The Alliance

Chapter 22: The final betrayal

Morning light streams through the castle windows, casting golden rays across the ornate chamber. Jasmine stands silently by the window, clutching her locket as Princess Bianca’s voice rises sharply behind her.

“You’re lucky I didn’t have you thrown into the dungeons last night,” Bianca snaps, pacing furiously. “What were you thinking, sneaking into the prince’s chambers like that? Do you want to ruin everything?”

Jasmine stiffens, refusing to meet Bianca’s fiery gaze. “I was trying to—”

“Silence,” Bianca interrupts. “You’ll do as I say from now on, or I’ll ensure your mother never sees another sunrise. Do you understand?”

Bianca’s fists clench at her sides, but she nods, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Aurora , Calista and Amira enter the room, each carrying an array of silken fabrics and jeweled accessories.

“Bianca, it’s time,” Aurora says, her voice soft and soothing. “We need to prepare you for the wedding.”

Bianca exhales, regaining her composure, and sits on the edge of the grand bed. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”

Aurora and Amira begin their work, pinning Bianca’s hair into an intricate style and fastening the layers of her elaborate wedding gown. Bianca sits stiffly, her jaw tight, as Aurora hums softly, trying to lighten the mood.

After some time, Amira steps back and glances at Aurora. “Sister, could you fetch the necklace? The one mother gave you to preserve for this day.

“Oh no, I almost forgot,” Aurora says hitting her palm slightly on her forehead.

“Jasmine” Aurora turns to face her “Go, quickly, fetch Lyanna, she knows what I hid the jewelries—-“

“ No Aurora, those jewelries are made of pure gold, diamonds and precious stones. If it gets into the wrong hands mother will be cross with us, take Calista with you instead, Jasmine, I and the rest of the maidens will finish up here.” Amira insists.

Aurora hesitates, her brow furrowing. “But I can get it on our way to the hall. Shouldn’t we focus on finishing here first?”

Amira gives a tight smile. “It’ll only take a moment, and you know time is not on our side. Please, Aurora, mother would’ve wanted it this way.”

Reluctantly, Aurora nods and leaves the room with Calista. The moment the door clicks shut, Amira turns to Bianca with urgency in her eyes. “Everybody out!” Amira announces, sending all the maidens out of the room so she can execute her plan. “Jasmine wait behind.”

“Now’s your chance,” Calista says to Bianca, pulling a plain cloak and a small satchel from beneath the bed. “The passageway is clear. Dorian is waiting.”

“And the note?” Bianca turns to face her devious sister, “It’s under your pillow, now hurry!” Amira pushes her toward the passageway.

Bianca rises, her expression firm. “You know what to do.” She turns to Jasmine, who stands frozen by the window. “Put on the dress and veil. You will take my place at the altar.”

Jasmine’s eyes widen in shock. “No! I won’t—”

Bianca steps closer, her voice cold as ice. “You will, or your mother pays the price. You’re not leaving this room until you’re ready to marry the prince.”

Amira begins pulling the gown off Bianca and thrusts it toward Jasmine. “Hurry. There’s no time.”

With trembling hands, Jasmine allows Amira to help her into the heavy gown, her heart pounding as the reality of what’s happening sinks in. As the veil is draped over her face, she feels the weight of her decisions pressing down on her like never before.

When Aurora returns, Jasmine is fully dressed and standing in front of the mirror. Aurora beams, her suspicion absent. “You look perfect,Bianca. I wish mother was here to see you.The prince will be enchanted.”

Without another word, Aurora takes Jasmine by the arm and leads her toward the wedding hall.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the castle, Elenna, dressed in the plain traveling clothes Amira provided, slips through a hidden passage carved into the stone walls. Her heart pounds as she clutches a small satchel of belongings, the sounds of bustling castle fade behind her.She moves swiftly, her steps soundless on the cold stone floor.

The passage opens to a secluded cove at the base of the cliffs overlooking the sea, where a small wooden boat waits. Sir Dorian stands at the helm, his dark cloak billows in the salty breeze, he stands scanning the shoreline until he spots her. Relief washes over his face as she approaches.

“You came,” he says, relief flooding his voice as he takes her hand to help her into the boat.

“I told you I would, did you doubt me?” she replies, her voice firm yet breathless. She climbs into the boat, settling beside him as he pushes them off the shore.

Dorian pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly. “I would’ve waited forever if I had to.”

As the boat sets sail, Bianca finally allows herself to breathe. She takes Dorian’s hand and places it gently on her stomach, her eyes meeting his. “There’s something else you need to know,” she says, her voice trembling.

Dorian’s brow furrows, and then his eyes widen as realization dawns on him. “You’re…”

She nods. “We’re going to have a child.”

Dorian stares at her, a mixture of shock and joy crossing his face. He pulls her close again, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’ve given me more than I could ever ask for, Bianca.”

As the boat glides into the open sea, the castle fades into the distance, and Bianca feels, for the first time, a glimmer of freedom leaving behind the castle and chaos, knowing that she chose him over anything else gives her peace.