Sybil
For almost a week now, I had been swept into a world of silk sheets and flickering candlelight, a hidden alcove in the palace where timeless moments were stolen away from prying eyes.
Underneath the moon's gaze, we had shared stories and whispered dreams, and from laughter to longing, the air crackled with unspoken desires. I had unknowingly stepped into a fairy tale, yet each night I returned to my bed, the weight of our secret pressed heavily on my heart.
Even today , as rain drummed softly against the castle walls, I found myself in his chambers again, the flickering fire casting warm shadows. Cyrelas looked at me with a fierce intensity, as if he was trying to memorize every corner of my being.
"Cyrelas ,"
"Mmm?" He hummed , his voice a deep rumble,
"Miss Julie is back , or rather would be back by tommorow."
He sits up and looks at me .
"And?"
"You know what this means. I won't be able to be here anymore. You know , this side of the palace."
"Is that what you're worried about ?"
"Maybe.."
"I'll make a plan."
"Cyrelas , I don't want to cause any problems for you and me . It's ok , we'll just have to look at each other across the living room and that's it ."
"You're crazy , no way I'll allow that ."
"Ok. But I really can't be caught this side anymore . And I heard the queen talking about a special ball tommorow . Shouldn't you be preparing for that? Do you know what is the purpose of it anyway?"
" No not really, you know my mother can be.... impulsive. Who knows?"
"Yeah well...if you say so."
........
The grand palace was alive with the hustle and bustle of preparations for the highly anticipated annual ball, a shimmering event that brought together the most elegant nobles and embellished the opulent halls with laughter and music. Silver and gold decorations adorned the walls, while servants flitted about, carrying armfuls of flowers and bowls of glistening fruits. The air was fragrant with the scents of jasmine and citrus, weaving a fragrant tapestry that wrapped the palace in an aura of festivity.
Amidst this whirlwind of activity, nestled in a modest chamber away from the grandeur, I watched the commotion unfold. All the ladies present twirled in expensive glittery silk and satin gowns . I won't lie I'm a little jealous .
However, as excitement radiated from the halls, I felt an ache in my heart-a growing sense of dread that sent ripples of fear through my veins. Tonight's ball was unlike any I had ever experienced, and now I couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental was about to unfold.
As the evening descended and the palace transformed into a dreamscape of twinkling lights and melodious serenades, I took my place among the staff, ensuring that everything was perfect for the guests.
I stood to the side, stealing glances as Cyrelas entered the grand hall, dressed in his finest attire. The crowd erupted in applause and blushing faces of ladies and almost all the noble young girls.
The room fell silent, and the queen-draped in layers of sparkling diamonds and satin-took to the grand dais. The hush grew palpable, anticipation crackling in the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the queen called, her voice ringing with authority. "I come with a momentous announcement. It brings me joy to share that my son, Prince Cyrelas of Ãze, is to be engaged in just four days' time to our beloved Lady Ludovica."
My heart plummeted. I barely registered the gasps and applause of the audience around me; all I could hear was the deafening roar of betrayal within myself. Cyrelas' smile was radiant, as were the eyes of many in the hall, filled with admiration and delight. He knew. He knew and I could see it in his eyes.
Cyrelas' gaze roamed the room, bright and captivating, but I felt as if I had vanished into the background. The realization crashed over me like a tempest: our nights beneath the stars, our whispered promises-they meant nothing to him now. Was I merely a fleeting distraction, a secret lover he could forget in the light of day?
As applause erupted and the crowd began to celebrate, my legs moved involuntarily, carrying me away from the jubilant scene and into the shadowy corridors of the palace. leaned against the cold marble wall, my breath hitched in my throat. How could he not tell me , I would've never went to him for the past week. The fact that I asked him and he....
The ball continued beyond me, laughter and music swirling in an intoxicating atmosphere.
I run to the garden to get some air.
......
"Are you ok now .?"
I smile and put down the cup .
"Yeah, thanks for the water Henry."
"You're welcome. You seem angry, may I ask why?"
"Nothing really , I'm just a bit disappointed at something."
"Oh...ok. Andrew talked to me ..."
"And? "
"I don't know how many times I have to tell you that it was just for that day . I never even talked to the Princess till that day. "
"Maybe I got it wrong?"
"You did , I would never do something that could risk my brother's life . We're already fighting for mine ."
"I'm sorry ."
"It's ok . I was also shocked that the princess came to thank me . I mean I did know she was going to come late but I thought she would bail out?"
"She really was thanking you?"
"Yeah , just that our conversation shifted."
"I'm not going to lie but that was the first time I've seen her...not mean ."
"Mmmm."
"Isn't she older than you?"
"Yeah...but it's like 2 years . "
"But she's an adult , you're not?"
"I thought we just discussed this."
"Sorry.."
I sigh standing up and smiling at him .
"Thank you. I really needed the small talk. I'll go back now."
"Bye . Say hi to the queen for me."
I laugh going back inside.
The ball is still inviting and alive . I'm calm now and I head towards miss Julie .
"Hey Miss Julie ."
She turns to look at me with a strict look .
"Uh...I just wanted to say welcome back."
"Thanks ." She says with a serious look . Not even a pretend smile ?"
I nod and I turn to leave . Well...that was not cute at all Sybil.
I spot Genevieve talking to Vittorio and Cyrelas. I breathe in before going to them .
"Oh Sybil."
"Hey." I hug Genevieve and when I pull back they're both looking at me and Cyrelas.
"Uh...do you two need space ?"
"No." "Yes."
I look at him and roll my eyes.
"No , we don't . "
"Yes we do . I command you two to leave right now ."
They both rush away .
"Sybil-"
"You knew, didn't you? And I beg you Cyrelas to please not lie to me ,"
"Yes I did . And I know it may seem like I lied , but...I just didn't think it was important to tell you ."
I look around before I whisper back .
"And you seemed quite happy , never seen you like that. But congratulations."
"I had to smile and look happy . What would people say if my engagement is announced and I look like I saw someone eat their bum releases."
"Poop is just fine there was no need for you to go around the block."
"And now you're mad because I said bum releases instead of poop.?"
" I was never mad . Here comes your wife."
I say and smile at Ludovica.
"Hey Sybil, it's been a long time ."
"Yeah . Congratulations by the way ."
"Oh thank you .."
"I was just saying that to him , bye ."
"Bye ."
"Why was she talking to you , I thought she hates you,?"
"She served the queen , it's kind of her last duty."
"Ok then."
Can she at least be secretive about it .