Princess for brother

Chapter 19

Ashley sat at the window of her room, looking out over the dreary palace garden. The leaves on the trees turned yellow and began to fall, as if reflecting her inner state. There was a storm in her heart: on the one hand, she desperately wanted to share her pain with Travis, to find support and support in her brother; on the other, the fear of rejection bound her heart like ice chains.

"What if he doesn't understand? What if he thinks I'm weak or guilty? Or maybe she'll stop seeing me as a sister altogether and start treating me like something... different?"-thoughts swirled in Ashley's head, not giving rest. She replayed Travis's possible reactions over and over in her mindТревиса, and each time she shivered.

But along with her fear, there was also hope. Ashley recalled the warm moments from her childhood, when she and Travis shared all the secrets, supported each other in difficult moments. "He's my brother, he should understand. He can't betray me, Ashley told herself.

As the days passed, she still couldn't bring herself to talk openly. Sometimes it seemed to her that it was better to keep everything a secret, to hide her suffering deep inside, than to face possible rejection. But at the same time, Ashley felt that the weight of the secret was getting heavier, that she could no longer bear it alone.

One evening, as the sun sank below the horizon, turning the sky a deep purple, Ashley made a sudden decision: "I'll tell him. Today." She stood up, squared her shoulders as if preparing for battle, and headed for Travis's room.

Along the way, Ashley stopped several times, doubting the correctness of her decision. Her heart was pounding so hard that it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest. "Maybe it's not too late to change your mind? Maybe I should wait until I'm better prepared, a voice inside me whispered. But Ashley went on stubbornly, driven by the desire to ease her mind.

When she reached the door to Travis's room, her hands were shaking and her mouth was dry. Ashley took a deep breath, trying to gather her strength, and knocked.

Travis opened the door almost immediately, as if he'd been waiting for her to arrive. His gaze was alert and a little wary."Ashley?" Something happened? — What is it? " he asked, looking at his sister.

Ashley looked into her brother's eyes and suddenly felt the fear recede. She saw genuine concern and concern in his eyes, and it gave her strength."Yes," she said softly. — I need to tell you something." It is very important.

Travis stepped back to invite her in, and Ashley stepped into the room. She sat on the edge of the bed, and Travis sat across from her, watching her intently.

For the first few minutes, Ashley was silent, gathering her thoughts. She stared at her hands and fiddled with the hem of her skirt, but finally she looked up at Travis and began to tell him. The words were difficult at first, but gradually the flood of memories came flooding out, taking with them the remnants of fear and doubt.

Ashley talked about everything: the day that changed her life forever, her feelings, and how long she had kept this secret to herself. Her voice was shaky, and there were tears in her eyes, but she kept talking, hoping that Travis would understand and support her.

When Ashley finished, there was a heavy silence in the room. She stared at her brother, waiting for his reaction, and her heart was pounding so loudly that it seemed like it could wake up the entire palace.

Travis sat motionless, as if petrified. His expression was a mixture of anger, pain, and confusion. Ashley watched his fists slowly clench and unclench, and in that moment, she was truly afraid. "What if I made a mistake? What if he sees me now only as a victim who can't be touched, or, on the contrary, as an object of pity?" — flashed through her mind.

Наконец Travis finally spoke. His voice was low and hoarse, as if he had been silent for a long time and now found it difficult to say the words.— How... how could this happen?" Who did this? I - I have to find him and-and -"

He didn't finish his sentence, but Ashley already knew what he meant. Travis's eyes were blazing with rage, and she was suddenly strangely relieved. Her brother didn't turn away from her, didn't look at her with contempt or pity — he was ready to fight, ready to protect her.

"George," Ashley whispered, barely audible over the name of the man who had ruined her life. "It was George.

Лицо Travis's face twisted with anger. He stood up abruptly, clenched his fists until the knuckles were white, and looked at Ashley with a determined expression.— I swear I'll get back at him for what he did to you." No one has the right to do this to our family members. I will find him and make him answer for his actions.

Ashley looked at her brother and felt a faint hope rise in her soul. Perhaps together they will be able to overcome this misfortune, together they will find the strength to fight and live on. But in her heart of hearts, she knew that there were hard trials ahead of them, and it was not clear if they would be able to pass through them, preserving themselves and their relationship.

Meanwhile, Travis was already forming a plan of action in his mind. His mind worked quickly and clearly, sifting out unnecessary details and focusing on the main thing: how to find George and make him answer for what he had done. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared for any difficulties for his sister's sake.

As Ashley sat there, looking at Travis's determined face, she thought that perhaps this was the beginning of a new stage in their lives — a stage that would require all their strength, courage, and love. But she was ready for this path, because there was a person who was ready to support her, protect her and fight for justice.

But deep down, Ashley couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that this was just the beginning of their ordeal. That there are new dangers, new secrets and new losses ahead of them. But she pushed those thoughts away, focusing on the warmth and power that came from Travis. Right now, she needed to believe in the best, to believe that together they could overcome any adversity.

And while Ashley was lost in her thoughts, Travis was already starting to act. He left the room, determined to start looking for George and put an end to his misdeeds. His footsteps echoed in the corridors of the palace, and his eyes burned with determination and anger.

The palace went on with its own life, but Тревисаa new chapter began for Ashley and Travis — a chapter of struggle, revenge, and perhaps a new understanding of each other. Their journey was long and dangerous, but they were willing to walk it together, hand in hand, supporting and protecting each other from all adversity.

And somewhere in the shadows, far from their eyes, was George, the man who had destroyed their world. He didn't know what was waiting for him yet, but the shadow of retribution had already fallen on his fate. And sooner or later, he will have to answer for his actions in the face of the anger and pain of those he offended.

Travis left Ashley's room, his footsteps echoing through the deserted corridors of the palace. His mind was in chaos, but at the same time, he felt an amazing clarity of purpose. His sister's story had turned his world upside down, but now he knew what he had to do.

He was filled with rage — dark, all-consuming, ready to burst out at any moment. He clenched and unclenched his fists, feeling his muscles tighten with anger. "George… He has to answer for what he did, Travis repeated to himself like a mantra.

But along with the rage, there was a pain in his soul — sharp, cutting, like a knife blade. Pain for her sister, for her ruined life, for the pain she had to go through. Travis felt his heart tighten with compassion for Ashley, but at the same time, he was growing more determined to protect her at all costs.

He went to his office to think about a plan of action. The office was his sanctuary, a place where he could gather his thoughts and make important decisions. Travis sat down at the massive oak desk, looked down at his hands, still shaking with anger, and began to analyze the situation.

George was a dangerous man, Travis thought. — He must have associates, connections in the criminal world. But I can't afford to be afraid. Ashley needs my protection and I need to be strong for her."

He took out a pen and paper from his desk drawer and began to write down his thoughts. At first chaotically, then more clearly and consistently. Travis considered every step: how to find George, how to gather evidence of his guilt, how to ensure Ashley's safety while he searched.

In his heart of hearts, Travis knew that this was going to be a tough fight. George was cunning and dangerous, and Travis couldn't underestimate his opponent. But the thought of his sister being hurt because of this man gave him strength and determination.

Meanwhile, there was a tense atmosphere in the palace. The servants whispered to each other, casting wary glances in the direction of Ashley and Travis ' rooms. Margaret tried several times to speak to Travis, to express her concern, but he waved her off, lost in thought.

Ashley, on the other hand, spent most of her time in her room. She tried not to show her pain, but Travis knew that a real storm was raging inside her. Sometimes he would stop by his sister's house just to sit next to her, take her hand in his and let her know that he was there. These moments were a real comfort to Ashley, and she could feel her brother's warmth and strength helping her recover a little.

One evening, as the sun was sinking, turning the sky purple, Travis came to see Ashley again. He sat down next to her on the bed and looked into her eyes.— I swear I'll get back at George for what he did to you." No one has the right to do this to our family members. I will find him and make him answer for his actions.

Ashley looked at her brother with gratitude and pain in her eyes. She knew Travis meant what he said, and she knew that his determination could lead to dangerous consequences. But at the same time, she felt safe around him, knowing that he wouldn't let her get hurt.

"I'll be waiting," Ashley said quietly. — And I'll support you in everything."

The words gave Travis even more strength. He nodded to his sister, squeezed her hand tightly, and left the room. Now he was ready to start looking for George, ready for any challenges and dangers that might come his way.

Travis decided to start by gathering all the servants and asking them a few discreet questions about George. He wanted to know if they had noticed anything unusual in his behavior, if they had heard any suspicious conversations. But the servants only looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders — no one wanted to incur the wrath of a powerful man.

Тогда Travis then turned to Robert. He knew that Robert was an intelligent and insightful man, and his help could be invaluable. Robert listened to Travis's storyand his face darkened with anger."I'll help you," he said firmly. "George must answer for his actions. We'll find him, even if we have to turn London upside down.

This support gave Travis a boost of confidence. Together with Robert, they began to develop a plan of action, considering where George might have gone, who his allies might be, and how they could use the available resources to find him.

As the days passed, Travis sank deeper into a world of intrigue and danger. He visited taverns, talked to people from all walks of life, and looked for any clues that might lead him to George. Sometimes it seemed to him that he was on the wrong track, sometimes that the goal was already close. But each time something got in the way, and George continued to remain in the shadows.

Still, Travis didn't give up. He knew that revenge was a long and thorny road, but he was willing to go all the way for his sister. There was a fire of determination burning in his soul, and he knew that until that fire was extinguished, it would not stop.

In the palace, life went on as usual, but the shadow of tragedy still lingered in the corridors. Ashley was slowly coming to her senses, drawing strength from Travis ' determination and her own will to live. She knew they were going to have a tough time, but she felt safe with her brother.

And while Travis wandered the dark streets of London, looking for George's trail, Ashley sat in her room and thought that their lives would never be the same again. But deep down, she hoped that together they could overcome all the difficulties and build a new future in which there would be no place for pain and betrayal.

But somewhere far away, in a remote corner of the city, George was watching with cold calculation. He knew Travis's determination, but he was sure of his own superiority. They'll regret getting in my way, he thought, grinning in the dark. And while Travis and Ashley made their plans, George also prepared a retaliatory strike that would put an end to their hopes for a happy future once and for all.

Travis awoke at first light. It wasn't alarm or a bad dream that had woken him, but a firm determination to act. He lay with his eyes closed, but his mind was already full of work: plans, strategies, possible ways to find George were being arranged in a clear sequence. Travis knew he was going to have a tough time, but the thought of Ashley getting hurt because of this man gave him strength and determination.

He got out of bed, went to the window, and looked out at the palace garden. The leaves on the trees were already turning yellow, and there was a sense of approaching autumn in the air. Travis took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, feeling his energy boil. Today is the beginning of a new phase in my life, he thought. "A stage where I will fight for justice and protect my family."

After breakfast, Travis gathered all the servants in the main hall of the palace. He tried to keep his face calm, but there was a determination in his eyes that left no doubt about the seriousness of his intentions. The servants exchanged glances and whispers, but no one dared to break the silence.

"I want you to listen carefully," Travis began in a firm voice. — Something terrible has happened in our home, and I intend to find the culprit and bring him to justice. I'm talking about George. I need you to share any information that might help me find him. Any details, any rumors, any observations — everything can be important.

The servants remained silent. Travis could see the way they looked at each other, the fear flickering in their eyes. He knew that many of them were afraid of George or had some sort of commitment to him. But he also knew that there might be some who wanted justice among them.

Finally, one of the servants, an elderly man with white hair, stepped forward.

"My Lord, I-I heard something," he said in a low voice. — I once noticed George meeting a man in a tavern on the outskirts of London. They were talking in whispers, and it seemed to me that they were talking about some dark matters.

Travis studied the servant.

— Can you describe this man?" What did he look like? What was the name of the tavern?

The servant paused, remembering the details.

"The tavern was called the Dark Corner. And the man... tall, with dark hair and piercing eyes. I've seen him around town more than once, but I've never heard his name.

This information was the first lead Travis could grasp. He thanked the servant and dismissed them all. Now he had a target-the Dark Corner Tavern and the mysterious stranger.

В тот же день Travis left for London the same day. It was a long walk, but he didn't feel tired. His heart was pounding in time with his steps, and his mind was whirling with thoughts of how best to proceed in the tavern. He knew that there might be dangers waiting for him, but he was prepared for them.

When Travis arrived in London, Тревисhe went straight to the Dark Corner Tavern. The tavern was a dingy place with a bad reputation. The walls were covered in dark stains, and the air smelled of alcohol and smoke. The customers looked suspicious, and Travis could feel their wary eyes on him.

He sat down at a table in the corner and ordered a mug of ale. As he watched the customers, he tried to find the very person the servant had told him about. But as time passed, the stranger didn't show up.

Then Travis decided to talk to the innkeeper. He went up to him and asked:

— I'm looking for someone who comes here often. He was tall, with dark hair and piercing eyes. Do you know who I'm talking about?

The innkeeper looked at Travis with narrowed eyes, as if considering whether to disclose the information. After a brief pause, he answered:

— Yes, I know such a person. His name is Michael. He often comes here, but it is difficult to predict when exactly.

Travis thanked the innkeeper and decided to wait for Michael at the tavern. He spent several hours there, watching the customers, listening to the conversations, trying to catch any hint of George's whereabouts.

But fate decreed otherwise. Just as the sun was beginning to set, Travis felt someone's gaze on him. He turned and saw Michael — a tall man with dark hair. He was standing at the entrance to the tavern, looking directly at Travis. Their eyes met, and Travis knew this was his chance.

He walked over to Michael and said, " I'm sorry.

— I need to talk to you." It is important.

Michael looked at him with mild curiosity, but no fear.

"Speak, I'm listening."

Travis told him what had happened to Ashley, and his determination to find George and punish him. Michael listened carefully, not interrupting. When Travis had finished, Michael answered.

— I know where George might be, but I need your word of guarantee that my safety will be assured."

Travis nodded.

— I give you my word that no one will hurt you if you help me."

After a moment's hesitation, Michael gave an address in one of the most dangerous parts of London. Travis thanked him and hurried out. A mixture of emotions raged in his soul: joy at the information he received, fear of the unknown, and determination to finish the job.

Back at the palace, Travis shared the news with Robert. The man listened with a frown.

"It's dangerous, Travis. We need to think carefully about our plan of action. We can't let you fall into a trap.

Travis agreed with Robert, knowing that hasty actions could lead to dire consequences. Together, they began to develop a plan, taking into account all possible risks and scenarios.

Meanwhile, Ashley felt her heart swell with hope. She knew Travis was doing everything he could to find George, and that gave her strength. But deep down, she was afraid for her brother, afraid that he might get hurt in this dangerous game.

As the days passed, the tension in the palace grew. Everyone knew that the denouement was coming, but no one knew what it would be like. Ashley and Travis lived in anticipation, hoping that justice would be done and George would get what he deserved.

But somewhere in the shadows, far from prying eyes, George was preparing his counterattack. He knew Travis's determination, but he was sure of his own superiority. They'll regret getting in my way, he thought, grinning in the dark. And while Travis and Ashley made their plans, George was also preparing for a showdown that would end their hopes for a happy future once and for all.

In the palace, life went on as usual, but the shadow of tragedy still lingered in the corridors. The servants whispered, Margaret tried to support Ashley, and Robert helped Travis find him. Every day brought new rumors, new hopes, and new fears.

And while Travis wandered the dark streets of London, looking for George's trail, Ashley sat in her room and thought that their lives would never be the same again. But deep down, she hoped that together they could overcome all the difficulties and build a new future in which there would be no place for pain and betrayal.

However, the clouds were gathering over the palace, and no one knew what fate had in store for them. New challenges, new discoveries, and new losses lay ahead. But as long as there was hope in their hearts, they were willing to go forward, hand in hand, supporting and protecting each other from all adversity.