The Queen's Guard

Chapter 23

The days turned into weeks, and Maya immersed herself in the rigors of training at the frontline. As one of the commanders, she led with relentless determination that bordered on the ruthless. Each drill, each practice was a means to escape the hollow ache in her chest. Her body ached from the physical exertion, but it was a pain she welcomed, a distraction from the emotional wounds that had yet to heal.

Maya pushed herself harder than anyone else, her dedication unwavering. She was determined to prove herself, to show that she was worthy of the position she had fought so hard to attain. Her fellow soldiers respected her, admiring her strength and resilience, but they couldn't see the torment that lay beneath her stoic exterior.

Her nights were spent alone, her thoughts haunted by memories of Carina. She buried herself in work, avoiding sleep until exhaustion claimed her. Even then, her dreams were filled with images of the queen she had left behind. She woke every morning with a weight in her chest, the pain of separation more tangible with each passing day.

***

The kingdom was abuzz with excitement, the grand event that had been whispered about for weeks finally upon them. The streets were lined with banners, and the air was filled with the sound of celebration. The wedding of the Queen and King as a spectacle for the ages, designed to unite their people and solidify the alliance between the two kingdoms.

In the grand cathedral, every seat was filled, the air thick with anticipation. Carina stood at the altar, her expression serene, a mask perfected through weeks of practice. Her gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace, trailed behind her, a symbol of purity and grace. She felt like an imposter, her heart heavy with the weight of the vows she was about to take.

Ben stood nearby, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow, having witnessed the depth of Carina's tragic love, and he felt the pain of her sacrifice. Victoria, unable to bear the sight of the ceremony, quietly excused herself, slipping out of the cathedral to find solace in the solitude of the gardens. The public, unaware of the true cost of this union, cheered with joy, their faces alight with hope for a prosperous future.

***

The King and Queen had been cordial, their interactions polite but distant. They had played their parts well, convincing the public of their mutual affection. But beneath the surface, there was a chasm of unspoken words and unmet expectations. Carina respected Travis as a leader, but she did not know him as a person. They were strangers bound by duty, not love.

In the days leading up to the wedding, they had spent time together, learning to navigate their new roles. However, their conversations were always guarded, their true selves hidden behind layers of formality.

As the wedding feast began, Carina sat beside Travis, her smile never faltering. She exchanged pleasantries, accepted congratulations, and performed her role to perfection. But inside, she felt numb, her heart locked away, safe from the world that demanded so much from her.

The palace was quiet as the festivities died down, the halls bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Carina stood in her chambers, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what was expected of her—the consummation of the marriage, a necessity for solidifying the union. But the thought of being touched by anyone other than Maya filled her with dread.