"The tip says the adulterer's name is Jack Jones, Alpha of a southern tribe!" Leon said nonchalantly, "Isn't he the groom from the wedding? I've met him, he's just an average guy!" "I've never had an illicit relationship with Jack!" I pleaded my innocence in a hushed voice, "We were just childhood friends, Jack was my first love... No, I was a little kid then . . . I..." Shit, I am a terrible liar. The more I explain, the more I fail to explain. While I was still trying to figure out how to gently explain my relationship with Jake to Leon, he instead laughed easily. "You don't have to explain, honey! I know you were in a relationship with Jack, and I know he married your sister! Of course, if he still misses you right now, I'll rip out every tooth!" "So you believe in my innocence, right?" I looked down, not daring to look him in the eye. I was not guilty, only afraid that Leon might misunderstand me. He had, after all, a temper to speak of. But did he just say that he knew abou
Before dawn I was wide awake. Now I wake up almost in sync with Leon when I open my eyes. I saw that he was already standing in front of the mirror, dressing alone. Through the refracted angle of the mirror Leon saw me staring at him from my bed. "Actually, you could use a little more sleep. After all, you were so tired last night!" Leon said with a wicked grin. "I just want to see you go!" I whispered, feeling so empty and lonely inside every time he was gone. There was no family or friends in the strange court. I'm so lonely! "Can I have my mother in court with me?" I asked cautiously. Leon dressed and went to the bedside, his voice tinged with pity as he brushed my cheek with the gentle palm of his hand. "Why not?" Leon said, "Based on the fact that we are getting married, I would also like to speak with your parents in person about having a wedding, and today I will have the Court Master send word to your parents that I am sure you will not have to see them for several days!
Lola led me to a secluded corner of the castle's back garden, where the shade of the trees and the dense foliage provided the best cover. No one would notice me from a distance hiding in the woods. Moments later, I smelled a faint mixture of lemon grass and mint. I turned in time to see William in front of me. He walked in silence, his tall, lean frame almost blotting out the sunlight in front of me. His fair hair glistened in the sunlight, and his yellow eyes were calmly watching me. "Good morning, Miss Sparrow!" William smiled. "I just... wanted to give this back!" I said, handing him my ring, "Thank you for everything last night!" "You don't have to give it back, it's just a tiny ring!" " said William, taking the ring. "Princess Madeleine sent someone to return the ring to me this morning." I whispered, "This ring may seem insignificant to you, but as a friend, I want to give it to you personally and say thank you!" "That's it?" William asked. "yes!" I said, William shook
"Kneel down!" One of the guards pushed me unceremoniously to the cold floor. King Nick was sitting high on his throne with his golden crown, his hands resting on the arms of his chair, and his right palm supporting his head. Only his eyes were closed, as if he were asleep or deep in thought. "Your Majesty, the prisoner has been brought in!" said the guard. "I'm not a prisoner!" I pleaded loudly. "quiet!" " cried King Nick suddenly, his hollow, dark eyes fixed upon me. Then he waved his hand wide, motioning the guards to step back. "Your Majesty, what is my crime?" " I asked, looking up. "What crime have you committed?" King Nick stroked his chin in mock thought. "Let me see what I can find against you. Adultery? Disrespect to the king? How about a conspiracy?" "Those are false accusations you just made!" I immediately tightened my grip on the hem, "Because I didn't commit a crime!" "Whether you commit a crime or not is up to me!" King Nick smiled contemptuously, "I could hav
When I awoke, I found myself in an unfamiliar bed. For the first time Catherland's worried face came into view. She caressed my forehead and spoke to me lovingly. "You're finally awake, my boy!" "I..." My throat felt dry and hoarse, and I tried to speak, but could not. "Don't worry kid, the doctor just gave you the healing potion and there might be some side effects." " said the landlady, and called the maid to bring me a glass of water. The dry, hoarse feeling I had felt earlier subsided as the cool water trickled down my throat. I tried to sit up, but my head was still in a daze. He needed help from Catherland to sit up. "I'm sorry I made you suffer!" The catheran touched my cheek painfully, "If I had been there earlier, you wouldn't have been hurt!" "I'm not having an affair, believe me!" I continue to plead my innocence. "Of course, I believe you're innocent!" "Those rumors about you must be backstabbing," Catherland said. "I've sent a team to find out exactly who is spr
The ointment concocted by the court physician was extremely healing, and after only one day I could not see a single scar on my face. But my heart still ached vaguely, and I shut myself up in my room, refusing to take a step outside. I was afraid to face all the people in the court, and I did not want to see their strange eyes. Sometimes I wonder if rumors of my fornication are already circulating, if even the servants are discussing it in private. Am I now branded a slut in everyone's eyes! The more I think of it, the more I am disturbed, and the more I am frightened! For the first time, I felt so close to death. All my pride and self-conceit gave way to fear. Turns out I was not so brave as I thought, I chickened out, I shrank into my shell like a turtle and pretended not to hear anything! I know I am making a fool of myself, but it is the best I can do. The fear that King Nick had given me had taken its toll on my psyche! I hate him, but I hate myself even more! Because I chose o
"Miss Lydia, Miss Vivian, I didn't expect you to be out for a walk on a cloudy day!" I rose from my rocking-chair, and Lydia, with a red leash, and a short, dark, medium-haired dog, stood between her and Vivian. The black dog had a round toy in his mouth, and from the corner of his mouth hung a long drool. It eyed me warily, as if I were prey. "Princess Madeleine moved to her estate and before she left she told us to take care of Duke for her. It's Duke's walk time!" Lydia touched the black dog's head as if speaking to her son, "Oh baby Duke, do you want to play ball? Go ahead!" " said Lydia, taking the orb from Duke's mouth and hurling it with such force that he immediately spread his legs and ran in his direction. "Heard you were sick, Miss Emily!" Vivian said ominously, "Are you scared?" I froze, did Vivian know of my punishment at the hands of King Nick? But after a moment, Vivian added, "It's the first time a civilian like you should be playing such an exciting game, isn't i
Lola led the way to the castle gates, where a gleaming golden chariot was drawn up in front, and on either side of it a dozen soldiers in black armour stood in a line. The duchess, who was sitting in the carriage, with a veil of black lace over her face, gave me a slight nod when she saw me through the window. I was lifted into the carriage by Lola, and Catherland sat across from me. She whispered to the footman standing by the carriage, "Let's go!" "Where are we going?" The carriage moved slowly, with the clatter of hoofs on the floor. I glanced round the window as the carriage picked up speed and the view flashed before my eyes. A sense of uneasiness came over me, and I looked at Catherland. Beneath her black veil she seemed remarkably calm. Her violet eyes stared back at me as if she had something on her mind. "We're going to Rose!" There was resignation in Catherland's voice, "That's Princess Madeleine's estate!" "So we're going to meet Princess Madeleine?" I frowned, "Why?"