The Queen mother had fallen asleep at some point between Regina's arrival and the exchange of words with the king, which caused certain doubts and discomfort in Frederick, as he feared that his mother had heard the young lady's indirect declaration. The last thing the King needed was to upset his mother.Meanwhile, Selene in her room dedicated herself to looking out the window and trying to discover any blind spots the castle might have, as she somehow hoped for a bit of peace and to distance herself from everything, but things didn't look easy at all, starting with the guard who was always near her door.Was it possible that her future husband had assigned a 24-hour watcher? Just the thought made her move away from the window and lie down on the bed, surrendering almost completely. She didn't realize at what point she fell asleep, until some knocks on the door and the voice of her lady-in-waiting brought her back to reality."Milady," the woman called from the other side of the door,
The path that Selene had taken successfully led her to an exit at the back of the castle. From the noises coming from the adjacent room, which was separated only by a wall, she knew it was the kitchen, where the kingdom's guards and workers were having dinner, just like the king, the prince, and the guest. She hurried but was so careful that anyone who had seen her would say she was levitating.With her feet outside the castle, she took one last look to make sure no one had seen her or was going to see her, and she ran as fast as she could, distancing herself from the building as much as possible.Selene reached the shore of the lake. She had been curious to see it up close. She walked around it until she reached the wooden bridge. She looked around to make sure she was alone. Her only companion was a goose that passed underneath and honked, catching her attention. She lifted her dress carefully and walked on the wood until she reached the center. She raised her gaze to the sky and ob
Selene's body tensed like a violin string, her heartbeat fiercely within her chest as if it were about to burst out of her body. It was the strangest sensation she had ever experienced, an unease she couldn't explain as she felt her heart pounding like drums.Why was she so unlucky? Why did Frederick have to arrive at that very moment? Destiny seemed conspiring against her, that had to be it. There was no other explanation. The universe hated her so much that it left her in the middle of that terrible situation.Selene tried to remove her hands from Henry's waist, however, he wouldn't let her go. This action caused Frederick's blood to boil inside him and freeze within Selene."Let go of my fiancée, Henry, and get out of here," he ordered coldly, without even looking at Selene.Frederick feared that by doing so, he wouldn't be able to contain himself, especially when he saw Henry's face; he was silently challenging him, provoking and fueling the enmity that had existed between them fo
A forbidden thought pierced through her like an arrow, and now the desire to know what a kiss like that would be, but on Henry's lips, was born within her. She shook her head, pushing away that insane thought, and went to the bathroom to wash her face with some water, always kept ready by the maids for her.What madness was she thinking? A kiss couldn't leave her feeling so shaken, right? She wasn't like that, she wasn't a woman who fantasized, she wasn't saintly, but neither was she shameless. However…, Frederick's kiss had awakened things in her that she never could have imagined feeling.Selene violently splashed the water, wetting the hem of her dress, but she didn't concern herself with such trifles. All she wanted was to forget what had happened that night, that was for the best. Nobody should find out about that kiss between the king and her.Frederick wasn't feeling much different from his betrothed. The sensations and memories of what he had just done to Selene continued to t
"Lady Selene. Open immediately," Frederick's voice demanded. Selene's body tensed like the string of a violin upon hearing his demand, her eyes widened with surprise and fear that pierced through her body. She was aware that if the king found Henry in her room, she could be accused of infidelity. She could be cast aside as a promised bride, and not that it would be a bad thing, it would actually be great! However, she was risking being condemned for the crime of..."Lady Selene," Frederick called again, this time accompanied by several knocks on the door.Selene snapped out of her daze and looked at Henry, the window, and the bathroom. "Neither of those is an option, Selene. I am not going to hide," he whispered."You have no choice if you love me as you say. Make this sacrifice for me, I will lead the king away from my room. Leave without being seen by anyone, Henry, please," she pleaded, pushing the man into the bathroom and closing the door.Trusting that Henry would not betray her
Two days seemed like nothing to Selene, who felt the passing hours like a guillotine over her neck; however, contrary to everything she thought the trip preparation would be, she didn't have to take care of anything. The Queen had requested her presence in her room and after a long conversation, in which she expressed everything she expected from this trip, Selene felt a bit more encouraged and less worried.The Queen only expected her name to be known throughout the kingdom, to mingle with the subjects of the Crown, and to show that confidence that the people expected from their rulers. Selene had been prepared for that, without her knowing it, her entire life had been focused on that moment."I will try to give my best, perhaps things didn't start well," she stated, pausing. Now Selene was very aware of the mistake she had made by giving the brooch to Henry, yet she did it out of ignorance, as her mother never explained the meaning of that piece to her, let alone how important it wa
Frederick, for a moment, remained motionless, trying to process what was happening, until the heat and anxiety of Regina led him to reciprocate that kiss. For a few seconds, the king lost track of where he was and let himself be carried away by temptation, he was surrendered, until the memory of the kiss with Selene crossed his mind again, causing him to push Lady Regina away with a more abrupt movement than he would have desired. The woman complained at being rejected, her ego had been hurt, but she restrained herself from showing her dissatisfaction, as that would only work against her. "Lady Regina..." Frederick whispered, unable to look at her for a few seconds. "Forgive me, that shouldn't have happened, it was disrespectful of me," he excused himself, even if she had started it, he reciprocated and if they hadn't stopped, they would likely have continued kissing, and that was not the appropriate behavior for a man with a woman who is not his fiancée or wife, especially when they
Selene had no idea what was happening inside the castle, but her mind wasn't focused on that either because Frederick's presence by her side, just a few inches away, kept her rigid and short of breath. What was more intriguing was that the king wasn't much different. Only his left hand itched to touch Selene's right hand, resting on the plush armchair. What was happening to him with Selene? Could a kiss really change things so much? He was beginning to believe it, and very seriously. The journey ahead would be long, and just thinking about it sent a shiver down Selene's spine. How was she going to endure so much time alone with her fiancé? The carriages moved, carrying the King and his fiancée towards the town of Astor, where they would be officially presented as the future royal couple. Selene couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions within her: anxiety, insecurity, but also determination. Despite everything, she was determined to do her best to fulfill her duty as the future Queen
Happiness did not leave Astor Castle, after the birth of the heir, the Royal House dressed up again, the marriage of Samantha and Marcus could not wait any longer and only three months later they were swearing eternal love to each other before God, before the kings and before the people.Samantha looked radiant in her beautiful white dress, fit for the princess she was, her eyes sparkling with excitement every time she met the gaze of her now husband. The desire was latent in them and none of them could deny it. It was so much, that they were looking forward to being able to sneak away from people to be alone for a moment, but it wasn't until too late that they were able to do so.Marcus looked at his wife, she was without a doubt one of the most beautiful women he had ever had the joy of knowing, he was happy to share his life and his future with Samantha."Why do you look at me that way?" The young woman asked, feeling a lump in her throat. His hands were sweating with nervousness.
The months following the coronation were full of emotions, Selene and Frederick eagerly awaited the moment of meeting their first child, Eleanor was sure it was a boy because of the shape of the Queen's belly, Samantha opted for the idea of having a little niece running around the gardens, while the parents only prayed to God that their baby would be born healthy and strong.It was that morning, near sunset, while Samantha and Selene were taking a walk in the garden that it all began and the entire castle was turned upside down."Oh, for God's sake! Selene shouted as she felt a strong tug on her lower belly, her hands were placed under the lump, as if she wanted to hold it, but nothing appeased that first burst of pain."Selene! Samantha screamed as she watched her bend over in pain and grit her teeth."I think it's the boy, Sam!" My baby is coming! He exclaimed in the midst of another sharp pain that took his breath away.Samantha widened her eyes and for a moment she panicked, she
Over the next few days, Frederick took great pains to keep Selene's mind occupied, sometimes unable to do so. I saw her looking at the garden, distracted, I couldn't blame her, I couldn't expect her to forget what happened overnight, like everything, this too would have a process and he would be there to accompany her."You should be getting ready, what are you doing here, love?" Frederick asked, catching Selene's waist as she looked out into the garden."I'm nervous," she muttered.Selene felt an emptiness in the pit of her stomach, that night she would be crowned as the Queen Consort, she would occupy the place that the Queen Mother had held during her years at her husband's side. It was a great challenge for Selene, but she was confident in herself and considered herself very capable of playing a good role for the kingdom and the people."I understand you must be, today is not only about your coronation as my Queen, but it's also the day we can make public the arrival of our firstb
It didn't take long for the Queen to rush to the newlyweds' bedroom, as did Samantha. It was impossible for anyone in the castle not to have heard the screams and blows of the guards, in addition to Selene's screams, of which he had not been aware."What happened?!" The queen shouted as she saw Henry on the ground, in a pool of blood and a chilling expression in his eyes."Oh, for God's sake! Samantha exclaimed terrified by the scene and her stomach churned, so she turned her body to run out of the bedroom, but arms caught her before her escape.For a moment Marcus thought that Samantha had been affected by Henry's death, an emptiness formed in his stomach, but it was short-lived, when the young princess noticed that he was in her arms and clung to his waist with a tight embrace."He came in to hurt them..." Hurt us," she sobbed softly and cradled her head on Marcus' chest."He won't hurt them again," she whispered against Sam's crown.It was a moment for both of us, even if they were
"The woman looks like she was swallowed by the earth," one of the royal guards said in frustration."Damn it! His companion shouted in frustration and slammed the old table that still stood in Anabel's battered house. Going back to the old house didn't help them at all. There was no sign of Anabel."By this time the King must be married, and because of that damned woman we couldn't make it," growled the other man, sitting down on the filthy floor. Everything was just as they had left it the last time they were there, indicating that Anabel did not return."The King has entrusted us with this mission because he trusts us, do not lament and get up. "We must keep looking," the senior guard ordered.The search continued and was fruitless, so they had no choice but to move away from those lands abandoned by man, a dry place that could hardly give life.Meanwhile, Anabel entered the castle, taking advantage of the distraction of the party, the woman clenched her fists tightly and cursed the
Marcus took a deep breath and walked over to his fiancée's face, her eyes shining like stars guiding him along the way. Her lips slammed into Sam's cheek, very close to the corner of his mouth. Marcus placed a tender kiss, which drew a sigh from the princess.He was quite a gentleman, that was the greatest audacity he could do, no matter how much he wanted more; However, Samantha had a different idea and before Marcus could get away from her she grabbed him by the shirt and carefully pulled him towards her, joining their lips in a delicate kiss, although this was short-lived, as the desire was overwhelming and the kiss intense."I love you so much," Frederick whispered in his wife's ear, sending a stream of excitement through her body."Let's get out of here," Selene replied quietly. The king smiled and quickly sat up to continue the celebration privately.Frederick and Selene bade farewell to their guests; However, none of them left, as the party continued without the bride and groom
"You look beautiful," said the Queen Mother, and approached Selene. He caressed her cheek gently. You look like an angel.Selene wasn't able to answer, her eyes filled with tears that she forced herself to hold back, because she didn't want to ruin her makeup, but hearing those words comforted her soul, while breaking it into pieces. Those were the words she should have heard from her mother, but now it was the Queen who protected and cared for her like a daughter."I've brought this," the queen announced, and put a silver brooch with small blue flowers in Selene's hair."Thank you," whispered Selene, who was overly excited."Good luck for all the success of your marriage and reign," the Queen snapped. The bride couldn't take it anymore and threw herself into Leonor's arms, she received her calmly and with all the affection of which she was capable."Are you ready yet?" Sam asked, entering Selene's bedroom. As soon as she saw her friend and sister-in-law in her mother's arms, she stop
Norwood gritted his teeth as he realized that the King's men were coming, he looked at Regina with seriousness and determination. I had been thinking and analyzing what was the best way to save her from prison, but there wasn't much choice."What's the matter, who's coming?" Regina asked, getting out of bed."The King's guard," he said morosely."Are they coming for me?" He asked in a trembling voice.The Count did not know the answer, so he looked at Regina, took her by the arms, and spoke:"It's likely—""Don't let them take me, I don't want to go to prison," she cried, clinging to her father's hands."I'll do everything in my power, Regina, but you have to do things as I tell you, otherwise there won't be anything I can do for you. He could never face the king and be victorious."What do I have to do?" She asked sorrowfully. I'll do whatever you tell me, but I don't want to go to jail," she sobbed.The Count nodded, he had only a short time before he was called by the men to the vi
Frederick made sure to guard the carriage in which Henry was transported back to the castle, where he would be taken to the dungeons. He didn't want to risk an accomplice trying to do anything to free him."Edward! He called to him, and the guard rode up quickly."Tell me, your majesty."What happened to Henry's mother?" He asked, fearing that the woman would try to do something to complete the plans she had with her son."A group of guards must be seizing her right now, Your Majesty," he informed him, and Frederick nodded. He didn't want to rejoice until he was sure that everything was going well, but it was hard not to feel that everything was finally taking the right turn.Anabel heard the hooves of the horses approaching along the road of stones and dirt, her heart stirred, especially because she had not heard from her son for several days and the last thing she heard in a bar near her old house was that he was being sought dead or alive. Something inside her told her that she was