alyana today," Emilia said, her tone icy. "I told her to stay away from you."

Aeron's heart pounded. "Emilia, you had no right to—"

"I have every right," Emilia interrupted. "You're my betrothed. I will not have you sneaking around with another woman."

"Alyana is nothing more than a dear friend to me," Aeron said, though he knew it was a lie.

"Friends don't look at each other the way you two do," Emilia retorted. "I am not stupid. I won't stand for it, Aeron. If you care for her at all, you'll end this now. For both your sakes, especially for hers."

Aeron felt trapped, torn between his duty and his heart. "Emilia, I—"

"No more excuses," Emilia said firmly. "Choose, Aeron. Me, or her. But I warn you... choose wisely."

The weight of her ultimatum hung in the air, and Aeron felt his world closing in around him. As much as he loved Alyana, the reality of his situation was undeniable. He had to make a choice, and no matter what he decided, someone he cared about would be hurt.

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A/N: Hello again! If you are wondering, the woman in the picture is suppose to represent Lady Emilia Tully with her long red hair. 

Anyway, what do you think? Next chapter will be quite interesting... Let me know, what you think!