BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Epilogue
Part 1: The Ice Festival
The train cut through the snow, its horn resounding across the stillness. Nestled in the comfort of the royal express, Chloe found herself utterly captivated by the view beyond the glass. The twinkling lights of mountain villages sparkled like celestial gems on the canvas of the night, a sight made all the more magical by the rugged terrain they traversed.
"Chloe."
"Yes?" she answered, her gaze steadfastly fixed on the mesmerizing landscape.
Damien raised an eyebrow as he observed her. "I am bored."
"Please take this opportunity to rest. You must be fatigued from all the work you have been doing."
Damien absentmindedly swirled the wine in his glass. His days leading up to the festival had been a whirlwind of activity; he had wanted to clear his schedule to ensure ten uninterrupted days of winter revelry in Thisse. The ink on the documents he had signed just before their departure was likely still wet. He had inundated himself with responsibilities upon leaving Swane so he could spend time with her undisturbed.
Yet, here she was, barely sparing him a glance. He felt a pang of bitterness for it.
With a plop, a rogue strawberry, lobbed in a graceful arc from across the table, vanished into the folds of Chloe's dress. Surprised, she turned to identify the culprit.
"My apologies. My hand slipped," Damien said with a casual wave of his hand.
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Chloe retrieved the stray fruit from her bosom. "It appears the concept of shame eludes Your Majesty."
"A sharp rebuke for such a simple mistake almost makes me feel ashamed," Damien said coolly, prompting Chloe to snort and wrinkle her nose.
"Now that l've apologized, l'd like my strawberry back." Damien gestured imperiously for the fruit, and Chloe chuckled in spite of herself before consuming the warm berry. The edges of Damiens usually haughty mouth quivered slightly, a spark of mischief in his blue eyes.
"How insolent, Chloe."
"Your strawberry?" Ever the match for his banter, Chloe tilted her head defiantly and motioned toward the table, where a small card adorned with a silken ribbon proclaimed:
We warmly welcome Her Majesty the Queen's visit to Thisse.
"With all due respect, these strawberries are mine."
The townsfolk of Thisse had showered the royal couple with various tokens of appreciation in light of their visit.
Amongst the offerings was a gift from a mother and daughter who had once earned Chloe's praise for cultivating exceptional strawberries. The message inscribed on the card served as confirmation of Chloes claim.
"Anything nestled within the Queen's gown is rightfully mine."
"A groundless claim."
As Damien sipped his wine, he found his mouth growing parched-not from the sweet nectar, but from watching his wife. Oblivious to the longing she inspired in him, she selected another strawberry from the silver dish and bathed it in cream.
"Would you care for one?"
"I would, indeed."
"On second thought, perhaps I won't offer you one after all." Feigning contemplation, Chloe delicately licked her lips before indulging in another strawberry. Suddenly, Damien's face drew close, his shadow enveloping her as he leaned across the small table. The train plunged into a tunnel. In the ensuing darkness, where only the rhythmic rattling of the train was audible, Chloe's lashes fluttered in a silent dance before her eyes slowly opened. As the train hurtled through the passage, Damien roguishly stole both her lips and the strawberries that belonged to her.
