Cyrelas
The morning sun filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the polished marble floors.
I stood by my window, looking out over the lush gardens that sprawled beyond the palace walls.
My heart was heavy, burdened by the expectations that came with my title. I was engaged to Lady Ludovica , the daughter of a powerful duke, and the wedding was to be held in mere weeks. Yes , weeks. Not even a year . My own wedding is being planned without I knowing .
"Your Highness," the voice of Vittorio, broke me from my reverie."I have news that may interest you."
I turned, my heart racing at the thought that Vittorio might bring tidings of war or political intrigue.
But the look on his face was different; there was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes that I had not seen in some time."What is it?" I asked, my tone betraying a hint of impatience.
"Your beloved , Sybil, has returned to the palace after her visit home," he announced, a smirk barely contained.
My heart skipped a beat, my mind racing back to the stolen moments he had shared with her .
.The laughter, the whispered secrets in the moonlight, and the warmth of her presence-the memories flooded back, vivid and intoxicating."sybil is back?" I echoed, trying to keep my voice steady."I thought she was to be gone for a fortnight."
"She returned sooner than expected," Vittorio replied, his brow furrowed with concern."But you must remember your obligations, my prince.You are to be wed to Lady Ludovica in a matter of days."
I sighed, the weight of my impending marriage crashing down on me like a tidal wave."I know, Vittorio, but Sybil-she was different. She understood me in a way that no one else could."
"Your Highness," he said, stepping closer with an earnest expression.
"You are a prince first and foremost. Your duty is to your kingdom .Lady Ludovica is a match of great political importance. You cannot let your heart lead you astray."
"Is it wrong to desire happiness?" I asked quietly, my gaze returning to the gardens.
"To want to be with someone who sees me for who I truly am, not just as a prince? I mean Ludo does see me as Cyrelas but it's different with Sybil. The way I feel around her is unmatched . "
Vittorio placed a hand on my shoulder, grounding me in that moment.
"Desire and duty often clash in a prince's life. But you must choose wisely. If you pursue Sybil, you risk everything-your honor, your future, your kingdom. And yeah she's my friend but I don't think she's worth the risks she comes with ."
I turned away, wrestling with my thoughts.
"I must see her," I declared suddenly, determination spilling from me."I cannot let her return to the shadows without a word."
Vittorio nodded, though his expression remained troubled."Very well, but tread carefully. The walls of this palace are filled with ears, and rumors can spread like wildfire."
With that, I left my chambers, my heart pounding as I made my way to the servants' quarters. I was acutely aware of the whispers that followed me, the eyes that watched my every move.
I had been raised to be a king, but in that moment, I felt more like a young man in love.
When I reached the small, sunlit courtyard where the servants often gathered, I spotted Sybil sitting on a wooden bench, her apron neatly pressed, her hair tied back in a simple braid. She looked up as I approached, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Your Highness," she stammered, rising quickly."I-I wasn't expecting to see you here."
She said looking around scared.
"Hey , relax . I don't care-"
"Your highness , what's wrong ? Are you looking for Ludovica?"
Ludovica? I open my mouth to speak but she gives me a look . I get the message and nod .
"Uh... yes. Have you seen her anywhere?"
"Aw...."
Ludovica's voice breaks through as she shows from behind the tree. Dear god . I would've been busted. All because of Ludo's stupid testful games.
"You're looking for me? I told you Sybil that he was ."
"Mm." Sybil chuckles looking away from me .
"What didn't you care about ?"
"Huh?"
"You told Sybil to relax and you don't care."
"Oh no , I just meant I didn't care for her service . She seemed scared but I was just here for you ."
"Ok , well . Let's go inside."
"Wait... Congratulations to you both . It's a nice rock ."
"Thanks Sybil. Let's go Cyrelas."
.......
Sybil
Gosh I missed roaming around the gardens at night. I sigh with a smile walking around in the darkness.
"Sybil"
I roll my eyes when I recognise the voice . I turn to find him approaching me .
"Salut."
"Hi."
"I'm really sorry about today . I didn't realise she was there. "
"You'll never stop being a joke will you?"
"Sybil..."
""Relax, I don't care." Until she showed up . Why did you care after you just told me you don't ."
I ask him and I can tell I caught him off guard.
"What happened now . And what was that all about ? You don't care about my service and you're only there for her. "
"Sybil-"
"No . For the love of God no. On my way here I have been thinking about my life . I missed the happy person I was . Not this jealous backstabber you made . Please Cyrelas. I've already lost a lot because of you and for the time that I'm here I'm going to try and regain myself. Just leave me alone ."
I pass him going inside . I don't want more of him . I don't want to want more of him. I need to not want more of him.
"Hi."
I stop and turn to find Vittorio.
"Hi."
"Are you ok?"
"Yes. I will be now ."
"Oh...ok. Did you talk to him?"
"Yes. I'm not here for games this time . After talking to my family and remembering where I came from...I don't want to bring them any suffering with the risk I'm doing or was doing ."
"I like that for you."
"I'll get going now . Night."
"Good night."