Chapter 3: Secrets Behind the Palace Walls
776 Words
Alvinas POV
The palace was much quieter than I had expected.
After the wedding ceremony I thought there would be laughter, music and a big celebration in the halls. Instead the servants walked with their heads down. Their steps made almost no sound on the shiny marble floors.
It was like the palace was not breathing.
I followed Crown Prince Ryan through corridors that had amazing paintings and golden chandeliers. Even though there was a lot of luxury around me I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I had entered a place of hidden dangers.
Finally we came into a dining hall.
Two chairs had been set up.
Ryan pulled out a chair for me.
"Sit."
His voice was calm almost gentle.
I did as he said, not looking at his eyes.
For a minutes neither of us talked.
The silence was much.
"You haven't eaten much " he said at last.
"I... I'm not hungry."
"I thought that."
I looked up.
Of eating he was watching me.
Not in a way.
Almost... Like he was thinking.
"There is something I need to tell you."
My fingers gripped the spoon tightly.
"I didn't choose you by mistake."
I frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Ryan put his hands together.
"I asked the Ashford family to send you."
My breath stopped.
"You... Picked me?"
He nodded.
"I knew about you for a time."
I looked at him in shock.
"That can't be true."
"It is."
His face was hard to read.
"I have been watching you since before you were old enough."
My heart pounded.
Watching me?
Why?
"I don't understand."
"You don't need to."
His eyes got softer.
"Not yet."
"I made a promise to someone a time ago."
He paused.
". That promise was to protect you."
The words echoed in my head.
Protect me?
No one had ever said that to me before.
Not my father.
Not Lady Beatrice.
So why would the Crown Prince?
Before I could ask another question Ryans look changed.
"Listen carefully Alvina."
His tone was different now.
"The palace is not as quiet as it seems."
A cold feeling ran through me.
"There are people who smile while planning another persons death."
I swallowed hard.
"My brother..."
He looked at the dark window.
"Prince Alvin."
I had heard his name before.
The second prince.
Ryan went on.
"He thinks the throne is his."
". If anyone stands in his way..."
His voice got colder.
"...he gets rid of them."
My hands shook under the table.
"You are now part of the family."
"That makes you a target."
I felt my heart beat faster.
"He will try to use you against me."
Ryan looked me in the eyes.
"Trust no one."
"Not the servants."
"Not the nobles."
"Not even those who seem friendly."
The room felt much colder.
"What about you?" I asked softly.
His eyes stayed on me.
"You can trust me."
For reasons I could not explain...
I wanted to believe him.
...
That night I was taken to my new room.
The room was nice.
Silk curtains covered windows candles burned softly and fresh flowers filled the air with a gentle smell.
None of it calmed the storm inside me.
I sat on the edge of the bed thinking over everything Ryan had told me.
He had chosen me.
He had watched over me.
He had promised to protect me.
None of it made sense.
The door opened.
Ryan came in quietly.
My heart started to beat
He stopped a steps away.
"You've been thinking a lot."
I tried to smile.
"It's nothing."
For a second I thought I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"I see."
He moved closer.
Not in a way.
Just close enough for me to notice how calm he looked compared to the chaos in my thoughts.
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Alvina."
His voice was steady.
He drew me close and gently kissed me ,
I was surprised
"I won't make you do anything tonight."
The words made a weight I didn't know I was carrying feel lighter.
Before I could say anything Ryans face changed.
His eyes narrowed, as if he had sensed something
He turned quickly toward the window.
His hand went to the sword at his side.
"...Interesting."
"What is it?" I whispered.
Without answering he walked to the door.
"Stay here."
Then without another word he left into the hallway.
The door shut behind him.
Silence came back.
I stared at the door my thoughts spinning.
Had I done something
Or...
Had a new danger already found its way into the palace?
- Writer
