Royalty: Shadows of Past

❀Episode 2❀

❃.✮:▹Evelyn's POV◃:✮.❃

The next morning, I awoke in a state of confusion, my mind consumed by the singular desire to escape this marriage.
I sat on the edge of my bed, contemplating my next move, when a knock sounded at the door.

"My Lady, it's Anna. May I come in?" her voice floated through the door.

"Yes, Anna," I replied, and she entered the room. I rose from the bed, my feet wobbled, but Anna steadied me.

"Careful, My Lady," she urged, concern etched on her face as she helped me regain my balance. My head spun with the weight of stress and uncertainty.

"Anna, we must leave immediately. Please, prepare a carriage," I implored, my words stumbling in my haste.

"Of course, My Lady, but first, you must have your breakfast, Then we can depart," Anna's soothing voice offered a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

"But there's no time for that, Anna. We must act swiftly to halt this marriage," I insisted, my determination overriding any concerns for propriety.

"I understand, My Lady, but you must take care of yourself first. Both physically and mentally. Please, trust me," Anna's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her sincerity weighing heavily on my heart. With a nod, I agreed, and Anna quietly exited the room, leaving me to gather my thoughts.

After breakfast, Anna helped me dress. To counter Lucas's marriage order, I knew involving the High Priest was my only option. Once ready, I left my chambers, feeling the weight of every gaze in the palace as if I were a ghost.

Anna guided me to the waiting carriage outside the palace. During our journey, I couldn't help but glance at the beautiful scenery of Asther, each sight triggering memories of the vibrant market where Alex and I once sneaked out, now tinged with bittersweet nostalgia that brought tears to my eyes.

Arriving at the temple, I stepped inside, greeted warmly by a young priest. "My Lady, welcome... May I know what brings the Royal Lady here today?" he asked kindly.

Apologizing for my sudden visit, I requested, "Could you let the High Priest know I'm here? I have an urgent matter to discuss."

"Certainly, My Lady. Please wait in the main hall while I fetch him," the young priest responded, as I proceeded to the main hall, where I took a seat, filled with anticipation.

<————««»»————>

"It's a pleasure to have the Royal Lady here," a warm smile greeted me as I turned around. It was High Priest Alaric, my father's closest friend. He had always been like a father figure to me, and seeing him brought a mix of relief and sadness. Approaching him, I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders.

"It's good to see you, Father," I replied, a sense of comfort washing over me.

"What brings you here today, my dear Lady Evelyn? You haven't visited me in the past six months," Father Alaric remarked, smiling kindly as he patted my head and settled beside me.

"I'm sorry, Father. The past six months have been overwhelming. I didn't want to appear weak, and I knew I'd break down if I saw you," tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke, unable to contain my emotions any longer. Father Alaric offered me reassurance, soothing my troubled heart with his gentle words.

"Father, I'm ashamed that even today i came for my own good, but I need your help," I confessed, my voice trembling from the weight of my request.

"I'm here to help you in any way I can, my lady," Father Alaric replied, his voice filled with assurance.

"Lucas is forcing me to marry Arthur, the Grand Duke of North. You know who he is, don't you? Please, Father, do something to stop this marriage," I pleaded, desperation evident in my trembling voice.

"My Lady, first, I hope you'll listen to me with patience. I know what I'm going to say will hurt you immensely, but it's important for you to know everything," Father began, his voice calm but serious. I listened intently, feeling the weight of his words before he even spoke them. My heart raced with anticipation.

"My Lady, I know that you are going to marry His Grace Arthur, and I am the one who suggested it," Father continued. I stared at him in disbelief. How could he suggest such a thing?

"What?!" I exclaimed, the word accompanied by a tear escaping down my cheek.

"My Lady, before you think anything bad about me, let me clear things up. His Majesty—" Father began, but I interrupted him.

"Please don't call him by that title, as it does not belong to someone like him," I interjected, wiping a tear from my cheek.

"Lucas came here along with some governors six months ago, right after your family's death. He was determined to marry you, My Lady," Father continued, and my eyes widened in disbelief.

"It took me a lot of effort to stop him, and then one day the Grand Duke sent a marriage proposal for you, My Lady. At that moment, I believed that approving your marriage with Duke Arthur would be a lot better than with Lucas. I'm sorry, My Lady," Father explained, his expression reflecting his remorse. I knew he was telling the truth, but a part of me couldn't help but resent the Grand Priest as well. It felt like everyone regarded me as their property, believing they could make decisions about my life without my consent and how could Lucas even think of marrying me?
I felt disgusted

"Hmm, I understand. Thank you, Father. I shall take my leave," I replied, rising from my seat, my head still throbbing as I tried to process everything I had just learned.

"My Lady, I'm sorry, but please remember that at that moment, this was the only right way," Father said softly, patting my shoulder as I left the temple.

Alone, I walked toward Anna, waiting for me near the carriage. Tears streamed down my face, and the weight of everything felt unbearable. The burden of this broken empire, the loss of my family—it was all too much to bear.

As Anna approached, calling out to me, I couldn't hold back any longer. I fell to my knees, sobbing uncontrollably. "WHY?? WHY, ANNA, WHY?!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the empty courtyard.

"My Lady, I know it hurts. You don't need to hold back your feelings. Please cry as much as you want, but remember, soon we will escape from this. My Lady, we will seek revenge on those who have hurt you," Anna whispered, doing her best to comfort me in my moment of despair.

"I don't need... I don't need any revenge, Anna. All I want right now is peace. A moment to mourn for my dear ones. I'm tired, Anna. I am tired," My voice trembled as i shouted loudly, my head spinning and my eyes burning with tears. Even in Anna's warm embrace, I felt suffocated. Everything seemed to be closing in on me. My body felt heavy, and my vision blurred, but I managed to compose myself. With Anna's help, I wiped away my tears and stood up, just as I had been doing for the past six months.

"Let's go back, Anna. I have no option left other than marrying Arthur," I said with resignation, my voice heavy with the weight of my sorrow. Anna offered me reassurance once again, but now nothing could soothe the ache in my heart.

*＊✿❀To be Continued❀✿＊*

Hi, Don't forget to vote and comment 💫
Would love to know your thoughts on todays episode.♥💫