Royal Deception

Fang's Suspension

The air in the castle felt thick with tension as Princess Toni tried to prepare herself for the meeting with her mother. After her heartfelt reunion with Cheryl, Toni had a newfound sense of resolve. But that resolve was tempered by the growing pressure surrounding her engagement to Prince Fang. He was a good man—intelligent, charming, and committed to his duties—but he was not the one Toni wanted.

The Queen's drawing room was elegantly adorned, its opulence underscoring the weight of royal expectations. As she stepped inside, the warmth of the fireplace contrasted sharply with the chill in the air. The Queen was seated at the large table, several documents laid out before her.

"Toni," her mother said, her voice firm yet maternal, "I've received a letter from Fang's mother. They're eager to finalize the details of your engagement."

"Of course," Toni replied, her heart racing at the mention of Fang. She could feel her mother's watchful gaze assessing her, searching for signs of her true feelings. "What do they want to discuss?"

"The date of the official announcement and the arrangements for the engagement ball. It's important we present a united front," the Queen replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You need to support Fang in this. He has been nothing but loyal to you."

Toni swallowed hard, the familiar knot of anxiety forming in her stomach. "Yes, Mother, I understand."

"Toni," the Queen continued, her voice softening slightly, "I know this is a difficult time for you. Your feelings for Fang are important, but the future of our kingdom relies on this alliance. You must keep your emotions in check."

Toni nodded, biting back the surge of frustration within her. "I will try my best, Mother."

"Good," the Queen said, her expression resolute. "Now, I need you to attend the banquet this evening and show Fang that you are committed to this engagement. It will ease the minds of our subjects."

"I understand," Toni replied, though her heart felt heavy at the thought of faking happiness in front of Fang. She had to see Cheryl again, to talk about their future, but the Queen's demands weighed heavily on her.

As the meeting concluded, Toni left the drawing room, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. She felt suffocated by the castle's grandeur and the expectations thrust upon her. Fang was waiting for her at the banquet, eager to showcase their engagement to the kingdom, while all Toni could think about was how she would spend the evening with Cheryl, lost in each other's arms.

Later that night, the grand hall of the castle sparkled with light and laughter as courtiers mingled, their finery catching the golden glimmers from chandeliers overhead. The atmosphere was vibrant, yet Toni felt out of place among the festivities. She was a beautiful figure in her elegant gown, but her heart was not in it.

Prince Fang was indeed charming, surrounded by admirers who fawned over him. He was animated, recounting tales of his latest hunting exploits, his laughter ringing through the hall. When their eyes met, he approached her with a wide smile.

"Toni! There you are!" he exclaimed, taking her hand in his. "I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me."

"Never," Toni said, forcing a smile. "Just lost in thought, I suppose."

"Worrying about our future?" Fang asked playfully, tilting his head. "You have nothing to worry about. This will be the start of something wonderful. Our kingdom will thrive, and we will be a power couple."

His optimism tugged at Toni's heart, igniting a flicker of guilt. "Yes, I believe so," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction.

As the evening unfolded, Toni found herself caught in a web of polite conversation and laughter, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Cheryl. She couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy creeping into the corners of her mind when she saw Fang interacting with other women, particularly those who seemed enamored by his charm.