Royal Deception

Cheryl Returns

The castle felt empty, almost echoing the heavy silence that enveloped Princess Toni. The vibrant sounds of the banquet had faded, replaced by a haunting stillness. Since her conversation with Cheryl, she had thrown herself into her royal duties, trying to distract herself from the gnawing anxiety in her gut. However, the anxiety had turned into a constant, pulsating reminder of what was at stake.

After the confrontation with Cheryl following the banquet, the young room server had left the palace, choosing to stay with distant relatives rather than face the suffocating atmosphere that Toni's impending engagement had created. The weight of that decision pressed on Toni, turning her stomach into knots. She had promised Cheryl that they would find a way to be together, but with every passing day without her, that promise felt more fragile.

The castle corridors, usually bustling with activity, felt desolate. As Toni walked through the long hallways adorned with portraits of her ancestors, each painting seemed to watch her with judgmental eyes. The expectations of her royal lineage loomed over her like a dark cloud. She could almost hear the whispers of her ancestors, questioning her choices, warning her of the consequences of defiance.

"Your Highness," a voice interrupted her thoughts. It was one of her ladies-in-waiting, a cheerful girl named Eliza. "The Queen requests your presence in the drawing room."

Toni plastered on a smile, grateful for the distraction. "Of course, Eliza. Lead the way."

As she followed Eliza, her mind wandered back to Cheryl. She missed her laughter, the way they would sneak stolen moments together, the warmth of their shared whispers. But most of all, she missed the freedom she felt in Cheryl's presence—freedom from the constraints of her royal duties.

In the drawing room, the Queen was seated near a large window, sunlight streaming in and casting a warm glow over the room. The Queen's expression was thoughtful, her brow furrowed as she looked out into the gardens. "Toni, there you are," she said, her voice even. "We need to discuss your engagement to Prince Fang."

Toni's heart raced. "Yes, Mother," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I've been speaking with Fang's mother. The date for your official announcement is approaching rapidly, and I need to know you are ready," the Queen continued, her gaze sharp as it turned to Toni.

"I am," Toni lied, her stomach twisting. She was not ready. Not while her heart was still aching for Cheryl.

"Good," the Queen said, her tone softening slightly. "I understand that you've had some distractions lately, but this is important for our kingdom. You must maintain your focus."

Toni swallowed hard, feeling trapped. "Of course, Mother. I understand."

The Queen studied her for a moment, and Toni could feel the weight of her scrutiny. "You know, marriage is a significant step. It's not just about love; it's about duty and responsibility."

"Yes, Mother," Toni replied, trying to suppress the turmoil within her. "I understand that."

The Queen's expression shifted, her voice taking on a more gentle tone. "I just want what's best for you, dear. You will be a wonderful queen one day. I have faith in you."

"Thank you," Toni murmured, her heart aching at the thought of not being true to herself. She wanted to scream that she didn't want to be a queen, that her heart belonged to someone else, but she could not.

As the conversation turned to logistics and plans for the upcoming announcement, Toni's mind wandered once more to Cheryl. Would she return? Would she still love her after all this time apart? Toni felt her resolve wavering, a quiet storm brewing inside her.