A Kingdom's Vow

CHAPITRE 7-ELAYLA

Tomorrow was the wedding. I had been staying at the palace for the past two days, as they believed it was safer here. Little did they know, it played perfectly into my plan. I was in my temporary room—a spacious chamber with an enormous bed and just a few pieces of furniture: a vanity, a closet, a desk, and a bedside table. It lacked a balcony, for obvious reasons.

Tyler had already informed me of the plan: on the wedding night, he would create a distraction loud enough to divert attention. That would be my chance to slip away unnoticed, where he’d be waiting for me in a carriage. I had promised to hand him the property papers once we were on the road to our new life together.

But deep down, I felt uneasy—a nagging sense that something wasn’t right. I was about to give up everything: my life, my future, and the dreams I had once dared to imagine. Living on a farm with a man who had nothing wouldn’t be easy—we would undoubtedly struggle. Yet, struggle was nothing new to me.

A wave of guilt washed over me as I thought of my family—my sister, my brother... and Archer, my late brother. I wished I could visit his grave one last time before leaving, and my mother’s too, though I had never met her.

That night, I couldn’t rest. The day had been a whirlwind of preparations—it was the wedding day, after all. A woman had nearly suffocated me while tightening a corset, leaving me on the verge of throwing up. They kept drilling into me the traditions and the behavior expected of me, reminding me repeatedly about the 66 Nights Rule. Apparently, I’d have to endure that dick's presence for 66 nights—though, for the record, he’d be sleeping on the floor.

☆

As the sun set, my heart pounded, my hands trembled, and I was finally left alone in my room. I turned to look at my reflection, taking in my appearance. I had to admit—I looked stunning. My face, my figure… everything was perfect. But it felt like a cruel joke. I wished this moment was for a man I loved, someone I had chosen willingly.

Prince Kai? He wasn’t the one. He was yet another arrogant royal, a type I had always despised. Royals carried themselves with a sense of superiority, as though their “royal blood” made them inherently better than others. But who had decided their blood was special? No one.

I admired myself once more in the mirror, wishing for a different fate.

The gown i was wearing is an elegant and intricate piece, hugging my figure in a elegant way . The dress is made from a delicate, off-white or cream-colored lace fabric, giving it a soft, romantic appearance. The material has a rich texture, showcasing layers of lace and embroidery , it has an off-the-shoulder neckline adorned with pearls and subtle embellishments, adding a luxurious touch. The sleeves are long, flared, and layered with lace, the corset-style bodice is structured and detailed, cinching at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. Pearls draped across the neckline and bodice emphasize the ornate design , it skirt is full and voluminous, made up of layered lace and ruffles, creating a cascading effect. The intricate patterns and flowing design evoke a sense of regal elegance. the dress is completed with a matching pearl necklace, further emphasizing its sophisticated and classical style. My hair full and decorated with white pearls and gold jewelries . A soft makeup sympathizing my harsh features . The outfit is completed with white-pink heels , making me a few inches taller .

I take a deep breath and open the door, my breathing uneven and my heart thundering in my chest. Outside, two guards stand stiffly in front of my room, their eyes sharp and unyielding, ready to escort me to my inevitable fate.

"Can you give me a minute?" I say, forcing calm into my voice. "I need to check something real quick in the other hallway. I'll be back before you know it."

Their expressions don’t waver, their suspicion clear. I bite the inside of my cheek, my mind scrambling. I have to get to Tyler's room, to ensure our plan is still intact.

"I'm afraid we can't allow that, my lady," one of them says, his tone polite but firm.

I scoff, feigning indignation. "I’m not going to run. You can wait at the end of the hallway. I just need to..." My mind races. "I need to adjust something under my dress." I lower my voice for added effect. "You wouldn’t want to see that, would you?"

Their faces flush instantly, their rigid composure faltering as they exchange uncomfortable glances. After a tense pause, one of them nods. "Very well, but don’t take too long."

As they retreat down the hallway, I let out a shaky breath and dart in the opposite direction, my steps light but hurried. My pulse pounds in my ears as I search for Tyler's room, my thoughts a blur of urgency and unease. Finally, I spot it—the door slightly ajar .

I slip inside, my breath catching when I see him. But he isn’t alone. A girl stands beside him, her blonde hair shimmering faintly in the dim light. Athena. My sister.

"You don’t need to trouble your pretty head with things like this, Athena," Tyler says smoothly.

Pretty head? Trouble with what? My stomach twists as I press myself against the wall, staying hidden in the shadows.

Athena sighs, resting her hand on his arm with an intimacy that turns my blood cold. "So, you’re really going through with it?" she asks softly.

"I’ll find a way," Tyler replies, his tone calculated. "She has something I want—something I need. Once I have the papers for that farm, I’ll leave her stranded and come back to you. Then we can finally get married."

The words hit me like a slap. My chest tightens, disbelief roaring in my ears. This can’t be happening. No. No, no, no.

Athena tilts her head, a slow, wicked grin spreading across her lips. "You know she’s my sister, right?"

Tyler’s expression hardens, his jaw clenching. "She’ll survive. Trust me. And if she tries to come back, it won’t matter. She’ll be labeled a traitor. No one here will take her in."

Then, he leans in and kisses her.

The sight shatters me. My legs feel weak, my breath caught in my throat. Tyler—my boyfriend. And Athena—my sister. Betrayal burns through me, a searing pain that feels almost physical. My heart feels like it’s breaking into jagged shards, each piece cutting deeper than the last.

I can’t stay here. I can’t listen to another word. I back away, desperate to escape the suffocating pain. My heel catches on something, and I stumble into someone—tall and solid. I whirl around, my vision blurred with tears, the hallway dim and disorienting.

Kai. His figure looms in the faint light, concern flickering in his eyes. But I can’t stop. My chest heaves with anguish as I shove past him and run.

Run from the betrayal.
Run from the lies.
Run from the people who tore my heart apart.

My legs move faster than I thought possible, but the pain lingers, sharp and unrelenting, as if it’s etched into my very soul.