My Fiance In Disguise

Chapter 14

Night descended, casting long shadows across the opulent rooms of the estate. Camellia, her mind still reeling from the afternoon's revelations, prepared for bed.

As she reached for her nightgown, a messenger bird, its tiny claws clutching a rolled scroll, landed softly on her windowsill. A letter.

was from Zephyr: Meet me at the Garden of Lilacs. It's important.

She didn't know why, but a sense of foreboding mingled with a desperate need for answers propelled her into action.

She dressed quickly, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs. The Garden of Lilacs, usually a tranquil haven, now felt ominous, charged with a sense of impending doom.

She arrived to find Zephyr waiting, flanked by Jaden, her loyal personal guards. And Lukas Zephyr's loyal guard.

Before them, a man knelt, bound and gagged, his face pale and drawn. Camellia approached cautiously, her confusion evident in her posture.

"What is this…?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze fixed on the kneeling figure.

Jaden stepped forward, his voice calm and steady. "Your Highness, we caught the witness. He is Arnold, a retired Celestial Guard."

Zephyr's gaze was intense, his expression grave. "Just be careful, Camellia… This one is a bit stubborn. He wants to tell the truth, but he said he'll only speak to you."

Camellia knelt on one knee before the man, her heart pounding in her chest. "I only have one question… What happened thirteen years ago… Why did my parents abandon… me?" The words, heavy with years of unspoken pain and unanswered questions, hung in the air.

The man laughed, a harsh, mocking sound that grated on her nerves. "Do you really believe the lies that your grandmother, the Empress, has told you? Looks like she's already planted hatred in your heart, making you look like a fool."

Zephyr's patience snapped. He lunged forward, his fist connecting with the man's jaw. "Don't you dare insult Camellia! She's still the Princess!"

The man continued laughing, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "I'll tell you everything… You will soon face your twin brother, prince Roy… Princess, you will both end up killing each other… Like fools… And your parents… they're already dead."

Camellia shook, tears streaming down her face. "Dead… How… Why…" The words were choked with grief, a raw, visceral pain tearing through her carefully constructed composure.

Before the man could utter another word, a swift arrow found its mark, piercing his neck. He slumped to the ground, lifeless. Camellia reacted instantly, grabbing Jaden's discarded bow and arrow.

Instead of fleeing, she raised the weapon, her aim steady and true. She fired, the arrow finding its mark, silencing another attacker.

Lukas Jaden and Zephyr followed suit, their movements swift and precise, their training honed to perfection.

When the dust settled, several more Celestial Guards lay dead, their bodies scattered around the lilac bushes.

Camellia, cradling Arnold's lifeless body, sobbed uncontrollably, desperate for answers.

"Wake up… You still didn't tell me everything!!! Please…" Her voice was raw with grief and frustration, a desperate plea for closure.

Zephyr pulled her away, his arms wrapping around her in a comforting embrace.

She hit his shoulder, her grief turning to anger, but Zephyr held her tight, understanding the depth of her despair.

He knew this was only the beginning of a long and painful journey.

"Why… I almost…" she choked out, unable to complete the sentence, the words caught in her throat.

After an hour of unrestrained grief, Camellia finally stood, her face pale and drawn, her eyes hollow with exhaustion. She sank onto a nearby bench, her body trembling.

Zephyr sat beside her, the two guards silently cleaning up the bodies. Zephyr gently patted her back, offering a small measure of comfort. Her face remained emotionless, a mask of grief and disbelief.

Zephyr broke the silence, his voice soft and gentle. "I always feel guilty when you cry… It makes my heart ache, you know…"

She spoke, her voice devoid of emotion, her words flat and lifeless. "I almost found out everything, and now all I found out is that uncleared answer… How did my parents die exactly? He was the only last witness… And why did he say that Roy and I would kill each other… For what reason…"

Zephyr gently guided Camellia's head onto his shoulder. He reached into her pocket, retrieving a flute, a familiar object that held a thousand memories.

He began to play a melody, a simple tune they had often shared as children.

She spoke, her expression unreadable. "You're still great at playing the flute, aren't you…"

He smiled, his eyes filled with a tenderness that belied the grim events of the night. He put down the flute. "Yeah… But just for you…"

An hour passed, filled with the soothing melody of the flute. Zephyr noticed Camellia had fallen asleep, her head resting on his shoulder.

He carefully placed the flute back in her pocket, then gently scooped her into his arms, carrying her bridal style to her room.

He laid her gently on the bed, covering her with a blanket. He leaned in, kissing her forehead before quietly closing the lights.

"Sweet dreams, my fiancée…" he whispered, his voice filled with a love that transcended the darkness surrounding them. And with that, he disappeared out the window, leaving Camellia to her troubled sleep.

Morning arrived the servant's voice sliced through Camellia's sleep, pulling her from the unsettling remnants of the previous night.

"Miss Jasmine," the maid announced, "Prince Devin awaits in the drawing-room. He appears to be in his training attire. Might I inquire about your plans for the day?"

Camellia, eyes still half-closed, murmured, "He'll teach me combat, swordsmanship, and… archery." A yawn escaped her lips.

The maid, after taking in this information, discreetly withdrew to fetch Camellia's training outfit – a pristine white ensemble that flattered her figure.

Camellia's thoughts: Why so early, you impatient bird? I'm still half-asleep!

She bathed, dressed, and descended the stairs, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

I can't let them see how last night affected me.I almost had my answers, but only a sliver of the truth emerged. The rest remains shrouded in mystery.I Kno I still can find another witness showing being weak will not help me.

Devin sat in the drawing-room, lost in thought over a cup of tea. Camellia, in no mood for pleasantries, greeted him with a pointed remark. "Good heavens, chicken, is this really the c***k of dawn for our training session?"

Devin looked up, a playful glint in his eyes. "Good morning, my beautiful grandmother. How was your night? Wonderful, I presume?"

Camellia's attempt at nonchalance faltered. "Fine," she lied. "Perfectly fine."

"You seem… subdued," Devin observed. "Are you unwell?"

Camellia forced a smile. "No, I'm perfectly fine. Just terribly ill from looking at you."

Devin chuckled. "Oh, you're clearly fine, since you're already cracking jokes."

He rose, approaching her and holding up her moon necklace. "Shall we discuss the significance of this heirloom?"

"Indeed," Camellia replied, her curiosity piqued.

From his pocket, Devin produced a sun necklace. He held out his hand, and Camellia, without hesitation, removed her moon pendant and placed it in his.

As he joined the two necklaces, a brilliant light erupted, illuminating the room.

Camellia gasped. "How…?"

Devin smiled, re-fastening the combined necklaces around her neck.

"It's an engagement vow between our families. The sun, representing the king, and the moon, representing you, my future queen, forever entwined. Even when apart, they find each other."

Camellia's thoughts: But I'm an imposter! You can be a gentleman, but to the wrong person!

"Really?" she questioned, her voice laced with doubt.

Before she could elaborate, Devin gently covered her mouth, his touch sending a blush to her cheeks. "No buts. You're mine, until the very end, my fiancée, my future wife. Don't forget it, Grandma."

Camellia, startled, pushed him away. "You're far too close," she said, her voice regaining its composure. She moved towards the door, a hint of defiance in her tone. "Don't be so sure. Let's begin. I haven't got all day for your lessons."