"Eclipse"

CHAPTER 18: RUSHFORD KINSTON POV

I calmed myself before entering my father's chambers.

I saw my father sitting on his chair, his expression as stern as ever. It never failed to amaze me how much he and Rufus looked alike. They both possessed the natural blond hair of our family while I got mine from my brunette mother.

I bowed to him. “Greetings, Your Highness,” I said.

“Leave aside formalities,” his voice echoed. “I heard you shut down Prince Nicole for a week.”

Shivers ran down my spine. I didn't know that he had been informed. I tried to speak, but I couldn't form words.

“I thought I made myself clear,” he said sternly. “You are to provide the prince three months full. This alliance is required by us. It is rare that a nation would agree to wed their ‘alpha’ prince for this union. Don't make me take your ability to be my successor.”

“Yes Father,” I said, my voice unsteady.

I had always feared my father. My mother's condition had declined after she gave birth to me. Before I turned three, she had died. I always knew that he had despised me for my mother's death.

“I will meet Prince Nicole tomorrow. I will make sure to fulfill your order,” I said. “I may now take your leave.”

I knew what fate had for me if I rejected Nicole after these three months. But I have seen worse.

I returned to my own chambers, the weight of my father's expectations heavy on my shoulders. I needed something to drink to calm my nerves. My heart was pounding, and my hands were shaking as I reached for the water jug. It slipped from my grasp, crashing to the floor, the sound echoing in the silent room.

I collapsed onto the floor, my head buried in my arms. My father's voice always triggered these episodes, reminding me of that fateful night when everything changed, when my relationship with him took a turn for the worse. The memories flooded back, overwhelming me with their intensity. The panic seized me, leaving me gasping for air, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Enzo rushed in, alarmed by the noise. “What happened? I heard some noise,” he asked, his eyes scanning the room, concern etched on his face.

“Just give me a blanket and brew some tea. I'm fine,” I managed to say, though my voice betrayed my distress.

I knew Enzo wanted to say something, to offer comfort or advice, but he held back, sensing the fragility of the moment. He silently fetched a blanket and set about brewing tea, his movements gentle and deliberate.

“Why are you doing this? If a meeting does this, then what will happen when you reject Prince Nicole?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

“This is nothing,” I insisted, though I knew Enzo didn't believe me. “I'm more than capable of dealing with this.”

“Trust me,” I said.

I didn't know if I was saying those words to Enzo or myself.

“It will all be okay.”