Chapter 36: chapter 35

Sybil

In the ornate halls of the royal palace, where golden chandeliers swayed gently from high ceilings and marble floors echoed with the footsteps of nobility,  I found solace in the quiet corners of my world.

I had spent countless hours tidying the grand chambers, dusting the intricate woodwork, and polishing the silverware that adorned the dining halls. Yet, amidst the duties and the drudgery.

In the afternoon, as the sun cast warm rays through the tall windows of the kitchen. I looked around for any sign of anyone close to me and Genevieve.

“Genevieve , I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered, glancing nervously around, ensuring no ears could overhear my words. “He’s not what he seems.”

Gen, her wide eyes filled with concern, pressed closer. “What do you mean? The prince loves you.”

I shook my head, my voice tremulous. "No. You of all people should be agreeing with my decision.”

She frowned, the shadows of doubt creeping into her expression. "Of course I do . I strongly agree, but what happened?”

"I have thought about it and he's to be married too. I don't think he would risk his royalty for me and I don't want to risk my life for him. My life means a lot to a lot of people Gen, my mother , my aunt and myself. " My voice was resolute, but my heart quivered with uncertainty.

"Sybil!"

I turn away from Genevieve to get striked by Heather's piercing eye.

"You didn't come here to gossip did you ?"

"No ."

I turn away from her going back to my chores.

........

As the days passed, I kept my distance from him, avoiding his eyes in the great hall and declining his requests for secret meetings.

I immersed myself in my work, but each brush of his presence sent ripples of longing through me.

The palace was alive with preparations for the prince’s impending wedding . The royal family were all absent . They have been quite busy this week and they're barely in the palace .

I  joined the other maids in the grand hall, arranging flowers and smoothing the satin draperies that adorned the royal dais.

The air was heavy with the scent of roses and the distant sound of music filled my ears, yet a storm brewed in my heart.

As I arranged a bouquet, my stomach churned with an unexpected nausea. The weight of the day pressed down upon me, and as I turned to fetch water, the feeling intensified. Suddenly, I felt the sharpness of bile rising in my throat.

I gasped, racing toward a secluded corner of the hall. I barely made it before I doubled over, retching violently as my stomach betrayed me.

The sound of me heaving echoed in the empty corridor, and tears streamed down my cheeks, mingling with the remnants of my lunch.

From the corner of my eye I saw Gen rushing to my side, her face pale with worry. “Sybil! What’s wrong?"

I just closed my eyes as she handed me a cloth.

"I'd advise you to go to our dormitory before anyone sees you. I'll take care of the this."

I nodded walking away from the mess I'd just created.

............

Cyrelas

I paced restlessly, my boots echoing against the marble floors.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that mirrored my tumultuous thoughts.

Vittorio, leaned against the ornately carved doorframe, arms crossed, watching me with a mix of concern and frustration.

“Cyrelas, you can’t wear a hole in the floor,” he remarked, his voice steady against the backdrop of the my agitation.

“I must speak with her, Vittorio . How can I calm knowing she’s been avoiding me?”

My voice cracked like thunder, a stark contrast to the usual calm demeanor expected of royalty.

It was a mere three days until the wedding.

"It was time for her to see herself first. " Vittorio replied, pushing himself off the wall to stand beside . "She has her own priorities just as much as you do . You're going to get married and have everything but what about her?"

“But I love her, Vittorio. .”

"How much do you love her? You don't love her as much as you think you do . Leave her alone Cyrelas. You're ruining the girl's life. "

A knock on the door makes our conversation stop.

"In."

My sister , Sarah walks in with a smile.

"Sarah?"

"I would like to talk to you....alone."

"We'll talk later Vittorio."

"Yes your highness."

Vittorio exits the room as Sarah closes the door .

"I have some information. Information that only I know and as a woman I'm not supposed to be telling you this but I am. "

"Just get to the core."

"Your woman, that's if she still is-"

Before she can continue my mother just barges inside the room.

"Mother?"

"We need you downstairs."

I sigh as we leave the room.

.......

Sarah

I walk downstairs slowly giving myself a break from all these arrangements.

I look around the house as my mother and Cyrelas are talking to the tailor.

I see Sybil and I quickly walk towards her.

"Sybil. The corner now."

I walk to the corner far from others.

"Yes, your highness."

"Tommorow at midnight we're going to se a friend of mine who's a doctor . "

"What? What are you talking about?"

"You look pale and I saw you a while ago throwing up in the garden. Which makes me think it's not the first time it happened."

"I-"

"I'm a woman Sybil. You'd know better than try to lie to me. I'm ordering you that we're going to see a doctor during midnight . Do you hear me?"

She looks at me before nodding.

I sigh  heading back her voice stops me.

"Sarah, "

"Yes.."

"Even after we're back , can you please not tell him or anyone ."

I look at her hesitating .

"Please."

I nod walking away.