chapter 13

Chapter 13

Ophelia's smile reappeared in the peaceful corridor outside. She walked slowly and carefully down the corridor, her heels making a soft echo on the stone floor. All the pieces were coming together perfectly. Azalea had to endure pain to solidify her place in the family, and before long, her sister would be gone from her life forever.

While walking, she pondered about the upcoming wedding. There was just a matter of time left before everything was sorted out, and Azalea would have to accept her new duty as Prince Federico's wife. The marriage would strengthen alliances, and with Azalea out of the picture, Ophelia could move forward with her plans without her sister always hovering nearby.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle in the palace as servants and courtiers got ready for the big ceremony. Ophelia enjoyed observing them labor, aware that soon she would have everything she desired at her fingertips.

However, a sense of unease lingered in her thoughts, challenging her to find peace. Even after her victory, Azalea couldn't shake the reverberation of her own words. You will not emerge victorious.

Ophelia rejected the idea by shaking her head. Azalea was feeble, shattered by the events that had transpired. She had no way of questioning what had already been put into motion.

____

Leandro walked intentionally through the palace's marble corridor, his mind filled with frustration. His thoughts kept going back to the conversation he had heard before - Federico had agreed to the marriage without putting up much of a fight. He felt uneasy about it. Federico was famous for his rebellious nature, constantly questioning their father's choices. What is the reason for this happening at this moment? What made him surrender so readily?

He pushed open the ornate double doors to his mother Lucia's room ahead without any hesitation. Indoors, Lucia was seated gracefully on a chaise, completely absorbed in the letters arranged on the table in front of her. When Leandro walked in, she glanced up with an inscrutable expression.

She greeted Leandro with a small smile. "You appear to be worried. "What is that?"

He shut the doors once he left and approached her. "It is Federico," he stated, his voice filled with tension. I'm in disbelief that he agreed to the marriage. I believed he would resist more.

Lucia lifted one eyebrow, and her eyes became more focused with curiosity. "Oh, I see now what has been troubling you." She neatly placed her hands in her lap before studying him briefly and then proceeding. "Federico is intelligent enough to recognize when he has no alternative." When it comes to matters of succession, our father is not someone to be challenged. He consented as he was aware of the importance of the situation - his title, his role as the first prince. If he doesn't follow orders, he could end up losing it all.

Leandro's teeth ground together. "I hope he will decline," he whispered while walking back and forth in front of her. "Next, I could assume his position." I might be the eldest prince, the one who will come after the current throne holder.

Lucia observed him silently for a while, then got up and approached him as he walked back and forth. She halted him by placing a hand on his arm. "Be patient, my child," she whispered gently, her voice exuding a calm and deliberate assurance. "Federico's wedding plays a vital role in the scheme." Once he ties the knot, other events will start to happen. Believe me when I tell you, I have schemes underway that will benefit you. However, for those plans to come to fruition, Federico needs to get married.

Leandro felt a slight relief from his frustration due to her words. He glanced at his mother, his determination still bubbling just beneath the exterior. With a small smile, he told his mother that she always knew what to do. I simply desire for things to turn out well.

Lucia's grin grew wider, her eyes flickering with a cold sense of resolve. Leandro, it shall be so. You will receive what you desire. "Just trust me with it."

Returning the smile, he felt comforted. Bending over, he embraced her briefly and affectionately. "Mother, I appreciate your help. I am confident in your reliability.

Lucia returned his hug before taking a step back, giving him a meaningful glance. "Forever." Go now. Focus on your responsibilities, and leave the rest to me.

Leandro gave a nod, feeling uplifted. He exited her room feeling more assured, already envisioning the various outcomes once Federico was no longer a factor.

____

In his chambers, Federico stood by the grand window across the palace, looking out at the vast landscape ahead. As the sun went down, long shadows spread across the kingdom. However, Federico's thoughts were not focused on the tranquil scenery. His mind was filled with gloomy thoughts, entangled in haunting memories that he couldn't rid himself of.

Mom.

He saw a quick vision of her face - the sweet, gentle smile and the warm embrace she always gave him in his youth. She was his entire universe, the only individual who had genuinely shown him care within the madness of the royal household. And after that, she disappeared. Her sudden and suspicious death had not been properly investigated by anyone. Nobody had bothered to discover the truth.

Federico tightened his fists, his jaw constricting in response to a sudden surge of anger. Due to his father's influence and political games, no one dared to investigate further despite his suspicions of foul play. However, Federico couldn't move on. Long ago, he made a promise to himself that he would eventually reveal the truth. He was determined to uncover the person behind his mother's death and ensure they faced consequences, no matter the effort required.

He murmured to himself, his tone quiet and menacing, that he would not allow her death to go without consequences.

He started thinking about the people he hated the most, those who had assumed control following his mother's passing. His father's two recent wives, both cunning and deceitful, are constantly plotting for increased control. His half-brothers Leandro and Marcus were brought up with a sense of entitlement and believed they deserved everything, even though Federico was the oldest and rightful heir.

He loathed every single one of them.

His father was criticized for swiftly remarrying women who did not honor the royal family or its customs, following his mother's death. His stepmothers consistently attempted to sabotage him and exclude him due to their cunning and detached behaviors. And his brothers, due to their pride, believed they could claim what belonged to him.

The deep-seated animosity festered inside him, intensifying with each day that went by. However, he had mastered the art of concealing it effectively. He portrayed the obedient first prince and loyal son as expected of him. However, behind that exterior, there was only icy anger.

Now, as he faced the impending marriage, his bitterness continued to escalate. His father compelled him to enter this marriage for political motives, treating him as a mere pawn in the king's schemes. What about his future wife? She was merely another part of the equation, another individual he would eventually dislike.

He lacked any inclination to wed her. He felt no significance towards her. Indeed, she would simply contribute to the extensive roster of individuals he already loathed.

Federico slowly let out his breath, attempting to calm the turmoil within him. He could not allow his feelings to overpower him. Not at this moment. He still had tasks to complete, and objectives to fulfill. And until that time, he would fulfill the role that was demanded of him.

However, it was clear that he would not let anyone control him. Not by his biological father, not by his stepmothers, and not by this marriage. Despite agreeing to it, he did not intend to be controlled by anyone. He remained the top prince, the legitimate successor, and he would always hold on to that position, despite others' desires.

Federico squinted his eyes while looking at the horizon, feeling the heavy burden of his mother's passing on his heart. He would find out the truth no matter what. When the moment arrived, those who were accountable would face consequences.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Your Majesty," spoke one of his guards. The meal is ready to eat.

Federico stiffened, his expression becoming tough again. "I will come down soon," he responded, his tone icy and aloof.

As he shifted his gaze from the window,

only one thought reverberated in his head:

This is nowhere near finished.