𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 32

After a quiet ride through the night, the outline of Solaria's castle comes into view. The towering structure rises against the sky, the silvery moonlight giving it an almost magical glow. The castle grounds are quiet, the only noise comes from the occasional chirping of a cricket or the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.

You both ride up to the castle gates and dismount. The two guards stationed at the gate, both dressed in the standard armor of Solaria's soldiers, nod respectfully as you approach. "Welcome back, Your Highness's." one of them says to both of you.

Prince Eris gives a brief nod in reply, his usual aloofness back in place. "Get someone to take the horses," he orders, his tone brisk. The guard salutes, and he and the other guard hurry to take Apollo and Seraphina to the stables.

You follow Prince Eris as he starts towards the castle. The stone walls and tall archways are lit by torches every few feet, casting a warm and flickering light across the cobblestone pathway. The night air has a slight chill to it, causing you to shiver slightly as you walk.

As you walk side by side with Prince Eris, your mind begins to wander to your parents. You can't help but worry about how they're going to react to your disappearance, especially without any warning or word from you. You know they'll be worried sick, especially your mother.

You cast a glance at Prince Eris, wondering what he's thinking. His expression is stoic, his dark eyes fixed straight ahead. He seems deep in thought, but you can't tell what about. You debate speaking up, but decide against it. You'll have plenty of time to talk once you're both back inside the castle walls.

As you and Prince Eris step into the foyer of the castle, a few of the maids who are tidying up at this late hour notice you and immediately rush over. Their faces are etched with worry, their voices a flurry of questions.

"Your Highness's! You're back!" Kaylee exclaims with anxiety.

"We've been so worried about you both! Are you alright?" Reina, says her eyes filled with worry and concern.

You try to reassure them, your voice gentle but firm. "I'm fine," you say, trying to keep your voice even. "I just...needed time away...."

The maids exchange concerned glances, their eyes darting between you and Prince Eris, who is standing behind you silently. "But Your Highness," one of them insists, "We didn't know where you were, or if you were even safe. Your parents have been in a frenzy looking for you."

Your heart sinks at their words. You hadn't even considered what your parents must be feeling, the worry and fear they must have gone through. You know your disappearance has caused chaos and distress, and you feel a pang of guilt for that.

As you're in the middle of reassuring the maids, the sound of running footsteps catches your attention. You look up to see your best friend Lady Beatrice, sprinting towards you.

Her face is flushed with a mix of relief and frustration. "Where in the name of the gods have you been?" she exclaims, her hands on her hips. "Your parents have the entire kingdom looking for you!" she grabs your shoulders and shakes you. "Gen! even Arkann's guards were looking for you! Thats why Prince Eris was notified."

You open your mouth to say something, but before you can get a word out, Beatrice's eyes dart to Prince Eris, who's been standing quietly behind you. Her eyes narrow as she scrutinizes him, her expression hard.

"Prince Eris," she says coldly, her voice sharp. "Did you apologize to her for that Lucidia rumor?" She steps between you and him, her petite frame a stark contrast to his tall, imposing figure.