Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

Belladonna II

Vincent and Belladonna ft heartbreak

『   𝖉𝖚𝖒 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖗𝖔 𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖔 𓇢𓆸   』

It was a cool morning in Alvenda, a chilly one. Ladies tightened their scarves and slid on gloves to keep warm while the men traded their fashionable summer capes for thicker winter coverings. The first snow blanketed the ground, light and fluffly. The breeze rolled it into mounds, creating an ocean-like spectacle along the streets.

In the early hours of the morning, Belladonna had snuck out in the cold for some fresh air. She was barely dressed, with the cold nipping at her legs, sliding in from underneath her cloak. Still, she stayed, marvelling at the snow that swirled around her feet.

"Beauty in tragedy," she whispered, gathering a pile in her gloved hands. Looking closely, she could see the individual crystals. They sparkled under the moonlight, like small diamonds.

"That is winter in Alvenda." Bella turned, startled by her visitor. She curtsied with practiced grace.

"Your highness. I was not expecting company. Pardon my attire."

"You don't need to be so formal, Bella." He helped her stand, securing her cloak closed. "We are betrothed, after all."

***

Summer came to an end. Trees shed their verdant splendour, preparing for the macabre chill of winter. Bella returned home from an outing, bouquet in hand. Her usually stoic face glowed with a delicate smile—a sight few had seen. A moment that would be crushed as she stepped inside her family's home.

The king's advisor had come to deliver a letter for her. The king, in conjunction with her family, had arranged a marriage between her and the crown prince, Mateo.

The initial shock sapped her strength. Fallen to her knees, throat tight with denial, she couldn't utter a sound. Not a gasp, not a whimper to voice her pain. Her mother rushed to her side, tried to comfort her in some way, but it was futile.

That night, she didn't sleep. Morning came, and she groaned, massaging her aching temples. Despite the beautiful blue sky and the sun's warm rays, nothing seemed right. The food tasted bland, her clothes felt heavy, and the thought of joining the ladies for tea sparked a wave of disgust within her. Even the winter cold she loved was like ice in her veins.