The Alliance

Chapter 41: A daughter’s plight

Jasmine stands by the tall arched window of her chamber, staring out at the golden horizon. The sun is beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the stone walls of Mercia’s castle. For some reason Phillip had pushed going to Caeloris to the next dawn. A deep unease coils in her stomach, tightening with every breath she takes.

They are leaving for Caeloris at dawn.

And Jasmine does not want to go.

Not when she still has no word from her mother. Not when she has sent letter after letter into the abyss of Eldermere, hoping—praying—for a response. Not when a spy still has not been sent to uncover Morgan’s fate.

What if her mother is in danger? What if she is sick, helpless, alone? What if Jasmine leaves for Caeloris and in her absence, something irreversible happens?

But it is not just her mother’s absence that torments her.

Jasmine lifts a trembling hand to the medallion hanging from a chain around her neck. It looks so unassuming, just a simple golden piece, yet she now knows better.

It hides a secret.

Days ago, she had dropped it by accident, and when it struck the stone floor, a hidden compartment had cracked open. And inside…

Eldermere’s royal crest.

Even now, the discovery rattles her to her bones.

Why was this symbol—a mark of Eldermere’s ruling family—hidden inside an heirloom she indirectly got from her birth father? Why had her mother never told her about it?

Jasmine closes her eyes, trying to push away the terrible questions clawing at her mind.

Only one person knows the truth about her father’s family.

And that person is Morgan.

But Morgan is missing. And without her mother’s explanation, Jasmine may never learn the truth.

A wave of frustration crashes over her.

Her handmaidens, Gina and Ginny, watch her from across the chamber. They exchange glances before Ginny finally steps forward, her voice hesitant but gentle.

“Your Highness, you’ve been staring out that window for nearly an hour.”

Jasmine exhales sharply. “I cannot stop thinking about my mother.” She turns to face them, her expression strained with worry. “What if she’s in trouble? What if I leave, and when I return, it’s too late?”

Gina folds her arms, frowning. “You don’t even know where she is.”

“Which is precisely why I should stay,” Jasmine argues. “If I go to Caeloris before finding her, I may never get the chance to see her again.”

Ginny sighs. “You think Prince Phillip will let you stay behind?”

Jasmine bites her lip. No, she knows Phillip won’t allow it. He made it clear—this journey is important. His uncle, King Aldred, must approve of his kingship, must guide him on what steps to take before his coronation. This is not a mere visit—it is a duty.

But what about her duty as a daughter?

Before she can respond, the door swings open.

Prince Phillip strides into the chamber, his broad shoulders tense, his expression unreadable. He is dressed for the evening in a dark tunic and fitted breeches, his golden hair slightly disheveled as though he has been running his fingers through it too many times.

Jasmine immediately stiffens, her heart pounding.

“You’re troubled,” Phillip states, his gaze sweeping over her face.

Jasmine hesitates, glancing at Gina and Ginny. They take the hint and silently slip out of the chamber, closing the door behind them.

Once they are alone, Phillip steps closer, his hands clasped behind his back. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

She wants to tell him everything. She wants to tell him about the medallion and the questions it has planted in her mind. She wants to tell him that her heart is at war with itself—that she cannot imagine leaving Mercia when her mother’s whereabouts remains unknown. But she also knows Phillip won’t understand and telling him the truth will only expose her identity.

So instead, she carefully says, “I wish to remain here, at least for a little while longer.”

Phillip’s brows furrow. “Bianca, we leave at dawn.”

“I know,” she whispers. She looks up at him, searching his face, hoping he will see her desperation. “But what if I stayed behind? Just for a few days. I have unfinished matters here.”

Phillip studies her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then his jaw tightens. “Unfinished matters? With whom?.”

Jasmine flinches. “No one— I mean, I requested for a rare herb from—.”

Phillip exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “Bianca, you cannot possibly be serious and you cannot stay here alone. I won’t permit it.”

“I wouldn’t be alone,” she argues. “I have my handmaidens, your guards. I could send—”

“No.” Phillip’s voice is firm, leaving no room for debate. “If something were to happen to you while I’m away, I would never forgive myself.”

Jasmine’s lips part, but she says nothing. The finality in his tone makes her heart sink.

Seeing her disappointment, Phillip sighs and steps closer. His voice softens. “Bianca, we leave for Caeloris because it is important for my future as king. My uncle must approve of my claim. If you are to be my queen, you must stand beside me.”

His words make her stomach tighten. Queen. The title feels heavy, especially when she knows she’s nothing but a fraud, a replacement, a stand in.

Jasmine exhales, staring at him. She knows she cannot win the battle.

Finally, she nods. “Alright.”

Phillip gives a small smile and presses a kiss on her forehead. “Thank you.”