I made my way to the gardens, enjoying the beauty of the castle's interior as I walk. I passed by several guards and servants, all of whom bow or curtsy as i pass.
Finally, i reach the gardens, and I was struck by their beauty. The sun is shining, and the flowers are in full bloom. I took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of the blossoms.
I walk along the path, enjoying the peace and quiet. The gardens are deserted, and i feel like i have the whole place to myself. I walk for a while, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
As I turn to a corner, i hear a faint noise behind me. I turn to see a figure about 6feet tall in the distance, walking towards me. As he got closer, i realize it's Ryker.
Ryker's eyes lock onto mine, his gaze intense. He's dressed in a simple tunic and breeches, his hair messy and unkempt. He looks like he's been out riding, and i wonder what he's doing in the gardens.
As he approaches, i felt a sense of unease. Not sure what to make of Ryker, and still trying to process what happened between me and Rainer earlier.
Ryker stops in front of me, his eyes roaming over my face. He looks like he wants to say something, but he's hesitant. Finally, he speaks. Ayla, I... he pauses, looking away. I wanted to talk to you about something.
Ryker's eyes narrow, and he takes a deep breath. Before he can continue, a palace maid appears at his side.
Your Highness, she says, curtsying low. The king, Prince Rainer, they're waiting for you in the dining hall. Breakfast is served.
Ryker's jaw clenches, and he nods curtly. He turns to me, his eyes burning with intensity.
This conversation isn't over, Ayla, he says. Then, he turns and walks away, following the maid to the dining hall.
Left standing alone in the gardens, feeling confused and more than a little curious. What did Ryker want to talk to me about? And why did he look so serious?
I made my way to the dining hall, wondering what the day will bring. When i got there, I saw Rainer, the king, and the kings concubine and her daughter already seated at the table. Ryker is standing by the window, his back to the room.
Rainer smiled when he saw me walk in, and he stood up to greet me. He pulled out my chair, and i sat down, feeling a bit nervous. The kings concubine looked at me with a critical eye, but said nothing.
The king clears his throat, and the room falls silent. He begins to speak, his voice booming and authoritative. I have called you all here today to discuss a matter of great importance. As you know, the neighboring kingdom has been a thorn in our side for some time now. I have decided that it is time for us to take action.
Rainer nods in agreement, but Ryker remains silent, his back still to the room. The kings concubine looks at the king with a mixture of surprise and concern.
The king's concubine, Lady Valtira, sits beside him, her eyes fixed on me. She's a beautiful woman, with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes. She's dressed in a stunning gown, and her jewelry is exquisite.
Her daughter, Lady Calantha, sits across from me. She's a few years younger than me,with long, straight blonde hair and blue eyes. She looks a bit like her mother, but her features are softer, more delicate.
The king continues to speak, his voice growing more animated as he talks about the neighboring kingdom and his plans for war.Rainer listens intently, his eyes fixed on his father. Ryker remains silent, his back still to the room.
Lady Valtira watched me, her eyes narrowing slightly as she takes in my features. I can tell she's sizing me up, wondering what kind of person I am and what kind of wife I'll make for Rainer.
Lady Valtira smiles sweetly at me, but her eyes are cold and calculating.
She glances at Rainer, her eyes lingering on him for a moment.
She turns to her daughter, Lady Calantha, and smiles.
Lady Valtira's eyes return to the king, her expression cold and calculating. The king continues his speech,
We will not stand idly by while the neighboring kingdom threatens our borders, he says. We will take action, and we will defend our land. Rainer, you will lead the army into battle. Ryker, you will remain here and defend the castle.
Rainer nods, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Ryker's back is still turned, but you can sense his anger and frustration. Lady Valtira's eyes flicker to Ryker, and for a moment, you see a flash of fear in her eyes. But it's quickly replaced by her usual cold, calculating expression.
The king continues to speak, outlining his plans for the war. But you can tell that Lady Valtira is not interested in the details.
The king finishes his speech, and the room falls silent. Rainer looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and concern. Ryker finally turns around, his eyes narrowing as he looks at his father.
I will not stay here and defend the castle, Ryker says, his voice firm. I will fight alongside Rainer.
The king's face turns red with anger, and he slams his fist on the table.You will do as I say, Ryker! he thunders. You will stay here and defend the castle.
Ryker's jaw clenches, and he looks away. Lady Valtira watches the exchange, her eyes gleaming with interest. "She knows that Ryker is a threat to her plans, and she needs to find a way to neutralize him", she leaned in and whispered to the king.
The king's anger slowly subsides, and he looks at Ryker with a calculating gaze. Very well, Ryker, he says. You may fight alongside Rainer. But you will obey his orders and follow his lead.
Ryker nods, his expression unreadable. Rainer looks at him, a mix of surprise and gratitude on his face. Lady Valtira's eyes narrow slightly, her mind working overtime fidgeting with her hands.
The king turns to me, his expression softening. Ayla, my dear, I know this may be difficult for you, but I hope you will
The king's words are cut off as the door to the dining hall bursts open and a guard rushes in.
Your Majesty,
he says, bowing low.
The neighboring kingdom has launched a surprise attack on our borders. We need to act quickly to defend ourselves.
The king's face turns red with rage, and he slams his fist on the table. How dare they! he thunders. Rainer, Ryker, you must leave immediately and defend our kingdom.
Rainer and Ryker both stood, their faces set with determination. Rainer looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of love and concern. I'll be back soon, my love, he says. I promise.
He turns and follows Ryker and the guard out of the room, leaving me alone with the king and Lady Valtira.
The king turns to you, his expression softer, Ayla, my dear, I know this may be difficult and unexpected for you, but I hope you will be brave and strong while Rainer is away, he says. He looks at Lady Valtira, who nods in agreement.
She smiles sweetly at me, but I sense the malice behind her words. Yes, Ayla, we must all be brave and strong in times of war, she says. But we must also be careful. There are those who would seek to take advantage of our vulnerability.
The king nods, his expression serious.
Yes, we must be vigilant and protect ourselves and our kingdom at all costs, he says.
I exit the dining hall, Sophia right behind me.She curtsies as I walk by, then falls into step beside me.
Shall I help you get ready for the day, milady? she asks, her voice soft and gentle.
I nod, still thinking about the conversation in the dining hall. Lady Valtira's words have left me with a sense of unease, and i can't shake the feeling that something is off.
As i walk, I notice that the castle is bustling with activity. Servants are rushing to and fro, preparing for the war effort. I saw groups of guards gathered in the hallways, talking in hushed tones. The atmosphere is tense, and i can feel the weight of the kingdom's fate hanging in the air.
I and Sophia reach my chambers, and she helped me get ready for the day. I choose a simple but elegant gown, and Sophia styles my hair in a neat updo. As she works, i can't help but feel a sense of restlessness. I want to do something to help with the war effort, but I'm not sure what.
Sophia curtsies and begins to tidy up the room, straightening up the bed and putting away my clothes.
I sat down at the small desk in the corner of the room, trying to decide what to do with myself.
As I sat there contemplating on what to do, I hear a knock at the door. Sophia answers it, and i heard a soft conversation between her and whoever is on the other side of the door. After a moment, Sophia turns to me.
It's Lady Calantha, milady, she says. She's come to visit.
Surprised by the visit, but tried not to show it. Lady Calantha is the last person i expected to see.
Show her in, Sophia, I say, standing up and smoothing out my gown.
Sophia nods and steps aside, allowing Lady Calantha to enter,dressed in a beautiful gown, her hair styled perfectly. She looks like she just stepped out of a fairy tale.
Hello, Ayla, she says, her voice sweet and friendly. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.
I shook my head, gesturing for her to take a seat. Of course not, I said. Please, sit down.
Lady Calantha sits down, her eyes scanning the room. She notices the books on my desk and smiles. I see you're a reader, she says. I love to read too. What's your favorite book?
Not sure if i want to engage in small talk with Lady Calantha, but i don't want to be rude either. So I had to tell her about my favorite book, and she listens intently.
As i talk, i notice that Lady Calantha seems... off. She's friendly and charming, but there's something beneath the surface that i can't quite put my finger on. I started to feel a sense of unease, and wonder what she really wants.
After a few minutes of small talk, Lady Calantha got to the point.
I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you, Ayla, she says, her voice sweet and innocent.
"I obviously expected something from her visit".
Of course, Calantha, you can ask me anything, you say, trying to sound friendly and open.
Lady Calantha smiled, I was wondering if you could put in a good word for me with Prince Rainer, she says. I've always had feelings for him, and I was hoping...
Taken aback by Lady Calantha's request. didn't expect her to be so bold. I try to think of a way to let her down gently, without hurting her feelings.
Calantha, I... I start to say, but she interrupts me.
I know that Prince Rainer is married to you, she says, her voice still sweet but with a hint of jealousy. But I was hoping that maybe you could... persuade him to spend time with me. Just as friends, of course I've always liked him before he got married to you so I guess his off the catch for me.
I realize that Lady Calantha is not going to give up easily.
Lady Calantha smiles sweetly at me, but i can see the mockery in her eyes. She's not here to make friends or have a genuine conversation. She's here to observe me,to study me, and to make fun of me.
So, Ayla, how's life as the new Queen to be? she asks, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She looked around my chambers, her eyes lingering on the lavish decorations and expensive furniture. I can tell she's trying to make me feel inferior, like i don't deserve any of this.
It's... been an adjustment, I say, trying to keep my cool. But Lady Calantha just laughed,a cruel sound.
I bet it has, she says. I mean, you're not exactly... Queen material, are you?
Her words are like a slap in the face, and i feel my cheeks burning with anger and humiliation.
I stood up, my eyes locked on Lady Calantha's. I think it's time for you to leave, I said, my voice firm but polite.
Lady Calantha raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by my bravery. She stood up, her smile still mocking. Very well, she says. I'll leave. But this isn't the last you've seen of me.
She turns and walks out of my chambers, leaving me feeling shaken and humiliated. I realize that Lady Calantha is not someone to be trifled with, and i wonder what she's planning next.
Lady Calantha walks into her mother's chambers, a sly smile spreading across her face. Lady Valtira looks up from her needlework, her eyes narrowing slightly as she takes in her daughter's expression.
Well? she asks, her voice firm but controlled. How did it go?
Lady Calantha curtsies, her smile growing wider. She's pleased with herself, and she knows her mother will be too. The princess is weak, Mother, she says. She's not confident in herself or her position. A little push, and she'll crumble.
Lady Valtira nods, a small smile playing on her lips. She's pleased with her daughter's report, and she knows exactly what to do next. Very good, Calantha, she says. You've done well. Now, let's see how the princess handles a little pressure...
Lady Valtira's eyes narrow as she thinks of the perfect person to spy on the princess. And then, a sly smile spreads across her face. Sophia, the princess's personal maid, is the perfect person for the job. She's loyal only to the princess, but Lady Valtira is confident that she can change that.
She summons one of her servants and instructs them to bring Sophia to her chambers. A few minutes later, Sophia arrives, curtsying low to Lady Valtira.
You wanted to see me, milady? Sophia asks, her eyes cast downward.
Lady Valtira smiles sweetly at Sophia. Yes, I did, she says. I have a special task for you, one that requires great loyalty and discretion. Are you interested?
Sophia looks up at Lady Valtira, her eyes filled with curiosity. What is it, milady? she asks, her voice soft and gentle.
Lady Valtira smiles again, her eyes glinting with amusement. I want you to keep an eye on the princess for me, she says. Report back to me on everything she does, everyone she talks to. I want to know her secrets, her fears, her desires. Can I trust you to do that for me?
Sophia hesitates, clearly torn. She's loyal to the princess, but Lady Valtira is the king's concubine, and Sophia doesn't want to cross her. After a moment, she nods slowly. Yes, milady. I'll do it.
Lady Valtira smiles, satisfied with Sophia's response. Good girl, she says. Remember, this is our little secret. The princess must not know that you're reporting to me.
Sophia nods again, her eyes cast downward. Yes, milady. I understand.
Lady Valtira waves her hand, dismissing Sophia. Go now, and don't forget to report back to me later today.
Sophia curtsies and leaves the room, feeling a pang of guilt. She doesn't want to betray the princess's trust, but she's afraid of Lady Valtira. As she walks back to the princess's chambers, she can't shake the feeling that she's made a terrible mistake.