shadow of destiny: light and deception

Chapter 8

Crimson's POV

As I sat at the breakfast table in the palace, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Queen Elisabela's suggestion to have breakfast here was a sign of the growing importance of my role in the royal family. Being betrothed to Prince Aethelfrith meant that this palace was becoming my second home, and soon I would officially become his wife.

Turning to my father, a sense of determination filled me. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity and hasten the engagement and wedding process. With a smile on my face, I posed the question to my father, hoping he would agree.

"Father, why don't we hasten the engagement and wedding process?" I asked, my eyes shining with anticipation.

My father looked at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. He wanted to ensure that this was truly what I desired.

"Is that what you want, dear?" Father asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

I nodded my head confidently, a sense of certainty in my heart. "Yes, Father. I believe the time is right"

With a nod, my father turned to King Bartholomew, Prince Aethelfrith's father, who was also present at the table.

"Brother, My daughter wants us to hasten the process, so tell that son of yours, Aethelfrith to return home" Father said to king Bartholomew.

"Aethelfrith has refused to return home" the King said to my father, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. I had hoped to see Aethelfrith and discuss our future together.

"Hasten the process then," my father said to the King, a playful tone in his voice. "My Crimson isn't getting any younger, and we deserve an heir."

The King chuckled in response, his eyes meeting my father's in agreement. "We do," he said, raising his glass. They clicked their glasses together and took a sip of their wine, the clinking sound echoing in the grand dining hall.

After breakfast, I decided to pay a visit to Zella's room to relax for a while. Zella, who is Prince Aethelfrith's elder sister, and I had grown close over time, forming a bond that felt almost like that of twins, despite not sharing the same birthdate. As I entered her room, I found her sitting on the bed, engrossed in polishing her nails.

I walked over to the window and took a seat, enjoying the view outside. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow in the room. Zella glanced up from her nails and smiled at me.

"Hey, Crimson," she greeted me cheerfully. "Need a break from all the royal preparations?"

I chuckled softly. "You read my mind, Zella. It feels good to just take a moment and unwind."Zella nodded in agreement, setting aside her nail polish and joining me by the window.

We sat there in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. The sounds of birds chirping and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees created a serene atmosphere.

"So," Zella began, breaking the silence.

"How are you feeling about everything? The upcoming wedding, becoming a part of the royal family?"

Her question made me pause for a moment, contemplating my response. I turned to her, a mix of emotions evident in my expression.

"I really don't know Zella" I reached for her hands and placed my hands on hers.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Her voice filled with concern and curiosity.

"What if Aethelfrith doesn't accept me as his wife?

What if he doesn't love me?

What if he doesn't care for me as much as I care for him?"

"Crimson, stop with the 'what ifs,' okay?" Zella said firmly, her eyes locked with mine.

Zella's interruption took me by surprise, her voice filled with a sense of urgency and determination.

"Both you and I know that isn't the case" Zella said softly.

"Then why," I paused. "Why has he refused to return home?" I asked.

"That's" she hesitated for a moment "because for personal reasons" she finally said.

"Really?" My eyes filled with tears. I whispered, my voice trembling with vulnerability.

"Yes" she gave my hands a tight squeeze "Aethelfrith cares for you, I promise".

Zella's reassurance brought a flicker of hope to my heart, but the tears welled up in my eyes nonetheless. The uncertainty of Aethelfrith's feelings and his refusal to return home weighed heavily on my mind.

"But Zella, we haven't seen each other since we were children," I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of vulnerability and longing.

Zella's expression softened, understanding the depth of my concerns. She gently squeezed my hands, offering comfort and support.

"I understand your worries, Crimson. It's natural to have doubts when there's distance between you. However, I believe in the power of love and the connection you shared as children. Sometimes, absence can make the heart grow fonder."

Her words resonated within me, sparking a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainties. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.

"You're right, Zella," I said, my voice filled with determination.

"I shouldn't let fear hold me back. I want to believe in the bond we had and the possibility of a future together." Zella smiled warmly, her presence a source of strength.

"That's the spirit, Crimson. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and trust in the love you once shared. If it's meant to be, everything will fall into place." I nodded my head.

"Thank you for being here for me, Zella," I said, gratitude evident in my voice.

Zella nodded, her eyes filled with genuine care. "You're like a sister to me, Crimson. I will always be here to support you through whatever comes your way."

I hugged Zella tightly, feeling a surge of gratitude and warmth for her unwavering support. She reciprocated the embrace, and we shared a moment of sisterly connection.

"Thank you, Zella," I murmured, my voice filled with heartfelt appreciation. "Your belief in me means more than words can express."

Zella chuckled, her eyes still glistening with residual emotions. "You always know how to make even the simplest moments feel emotional, Crimson. But I'm here for you, always."

We slowly pulled away from the embrace, a sense of camaraderie lingering in the air. Zella, ever the lighthearted spirit, fanned her eyes playfully.

"Who is cutting onions? Why is it so emotional here?" she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

"So, go and prepare to be a queen," Zella said, regaining her composure. "Don't you have lessons today?"

I nodded, my smile still lingering. "Yes, it's time for my training. As the future queen of this realm, I have to undergo daily sessions to prepare myself for the responsibilities ahead."

Zella walked towards her walk-in wardrobe, placing her nail polish carefully on a shelf. "You've got this, Crimson. I have no doubt that you'll shine as a queen."

As I prepared to leave Zella's room, she stopped me with a question, her curiosity piqued.

"How many sessions do you have today?" she asked, her eyes fixed on me.

I raised three fingers, indicating the number of sessions awaiting me. Zella's reaction was playful but supportive.

"What are they?" she inquired, her interest evident.

"I have Ruling a Vampire Court, Vampire Etiquette and Protocol and Psychic Abilities and Mind Control " I sighed dramatically, knowing her response to my list of lessons.

Zella mockingly gagged, pretending to be overwhelmed. "Ugh, I hate your today's lessons, but you'll be fine," she said with a smile.

Her teasing brought a lightness to the moment, and I couldn't help but smile back at her. Zella always knew how to inject humor into any situation, making even the most daunting tasks seem manageable. I Left her room in preparation for my lessons.