The Forsaken Princess

The grand palace of Springvania stood tall and proud, a monument of wealth and power unmatched by any other kingdom—including Foral Hills. Built from the finest white marble, adorned with golden filigree, and surrounded by sprawling gardens filled with rare moon blossoms, it was a kingdom envied by all. Yet within its majestic halls, where music and laughter flowed like fine wine, Princess Bella Light sat in silent misery, her heart aching with an unspoken sorrow. The royal banquet hall glittered under the soft glow of countless chandeliers, their crystals catching the light like stars trapped in a golden sky. Noblemen and women, draped in the finest silks and jewels, dined on extravagant dishes—roasted pheasants with honey glaze, silver platters of fresh oysters, golden goblets filled with the finest Springvania wine. Servants weaved seamlessly between the tables, ensuring every guest had their fill. Tonight was meant to be a grand occasion, a celebration of unity between Springvania and Foral Hills, a kingdom whose future would soon be tied to hers. But for Bella, it was nothing more than another night of suffering. She barely noticed the delicate meal before her, nor did she partake in the idle conversations around her. Her attention was fixed on the man who was supposed to be her future. Prince James Clemens. The first prince of Foral Hills. Her childhood love. And her greatest tormentor. --- A Love That Burned Alone Bella had loved James Clemens for as long as she could remember. Since childhood, she had trailed after him like a shadow, mesmerized by the boy with golden eyes and an easy smile. He had been her sun, warm and bright, illuminating her world with every glance. She had dreamed of the day he would look at her the way she looked at him—with devotion, with admiration, with love. But as the years passed, that dream withered. James never saw her the way she saw him. Instead, he saw Audrey Ki. Bella clenched her hands beneath the table, nails biting into the fabric of her gown. Across the grand hall, James sat with effortless ease, his golden eyes alight with amusement as he whispered into the ear of another woman—Audrey, his mistress, his favorite, his chosen one. Bella watched as Audrey laughed, her delicate hand brushing James’ arm. The gesture was intimate, unguarded—the type of touch Bella had longed for, but had never received. She had always known about James’ affairs. Everyone did. And yet, it still burned. Like a blade twisting in her chest. --- A Mockery in Front of All “Why do you look so sad, Bella?” The voice was mocking, filled with a cruel amusement that sent a shiver down her spine. She lifted her gaze and met James’ piercing golden eyes. He was smirking, his expression unreadable, yet undeniably pleased with himself. Before she could respond, he chuckled. “Jealous, perhaps?” The room fell silent. The air grew thick with tension, and the nobles—who had pretended not to notice his blatant disrespect—now turned their attention to the crown princess of Springvania. Bella swallowed the lump in her throat. He wants me to react. He wants me to crumble in front of them all. She forced a serene smile, though her heart pounded painfully in her chest. “I only wish you would show me the same respect, Your Highness.” James leaned back lazily, the amusement never leaving his eyes. “Respect?” He scoffed. “Love?” The way he said the words—like they were a joke, a meaningless sentiment—made something inside Bella wither. “You expect too much from me,” he continued, his voice dropping to a low murmur meant only for her ears. And then, the final blow— “You were chosen for me, Bella. That doesn’t mean I have to love you.” --- A Hand Reaching Through the Darkness The words struck harder than she expected. Bella had always known. Of course, she had known. But knowing and hearing it spoken so plainly, so carelessly, in front of an entire hall of nobles, were two very different things. The murmurs began—a low whisper of gossip spreading like wildfire among the guests. Some nobles exchanged sympathetic glances, but most simply averted their eyes, unwilling to interfere. After all, this was not their pain to bear. A hand brushed against hers under the table. Bella stiffened. She turned slightly and met dark, solemn eyes. Oliver Clemens. James’ younger brother. He sat beside her, his expression unreadable, yet there was something in his gaze that made her breath hitch—pity, anger, understanding. Bella turned away. She didn’t need pity. Not from Oliver. Not from anyone. --- Memories of a Foolish Heart She had loved James blindly. Even when he grew colder, even when he pushed her away, even when he shattered every hope she had carefully built, she had convinced herself that it was only a phase. That one day, he would see her. That one day, he would love her. But that day would never come. James Clemens would never love her. And she? She had been nothing more than a fool. --- The Breaking Point The banquet stretched endlessly, but Bella had lost all sense of time. Just as she was considering excusing herself, she heard James laugh again. Lifting her gaze, she saw him pull Audrey closer, his lips brushing against her ear. And then he said it— “You’ll make a far better queen than some lovesick fool.” The final thread snapped. Bella’s hands trembled, her silver goblet wobbled slightly from the force of her grip. Enough. She had endured enough. Slowly, she rose from her seat. The movement was graceful, yet commanding, making the entire hall go silent once more. She turned to James, meeting his gaze without a single trace of weakness. “Enjoy your evening, Your Highness,” she said smoothly. “I believe I’ve wasted enough of my time here.” The nobles gasped. James frowned, as if unprepared for her lack of tears. Without waiting for permission, she turned on her heel and walked away, her silver gown trailing behind her like a river of moonlight and broken dreams. She did not look back. Not at James. Not at Audrey. Not even at Oliver, who had risen from his seat as if to follow her. Tonight, something inside Bella Light changed. Tonight, she realized she would not suffer for James Clemens any longer. And as she stepped out into the cold night air, the wind brushing against her fevered skin, she made a silent vow— She would break this engagement. And she would make James Clemens regret ever taking her for granted.