Chapter 27: chapter 26

Cyrelas

I stood in the grand ballroom, my eyes fixed on the woman beside me. Ludovica  smiled brightly as she chatted with the guests. She was the epitome of elegance, and my mother and siblings ,were overjoyed with the prospect of her becoming their daughter-in-law.

But as I gazed at Ludo, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness inside. I had known her since childhood, and she had always been the perfect candidate to be my future queen. However, my heart belonged to someone else – as long as it took me to admit it, she owns my heart . She always has and always will. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I think about her day and night, but it's something I can't control .

Sybil's sparkling eyes and bright smile had captivated my heart, but I knew that our social differences made a relationship between us impossible. The palace would never approve, and Sybil's family would be scandalized.

As the evening wore on, my thoughts drifted back to Ludovica. She was kind, intelligent, and devoted to me. I know that she loves me truly, and I felt a pang of guilt for not returning her affections.

The queen cleared her throat, and the room fell silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I announce the engagement of my son, Prince Cyrelas, to Lady Ludovica."

My heart sank, but I forced a smile onto my face. I took Ludovica's hand, and together we faced the cheering crowd.

As we exchanged our vows, my thoughts strayed to Sybil, wondering what could have been if circumstances were different. But duty and obligation took precedence, and I pushed aside my doubts.

The evening ended with a grand feast, and I sat beside Ludovica, my fiancée. I knew that I had made a commitment, and I was determined to honor it, even if my heart belonged to another.

......

As the celebration of our engagement continued,  my mother dropped a bombshell. "We've decided that Lady Ludovica will be staying here at the palace until the wedding," the queen announced, beaming with excitement.

My eyes widened in shock. I hadn't expected this. I thought Ludovica would return to her family's estate, as was customary, until the wedding.

"But...but Mother, " I stuttered, trying to compose myself. "I don't think that's necessary. Ludovica 's family has a beautiful estate. I'm sure she'd be more comfortable there."

Her expression turned stern. "Nonsense, Cyrelas. Lady Ludovica is your fiancée now. It's only proper that she stays here with us. Besides, we need to get to know her better as a daughter in law."

I felt a surge of panic. I wasn't ready to have Ludovica living in the palace, especially not with Sybil still around. I knew it would be awkward, and I worried about how Sybil would react. She's not here today . I've been trying to find her but she's nowhere to be seen. Since that day she ended things.

I looked at Ludovica whom, however, seemed thrilled with the idea. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, curtsying. "I would be honored to stay here at the palace."

I forced a smile, trying to hide my discomfort. I  knew I  had to accept the situation, but I  couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to become even more complicated.

As the evening drew to a close, I excused himself, citing fatigue. I needed some time alone to process the sudden turn of events.

........

SYBIL

I sat in the cozy little living room of my family's home, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the comforting smell of freshly baked bread. I had returned to my homeland a few days ago, eager to escape the palace and the painful reminder of Cyrelas's engagement.

As I sipped tea with my family, I  shared stories about my time at the palace. I told them about the lavish balls, the intricate politics, and the quirky personalities of the royal staff.

But amidst the laughter and chatter..... "Sybil, are you okay?" My aunt asked, her voice soft with concern. "You seem a little... distant."

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. I didn't want to burden my family with my heartache, but I also couldn't hide my true feelings forever. Yes , him being officially being engaged at this time breaks my heart . I didn't think it would but it does. What I did to get here makes me a bad person. Lying about my mama being sick and targeting Ludovica to convince the queen and miss Julie. And now I have to lie about why I'm here.

"I'm just a little homesick, I suppose," I  said finally, forcing a smile. "I miss my friends at the palace, but I'm happy to be home with all of you."

They nodded understandingly, but my aunt's eyes lingered on my face, sensing that there was more to the story.

As the evening drew to a close, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. I was thankful for my loving family, for the comfort of our home, and for the distance between me and the palace. Maybe, just maybe, I could heal my heart and move on from the prince who had captured it.