The World Cannot Know

Chapter 27

Matthew Wild

The room felt emptier than ever after Sebastian left, the silence pressing down on me like a tangible weight. I sat on the edge of the bed, my heart heavy with the sorrow of our decision. The echoes of his last words reverberated in my mind, a mixture of love and regret that left a hollow ache in my chest. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breathing, but the tears came anyway, silently streaming down my cheeks.

I had known it was the right decision, the only way to give Katharina the chance she deserved, but the pain of separation from Sebastian was overwhelming. His touch, his kiss, his presence, even though short —all of it felt like a lifeline that had been abruptly severed. I hugged my knees to my chest, seeking some semblance of comfort in the emptiness of the room.

After a few moments, I wiped my tears away, knowing I needed to pull myself together. Katharina was waiting for me, and she needed my support now more than ever. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the day ahead. Standing up, I made my way to the washbasin, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to clear my thoughts and compose myself.

As I looked at my reflection, the redness in my eyes and the weariness etched into my features were stark reminders of the emotional turmoil I was navigating. But I couldn't let Katharina see that. She needed strength, not more worry.

I dressed quickly, opting for something comfortable but presentable. As I adjusted my collar, I heard a soft knock at the door. "Matthew, are you ready?" Katharina's voice called out gently.

"Yes, I'm coming," I replied, my voice as steady as I could manage. I took one last look at myself in the mirror, then turned and opened the door. Katharina stood there, her eyes still carrying a hint of sadness, but there was also a spark of determination.

I gave her a small smile. "So, what shall we do today?"

She returned the smile, though it was tinged with a bit of weariness. "I was thinking we could head into town, be away from the castle for a few hours. It might be nice to get a change of scenery."

"That sounds like a great idea," I agreed, feeling a surge of relief at the prospect of getting out of the castle. "Let's go."

...

The journey was relatively quiet, with Katharina gazing out of the window, lost in her thoughts. I watched her, my heart aching for the pain she was going through. The town soon came into view, its lively streets and colorful market stalls a stark contrast to the heavy emotions we were carrying.

As the carriage pulled to a stop, I helped Katharina step down, and we began to wander through the bustling marketplace. The sights, sounds, and smells were a welcome distraction, and I could see Katharina's mood lifting slightly as we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

We stopped at various stalls, admiring the wares and chatting with the vendors. Katharina's genuine interest in their stories and products brought a smile to my face, and I found myself relaxing a bit, enjoying the simple pleasure of her company.

At a flower stall, Katharina's eyes lit up as she spotted a bouquet of her favorite flowers. "Aren't these beautiful, Matthew?" she asked, picking up the bouquet and inhaling the sweet fragrance.

"Yes, they are," I agreed, smiling at her. "They remind me of the flowers in our garden back home"

She nodded, a wistful look in her eyes. "I used to love picking flowers with Mother. She taught me all their names and meanings."

"I remember," I said softly. "She always had a way of making even the simplest things special."

Katharina's eyes softened at the memory, and for a moment, the weight of her worries seemed to lift. She purchased the bouquet, and we continued our stroll through the market, eventually arriving at a small café. We decided to take a break and enjoy some refreshments.