𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 24

The morning sun streams through the window, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. You wake up slowly, taking a moment to stretch and savor the feeling of the warm sunlight on your skin. After a few moments, you sit up in bed, blinking the sleep from your eyes as you look around the room.

You're jolted out of your peaceful wake-up by the sudden sound of the door bursting open, and the frantic voice of a maid fills the room. "Princess Genevieve!" she exclaims, her voice filled with worry. "Wake up, quickly, something has happened!"

Your eyes widen in surprise, your heart racing as you quickly sit up in bed. "What is it?" you ask, your voice filled with concern. "What's going on?"

The maid is panting, as if she's run all the way from somewhere. "It's... it's the Prince of Arkann." she says, her voice shaky. "He was caught...kissing Lady Lucidia..."

Your heart sinks at her words, a wave of hurt and betrayal washing over you. "What?" you whisper, your voice barely above a breath.

The maid nods, her face full of sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Princess," she whispers, clearly feeling guilty for being the one to deliver the news. "But everyone is talking about it. They say it happened last night in a secluded spot near the stables..." she sits down next to you placing a hand on yours "Some say Lady Lucidia forced herself on him, and some say it was Prince Eris who kissed her..."

You feel conflicted, a mix of anger and hurt swirling inside you. Part of you wants to believe that it was Lucidia who initiated it, but you also know how devoted Eris is to you. He wouldn't do that to you... would he? "I don't believe it," you murmur, speaking more to yourself than the maid. "Call for Prince Eris, make him come to Solaria" you breathe heavily "AT ONCE!"

The maid nods quickly, her eyes wide with surprise at your sudden firmness. "Yes, Princess," she says, getting up from the bed. "I'll send a messenger to Arkann right away. Prince Eris will be here as soon as possible."

You nod, grateful for her obedience. "Good," you say, your voice still shaky. "And tell the messenger to make sure he comes alone." You take a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. "I want to talk to him... privately."

The maid nods again, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "Of course, Princess," she says, her voice quieter now. "I'll make sure the message is clear." And with that, she bows and leaves the room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.

Now that you're alone, you sit on the edge of your bed, your mind racing with a million thoughts. Could it really be true that Eris had kissed Lucidia? Was he really unfaithful to you? You try to push the doubts aside, reminding yourself to stay calm until you have all the facts.

You sit in silence, your mind going over every interaction between you and Eris the previous day. Had he given any indication that he was having doubts about your relationship? Had he seemed distant at all? And now, the thought of him kissing Lady Lucidia... it makes your stomach churn.

You take another deep breath, trying to calm your racing thoughts. "Focus," you tell yourself aloud, your voice echoing in the empty room. "You need to wait for him to come and hear his side of the story. Jumping to conclusions won't help."

Eventually, a knock on your chamber door interrupts your thoughts, and a voice calls out. "Your highness?" It's Miss Harley, one of the castle's most reliable servants.

You look up, your heart racing at the sound of her voice. "Yes?" you call out, trying to keep your voice steady.

The door opens, and Miss Harley steps into the room, a concerned look on her face. "The Prince of Arkann is here," she says, her voice low. "He's waiting in the courtyard, as requested."