Chapter 2 Shadows of Betrayal
616 Words
Joshua burst into the room, his excitement a sharp contrast to his usual stoic composure. In just ten days, he would be married, and the thought of making Lotty Stewart his bride filled him with joy.
When Lotty first stepped into Prince Joshua's mansion, Charlotte was quietly grinding ink in the study. The moment Joshua saw her, he rose at once and clasped her cold hands against his chest, warmth overflowing in the gesture.
"Why venture out alone in this cold?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
Charlotte noticed her own rough hands and quickly hid them behind her back. Lotty's eyes sparkled with mischief as she feigned a pout. "I came to see you, Josh, yet it seems you've hidden a treasure here."
"A touch of jealousy from my Lotty?" Joshua teased.
Charlotte's heart skipped a beat, but she watched as Joshua wrapped Lotty in an extravagant fox-fur cloak, even though braziers warmed the room. His words cut deeper still.
"She's only a servant. You, my princess, deserve everything."
Charlotte lowered her head and bowed, hiding the sting. Once, Joshua had called her Lottie as well—now that name belonged solely to another.
That evening, banished to the stables, Charlotte lay on a makeshift bed of straw, without shelter or comfort.
Lotty claimed she had sacrificed her former engagement for Joshua. That alone was reason enough, in her eyes, to despise the once-favored maid.
While tending the horses, Charlotte glanced toward the study windows, their silhouettes glowing faintly. For three years she had stood beside Joshua there, ink-stained fingers and quiet companionship.
A sudden neigh shattered her thoughts. A horse reared violently, its hooves striking her chest. Pain exploded through her body, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth as she collapsed onto the straw-covered ground.
"Blood!" Lotty's scream pierced the air.
Shielded within Joshua's embrace, her head resting against his chest, she trembled as he soothed her gently. "Do not fear, dear Lotty."
From the frozen ground, Charlotte watched the couple retreat, their shadows fading as Joshua murmured soft reassurances.
Her silent plea for help died unheard. Joshua never once looked back. His world revolved only around Lotty's tearful face.
A bitter realization dawned.
She had never been anyone's only devotion.
A distant memory surfaced—of a childhood friend before the famine scattered them. A time when she had mattered to someone, if only briefly.
The stable hand's boot shattered her thoughts, prodding her awake. Covered in snow, Charlotte crawled weakly back into the straw, clutching a frozen blanket around herself before darkness claimed her again.
Morning brought Joshua's figure to the stable door, cloaked in dark green, holding a bowl of medicine somewhat awkwardly.
"Why didn't you cover yourself?"
Coughing violently, her chest burning, Charlotte only shook her head.
Joshua continued, "Lotty fell ill. The shaman says it was caused by blood shock. Our wedding is tomorrow. You'll serve as the footstool to ward off evil."
Stunned, Charlotte coughed, blood staining her lips.
Ward off evil?
Absurd.
Joshua had always scoffed at superstition. Just last year, during the plague, he had personally driven a shaman from the mansion, condemning such nonsense.
Yet now she was to serve as some ritual object—a pawn in their blessed union.
Quietly, Charlotte asked, "Does Your Highness remember your promise?"
Reflected light left the stable dim and damp as Joshua hesitated before answering, "Lotty dislikes you. That cannot change. But I will grant you one wish."
Accepting her fate, Charlotte lowered her gaze.
Joshua stepped toward the doorway where pale daylight filtered in, snowflakes landing briefly on his palm before melting.
"I..."
"Your Highness, Princess Lotty has awakened and wishes to see you."
- Writer
