The courtyard was quiet as Elaine stepped out, her cloak drawn tight, her breath trembling. Colden stood near the fountain, arms crossed, eyes distant. The moment she saw him, her steps faltered.
"I need to speak with you," she said.
Colden turned, his expression unreadable.
Elaine bowed her head. "I was wrong. About everything. About Marco. About Carmine. I let my mother twist me into someone I don't recognize."
Colden didn't speak.
"She locked Carmine away," Elaine whispered. "She's planning to marry me off to Velloria. I don't want it. I never did."
Colden's voice was quiet. "Where is Carmine?"
Elaine's eyes filled. "I don't know. She might already be gone."
Colden's jaw tightened. "Then we find her."
They stormed into the east wing, guards trailing behind. Lady Viremont stood near the grand staircase, her gown pristine, her smile brittle.
"You've crossed the line again," Colden said, voice sharp.
Viremont raised an eyebrow. "I've done what's necessary."
"You locked away your own daughter's heart," Colden snapped. "You silenced someone who dared to care."
Viremont's smile faded. "Carmine isn't here, is she?"
The room fell silent.
Elaine stepped forward. "Mother, please—"
Viremont turned. "Come with me. Now. Or I won't be responsible for what happens next."
Elaine hesitated, then followed.
Colden watched them disappear down the corridor, his fists clenched.
Francis moved quickly.
He gathered the staff, the guards, the townsfolk. Word spread fast — Carmine was missing. Possibly shipped off to Farland. No one knew when. No one knew how.
The search began.
Posters. Questions. Doors knocked. Names whispered.
But Carmine was nowhere.
That night, Elaine sat in her room, staring at the moonlight on the floor. Her heart was heavy, her thoughts tangled.
she looked up the sky and was in hollow despair of the worst
she was thinking the worst possible scenarios happening to carmine right now .
she remembers the day that she met carmine which was beautiful . a windy air and a little girl with scarlet hair stood nervous but determined and Madeline added , "this your own made , she will be at your command".
elaine cried her fullest and Madeline watched from the corner and she was also worried.
At the castle gates, Colden arrived with Marco at his side. The guards bowed, the doors opened.
Inside, Lady Viremont stood at the top of the stairs, her eyes gleaming.
Her plan was already in motion.
And the storm was coming.
To Be Continued...