Veronica's POV: I sat and listened to Jason give me unsolicited advice. Honestly, I tried hard to not get mad but the least I could do was keep a fake smile on my face to avoid making the atmosphere awkward. The moment my eyes caught the image of Lucas, I jumped on my feet, withdrawing my hands from Jason's soft grip, and began walking toward Lucas. I had a lot of questions on my mind that were begging to be answered. First, I need to know if Lucas took the crown – even though I hoped that he'd be the one with it and I also wished he wasn't the one who stole it. Importantly, I wanted to ask what he was doing with Matilda last night and what her last statement meant. "Hey, Lucas," I said, walking up to him and closing the distance between us. He turned around to meet my gaze and I could see a glint of annoyance in his eyes, the boring expression clearly written over his face. "Veronica, how are you feeling now," Lucas' voice croaked as he stared at me in surprise. He gave the palace
Veronica's POV:Exhausted both physically and emotionally, I entered my room and closed the door behind me. The weight of the upcoming decision hung heavily in the air, filling the room with unease. I walked towards the bed, feeling the softness of the mattress beneath my fingertips, beckoning me to surrender to its embrace.Laying down on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling, my mind buzzing with thoughts and emotions. The events of the day played on repeat in my mind, the intensity of the moments with Lucas still fresh in my memory. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, intertwining with the flickering flames of desire that still burned within me.As I closed my eyes, I allowed the weariness to seep into my bones. The room fell into silence, interrupted only by the steady rhythm of my breath. In the midst of the quiet, my thoughts became a jumbled mix of hopes and fears, uncertainty and longing.I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when sleep overcame me, but I found solace
Veronica's POV:My father's words hung in the air, a command that brooked no opposition. With a flicker of dread, I nodded in submission and rose from my seat. The eyes of the council members and the queen followed us as we made our way out of the grand dining hall, a silent procession to a private domain.The palace hallway, once bustling with activity, now seemed hushed and still as my father led the way. Each step I took felt heavy, laden with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. The walls of the palace seemed to close in on me, an invisible pressure squeezing at my chest.We arrived at my father's chambers, a place that held both comfort and unease. The room, adorned with regal furnishings and shelves lined with books, enveloped me in a sense of familiarity. However, my father's stern expression reminded me of the seriousness of the situation at hand."Sit," my father commanded, gesturing towards a plush armchair in front of his intricately carved desk. I complied, taking my pla
Veronica's POV:I turned on my heels and hurried to my room, eager to find solace within its familiar walls. With a dismissive wave, I dismissed my lady-in-waiting, craving a moment of solitude to gather my thoughts. I sank into the plush couch as a sigh escaped my lips, a mixture of relief and exhaustion intertwining within me.As I tried to calm my racing heart, my phone chimed, its sharp notification cutting through the silence of the room. I glanced at the screen, seeing Lucas' name illuminated. He requested my presence at the training ground for a conversation. Uncertainty washed over me like a tidal wave. Should I meet him? Should I engage in another conversation that may further complicate the already tangled web of emotions?After a moment of contemplation, a surge of determination coursed through me. I needed to confront Lucas, to express my thoughts and feelings without hesitation. I wouldn't be a pawn in his game anymore.I rose from the couch, slipped my phone into my poc
Lucas POV:"Veronica deserves better than what you've been subjecting her to, Lucas," I said with a tone of finality as I stood in between Lucas and Veronica. Lucas was staring daggers at me but I cared less. I won't let him treat Veronica like a piece of trash anymore.A mixture of shock and uncertainty washed over Veronica's face. I knew she wasn't expecting me to suddenly defend her from Lucas' I'll treatment.Lucas scoffed, a bitter sneer playing on his lips. "And who are you to come barging in, thinking you can save the day?" he retorted, his voice dripping with arrogance.My eyes narrowed further, and my jaw clenched in restrained fury. "I may not have all the answers, but I won't stand by and watch you mistreat Veronica," I declared, my voice filled with a raw conviction. "You've let power and jealousy consume you, and it ends here."Lucas's gaze flickered between us, his anger warring with a flicker of uncertainty. His once-confident façade seemed to, his previous anger now re
Lucas' POV:As I stormed away from the training ground, anger pulsating through my veins, I couldn't shake off the humiliation and insult that Jason had brazenly thrown at me. How dare he challenge me in front of Veronica? I clenched my fists, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The image of Jason's smug face lingered in my mind, igniting a fire within me.Back in the palace, I made my way to my room, seeking solace within the confines of its familiar walls. The door closed behind me with a resounding thud, shutting out the outside world. It was in this sanctuary that I could gather my thoughts, regain my composure, and plan my next move.I strode over to the full-length mirror, my reflection staring back at me with a mixture of frustration and determination. Running a hand through my tousled hair, I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my racing heartbeat."This cannot go unanswered," I muttered to myself, my voice a low growl. "I won't let him get away with this."I qu
Lucas' POV:The silence that followed was deafening. Time seemed to stand still as Jason's words reverberated through the crowd. I looked around, witnessing the shock and disbelief etched upon the faces of those present. The realization of the magnitude of Jason's confession began to sink in.Veronica's expression mirrored the collective astonishment. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in surprise. She glanced at me, a question lingering in her gaze. I could see the turmoil within her as she tried to process this unexpected revelation.The king regarded Jason with a mix of curiosity and caution, his regal countenance revealing little of his thoughts. "Jason, your claim is bold," he stated, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism. "But such matters cannot be decided in haste. The bond between mates is a sacred one, and its validity must be thoroughly examined."Jason's determination remained unwavering as he locked eyes with the king. "I understand, Your Majesty. But I urge you to c
Jason's POV:Time seemed to freeze as the words reverberated through my mind, each syllable striking me like a devastating blow. My heart seized in my chest, and an overwhelming wave of grief washed over me. Lucas' face mirrored my disbelief, his eyes wide with shock and horror."No... no, it can't be," I whispered, my voice barely a breath. "Veronica... dead?"The guard nodded, his expression filled with sorrow. "I'm afraid so. We found her lifeless body in the nearby woods. It seems she met with a tragic accident."A surge of anguish surged through me, a wail of despair threatening to escape my lips. How could this be? The woman I loved, the one I had searched tirelessly for, was now forever lost to me.My heart pounded with a mixture of shock, grief, and disbelief as the guard's words pierced the air. Veronica... dead? It was an unthinkable tragedy, a reality that tore at the very fabric of my being. At that moment, time stood still, and the world around me blurred into insignifica