My Fiance In Disguise

Chapter 10

Devin left, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Camellia watched him go, a wave of annoyance washing over her. "So, he's the one who found my flute," she muttered under her breath, her gaze falling on the elegant amethyst flute sitting on the table.

A wave of gratitude washed over her as she looked at the flute." well at least his not a thief," she whispered to herself, realizing he must have found it earlier in the forest.

Devin's departure left her alone in the living room, the air thick with a strange mix of tension and quiet relief.

She needed fresh air, a moment to gather her thoughts. The atmosphere felt suffocating, like a storm was brewing just outside the windows.

The garden beckoned. It was late afternoon, the sun slanting through the branches, casting long shadows

A sea of lilac, her favorite flowers, bloomed in abundance. She inhaled the sweet fragrance, a familiar comfort in the face of the strange new world she was navigating.

A small bird perched on a lilac bush, chirping softly. As she watched, it dropped a tiny, folded note at her feet.

Camellia recognized the elegant script instantly, a message from her confidante, Nari.

"Did she trace the witness already?" she wondered aloud, her fingers picking up the note.

She retreated to her room and read the message:

"Your Highness... The other witness to the past was in the Land of Cancer in the Zodiac Realm. It's a bit far from here. They planned on doing it tomorrow morning. You must make it there first," the note read.

Camellia clenched her jaw, her eyes hardening with determination. "Then I'll go tonight!" she declared, her voice firm. "We can't afford to lose this opportunity again."

The plan

After dinner, Camellia played the part of a tired princess, eager to retire for the night.

"Good night, Mom... Dad... Brother," she said, a touch of sadness lacing her voice, hoping to avoid suspicion.

Kael, ever protective, replied with a smile, "Good night, sissy... Sleep well."

Ariana, her mother, hugged her goodnight. "Good night, my dear daughter."

Once everyone was asleep, Camellia locked her door and created a portal, its shimmering blue light engulfing the room.

"We have to arrive there first before the Celestial Guards do," Camellia said to Jaden, her voice low, her gaze unwavering.

Jaden nodded, his eyes reflecting her determination. "Yes, Your Highness. That witness was the retired Celestial Guard. I know he's wise and won't be easily killed by the Celestial Guards."

Camellia nodded. "You're right," she agreed. "But Your Highness, the place was a Garden pavilion. Only those with an invitation are allowed to enter tonight. But there is one more way."

"Tell me," Camellia urged, her voice filled with anticipation. "What is it?"

"They hired professional dancers. We can fake it. You're an experienced dancer, Your Highness."

Camellia smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Smart thinking. Fine, let's do it."

Camellia changed into a stunning ancient white dancing outfit. The double layers revealed a glimpse of her toned stomach, the fabric flowing around her like a whisper of silk.

A veil, shimmering like moonlight, hid her identity, but her piercing blue eyes and captivating beauty shone through.

Jaden opened a portal to the Garden Pavilion. As they stepped through, he approached the man who was hiring the dancers.

"Mister... Are you still hiring a dancer tonight? I have someone. She's not only a great dancer, but she's also a total charm," Jaden said, his voice smooth and confident, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

The man raised his eyebrows, his eyes widening in curiosity. "Where is this lady you're talking about?"

Jaden stepped aside to present Camellia, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Good evening, mister. I'm Anya," Camellia said, her voice soft and alluring.

The man was awestruck by her beauty. "You... You... So perfect for the role of lead dancer," he exclaimed, his face flushed. "Oh, I'll make a fortune's tonight. You're hired!"

Jaden and Camellia exchanged a victorious glance.

Zephyr's Motives

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Garden Pavilion, Zephyr sat in a luxurious booth, his face obscured by a mask. He was the top bidder, his personal guard, Lukas, standing by his side.

"Your Highness, are you sure the retired Guard of the Celestial Palace will be here to perform?" Lukas asked, his voice laced with a hint of doubt.

Zephyr leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the entrance of the pavilion. "I'm not sure," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. "But we must not waste this opportunity. Someone sent us a letter about this. I'm doing this for Camellia. Since childhood, I've been searching for the truth, and until now, I'm so far from knowing it."

A wistful look crossed his face, a memory flickering in his eyes.

Flashback

The seven-year-old Zephyr sat in the chamber of a young girl, playing the flute for her. He played for her every day, and for him, the girl was the only one who truly understood him.

"Don't cry, okay? I'm always here for you... I'll play the flute for you always... Do everything that will make you happy," he promised, his voice filled with a sincerity that belied his young age.

The girl, wiping away her tears, looked up at him, her eyes filled with hope. "Really?"

Zephyr hugged her tightly. "Yes... Really."

One morning, as he was heading to the chamber to play for her again, he overheard the maids gossiping.

"Did you know the princess was always in her room? She didn't know why her parents abandoned her," one maid whispered.

"Yeah," the other maid replied. "I bet she can't get her answers. She'll always hold that pain forever."

That day, Zephyr gave the girl the flute, the amethyst flute, a symbol of his promise to her. "Hey... I'll come back... Once I find answers to your questions, okay?" he said, his voice laced with a sense of determination.

"What do you mean?" she asked, her eyes filled with confusion.

"Nothing," he said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

And that was the last day he saw the girl, his fiancee, Camellia. He practiced and practiced, becoming great at everything.

His only focus was on the girl, and he sought the truth, but he couldn't find anything. Now, with the palace revealing the truth itself, he would never waste this opportunity.

Back to the Present

The pavilion owner approached their table. "Gentlemen, what an honor to have you here. Just bet all you want."

Lukas answered for Zephyr, his voice calm and assured. "We will."

The performance started, and everyone danced. Zephyr waited until the retired guard's turn, and then... it was Camellia's turn.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our star of the night, Anya!"

The crowd's gaze fell upon her, mesmerized by her beauty. Even before she started dancing, someone had already bid for her. The music began, and she danced, slow and graceful.

The spotlight was on her. She danced and danced, then... she stopped, seeing her target running. She signaled Jaden to follow it and she attract attention buy pulling out her amethyst flute, and began to play.

Zephyr stood up, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Camellia! ... Why is she here?"

"Your Highness... Are you mistaken her for the princess? Why would the princess be here?" Lukas asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"No, I'm not mistaken," Zephyr declared, his voice filled with a mix of shock and urgency. "That flute... It was the only one made in the world."

Jaden signaled for Camellia to leave. Celest quickly slipped the amethyst flute into her pocket and ran toward Jaden. Zephyr jumped from above and followed her, Lukas close behind.

Camellia looked back, seeing a masked man following her. She ran, her heart pounding in her chest. "Jaden, let's split up. Someone is following us. Maybe they're Celestial Guards. You go after the retired guard, and I'll make them follow me and lose them."

"Yes, Your Highness," Jaden replied, his movements swift and silent.

They split up, running in two different directions. Camellia ran toward a dark alley, the two masked men in pursuit, splitting into two as well.

She stopped at the dead end. "Who are you? Why are you following me?" she demanded, her voice trembling slightly.