Chapter 29: chapter 28

Sybil

Ludovica, had come to discuss last-minute arrangements for the upcoming royal ball. With her flowing gown of cerulean silk and hair adorned with pearls, she  was  the embodiment of grace and beauty.

But as I listened, I sensed an undercurrent of anxiety in the lady’s voice.

“Do you truly believe he loves me, Sybil?” Ludovica's voice trembled slightly, a stark contrast to her elegant facade.

Startled by the sudden use of my name, I turned from my task, my heart racing.“My lady, I… I did not mean to intrude,”

“Please, do not be alarmed,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. What did he do this time .

“I seek counsel, and you are wise beyond your station. Do you think Cyrelas cares for me, or am I merely a pawn in his family’s ambitions?”

I took a moment to collect my thoughts.

“I have seen the prince, my lady. But I haven't really looked upon him. I apologize I can't tell you anything.”

The words poured from my heart, fueled by the glimpses I had caught of Cyrelas' gentle smiles and soft laughter. But I hesitated to reveal the truth of my own feelings—wasn’t it folly for a maid to harbor dreams of a prince?

Ludovica sighed, her delicate hands twisting the fabric of her gown.

"No need to be sorry Sybil, there is pressure from his mother, the queen. She desires a powerful alliance, but love… love is a different matter altogether.”

I felt a pang of sympathy for the lady. I don't want to over cross by asking what happened. But maybe she needs someone to talk to .

"Mind me but you two seemed... encouraging if I may say so. Or has something happened?"

She chuckles but all I hear is pain in her voice.

"He always does something doesn't he?" She replied, a faint smile breaking through her worries.

"Well...in case you need a talking doll I'm always available. "

"I know Sybil. But what kind of friend would I be if I were to hide this crucial information from you."

"Information?"

"The palace have hidden it . It happened a days ago and I still can't presume that it happened. It's selfish if you ask me . Why can't the town know wat type of prince they have ? Why are they hiding it and allowing my heart to be torn to seeds without any knowledge from commoners? They know it's wrong because we're engaged Sybil. Freaking engaged! To be married in 2 weeks! 2!?"

She's crying. She's crying and she hasn't even told me what he did. I already know what he did but she's already crying .

"Lu-"

"Two women. Two random Ladies or Duchesses . Or was it each? What do you think Sybil?"

"I... I think you need to sit down ."

"No... I'm fine in this state. "

"Hey , just sit here and I'll be back."

She looks at me before sitting down on the bench.

I quickly go to the tap and fetch some water.

"Here."

She smiles before drinking.

"Are you down now. ?"

"Yeah. I think I can talk now."

"Ok."

I smile sitting next to her .

"A few days ago Vittorio went to collect two women who's identities are are not disclosed other than the fact that they're nobles. I was never supposed to find out but I did by mistake. I heard  him talking with his sister , and since then I've been under the crust of earth . I'm boiling and hurt . I can't breathe Sybil. He promised everyone. He promised me, his mother and my parents that the minute we say those vows to each other he'll only be mine . "

The more she keeps talking about it the more I regret everything that had happened between me and Cyrelas.

"Should I keep believing or do I have to talk to him on what I should do to treat me the way I treat him?"

"Ludovica I really thought I could talk to you but this is something you should talk to someone who has high worth. I don't have that much worth where I can tell you what to do with your Prince. This is way out of my station. "

"Is it because you hate him?"

She still thinks I hate him. She doesn't know how way past that we are . Everything she says just makes me realise our friendship died a long time ago. The minute I dreamt about him our relationship was gone.

"Sybil?"

"Huh? Oh....Uhm...no . It's not that. It's just, do you need me to talk to him?"

What!? No?! Sybil? What did I just do?

"Really? Thank you so much Sybil .

Can you talk to him today or were you thinking of another time? I mean any time is precious for me."

"I...maybe some other-"

"Of course . Take your time . Maybe somewhere along the week?"

"Yes."

"Ok. I really have to go . I have to meet a stylist for the ball. It'll be the first ball after our engagement after all."