Lady Ludovica
A soft glow illuminated the grand chamber where I sat with my family.
The tapestries depicted tales of valor and romance, yet today, an air of trepidation lingered.
The queen, resplendent in her regal finery, addressed the gathering, her voice a soothing balm to the anxious hearts around her.
"Lady Ludovica, my dear, it is customary for a bride-to-be to feel both excitement and unease," the queen said, her wise eyes sparkling with maternal warmth.
Isabella's heart raced, remembering the whispers of betrayal that had swirled around the prince.
Despite the queen's reassurances, doubts loomed large in my mind.
My father, Lord Felipe, cleared his throat, interrupting my tumultuous thoughts.
"Your Majesty, if I may, I believe it is imperative that we address the matters of the heart. My daughter deserves honesty from her fiancé."
Before anyone could respond, the heavy doors of the chamber swung open, and the guards announced, "His Royal Highness, Prince Cyrelas."
The air shifted as the he entered, his presence commanding yet hesitant.
He was dressed in the finest silks, his dark hair tousled as if he had been through a storm.
The moment his gaze found me, the world around me faded into a blur. He's back . I find myself trying hard not to run to him. I've missed him so much.
"My apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty," he said, bowing slightly before turning to me.
"Lady Ludovica, I owe you an explanation, and I must beg your forgiveness for my actions."
Gasps filled the room. My heart thundered as his searched his eyes for sincerity.
They were stormy with regret, and at that moment, I felt a flicker of hope.
"I have betrayed your trust, and I understand the pain I have caused you and your family," he continued, his voice steady but laced with emotion."I was caught in a web of deceit woven by those who sought to undermine our union. I never meant to hurt you."
The queen watched with a knowing smile, while my family exchanged glances filled with disbelief.
Yet, as he spoke, the warmth of his words began to thaw the ice that had formed around my heart.
"I promise you, Ludovica," he said, stepping closer, "I will do everything in my power to make amends."
The tension in the room melted away, replaced by hope. I felt a surge of emotions, a mixture of love and caution.
Perhaps this was the moment we could rebuild what had been torn asunder.
"Thank you, Prince Cyrelas," I replied, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of feelings within her."Trust is not easily regained, but I am willing to listen."
As the conversations around them resumed, we found a quiet corner of the palace, away from prying eyes.
The air was thick with unspoken words, and for a moment, we simply looked at each otherâtwo souls trying to navigate the labyrinth of our shared destiny.
"Cyrelas," I began, my voice softening. "I have thought of nothing but you since the day we were betrothed. I know it may be too soon to speak of trust, but I cannot help but dream of our future together."
I felt her cheeks flush as I spoke.
"What future do you envision, Ludo?"
He teased lightly, but there was a sincerity in his tone.
"One filled with laughter, adventure, and, perhaps⦠children," I said, a hint of a smile playing on my lips."I can imagine us raising a family, teaching them about our kingdom, and instilling in them the values we cherish."
Isabella's breath caught in her throat. The idea of childrenâher own little onesâfilled her with warmth."Children?" He echoed, a smile breaking through his initial reservations."You think of such things already?"
"I do," I admitted, my expression earnest.
"I have seen how a child's laughter can light up the darkest days. I want to share that joy with you, Cyrelas, together we could create a home filled with love."
The thought was intoxicating, and I found herself leaning closer, captivated by the vision I've painted.
"And what would we name them?" He asked, his playful spirit returning.
"Perhaps a boy named Louis , after my your grandfather," I suggested, my eyes twinkling.
"I like that," he replied, my heart swelling."And a girl named Lucette, after my aunt."
He chuckled softly."Lucette Francoisâsounds like a future queen, doesnât it?"
"Or a fierce warrior," I quipped, my laughter ringing through the chamber."You might need to prepare for a battle of wills."
Our laughter mingled in the air, and for the first time since our engagement, I felt the weight of uncertainty lift. In that moment, we were not just prince and lady; they were two individuals dreaming of a life intertwined.
"Let us take this journey together," I said, her voice steady."I am willing to try, to believe in us again. But I hope you fell so too."
"Of course . After the days away I've thought about us . A life we could have and I like the picture of it. So yes, I'm more than willing to try."
I smile laying my head on his chest.
"I love you , Cyrelas. "