Chapter 79: chapter 79

Later that evening, Caspian found May alone in one of the long candle-lit corridors. She stood before a tall window, her reflection mingled with the moonlight on the glass.“You look the same,” he said quietly, joining her.She glanced at him and smiled. “And you look like a man who has finally made peace with himself.”He hesitated. “I’m trying. I’m glad you came,” he said.“I would not have stayed away,” she replied. “Not when the boy I raised is about to take a step toward something as sacred as choosing a life partner.”“She’s lovely,” May said. “Not for her face, or her charm. But for her spirit. May’s gaze lingered on Caspian for a moment longer than usual, her heart heavy with something unspoken. Caspian  looked tired—but not the kind of tired sleep could fix.“I noticed the way she looks at you,” May said quietly, her voice barely rising above the rustling leaves. “Is there something you want to tell me, Caspian?”Caspian didn’t look at her right away. His eyes drifted to the horizon. Then he gave a faint smile, more bittersweet than warm. “There’s a whole world of things I want to tell you… I just don’t know where to start.”May stepped closer. She lifted one hand and gently placed it against his cheek. Her touch was soft, grounding. “Start anywhere. I’m here now. I’m sorry I couldn’t be by your side during your hardest moments. I should’ve been, and I regret that more than you know. But… you know you can trust me, right? I need you to know that.”Caspian’s eyes softened. He turned his face slightly into her palm, as if drawing comfort from her touch. Then, he reached up, took her hand in both of his, and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand—tender, reverent.“I trust you more than anyone in this world,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You were never really gone aunt May. He gently touched his chest. “I kept you with me, through it all.”May blinked, her eyes glistening. “Then let me be here for you now. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.”Caspian hesitated, then gave a slow nod. “Maybe one day I’ll find the right words." He let out a quiet sigh, “You don’t have to carry any guilt. Don’t worry about me. Just enjoy your time here."A quiet smile played on May’s lips. “Of course I’ll enjoy my time here. As long as you’re around, it already feels like home.”They stood together in a silence that spoke louder than words, wrapped in the gentle stillness of the night as it quietly settled around them.The morning sun spilled softly through the tall windows, casting warm golden streaks across the marble floor. Birds chirped faintly outside, but the calm of the morning didn’t last long.A sudden burst of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor, followed by the swift opening of Amelia’s chamber doors. Andrea and Elise, her personal maids, entered in a flurry, their cheeks flushed and eyes wide with urgency.“My lady!” Elise called breathlessly. “His Majesty has ordered us to prepare you at once—for the royal hunting.”Amelia, still seated on the edge of her bed in her morning robe, looked up with a frown creasing her brow. Her voice was quiet but sharp. “Royal hunting? Nobody told me anything about that.”Andrea gave a nervous glance toward Elise before stepping forward, hands folded respectfully. “Forgive us, my lady, but the order came just moments ago. Please… allow us to help you dress.”Amelia stood up slowly, the silk of her robe whispering against the floor. Her expression hardened.“I don’t want to go,” she said firmly.Both maids froze, exchanging anxious looks. Andrea stepped forward cautiously, her voice low. “But my lady, it’s the King’s command. If we fail to prepare you…”“I said no,” Amelia interrupted sharply, her tone more resolute this time. “I refuse.”Elise tried again, more gently this time. “Perhaps you could at least speak to His Majesty? If he—”“Enough,” Amelia cut in, her voice cold now. “Leave me alone.”The room fell silent, heavy with the weight of her words. The two maids, though clearly torn between duty and concern, bowed their heads respectfully.“As you wish, my lady,” Andrea murmured, and together they backed out of the room, closing the doors softly behind them.Amelia stood still for a long moment after they left, her jaw clenched, eyes fixed on nothing in particular.A few moments passed in tense silence before Elise returned, her footsteps hurried and uncertain. She paused just inside the doorway, catching her breath.“My lady,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “His Majesty is asking for your presence in his chamber.”Amelia let out a soft, weary sigh, her fingers still curled loosely at her sides. She rose from her seat and turned toward her wardrobe.“I’ll change,” she said flatly.Elise stepped forward, reaching for the gown with practiced hands. “Allow me to assist—”“No,” Amelia said, cutting her off gently but firmly. “I can do it myself. You don’t have to help.”Elise paused, her arms halfway extended, then slowly let them fall back to her sides. She lowered her head in silent obedience, sensing the storm within Amelia that words couldn’t soothe.After slipping into a more formal dress—Amelia walked toward the door without another word. Elise trailed behind her, careful not to speak unless spoken to.When they arrived, Elise knocked respectfully. A moment later, a deep voice from within called, “Enter.”The doors opened, and for the first time, Amelia stepped into Caspian’s private chamber. The space was enormous, grander than she’d imagined. Sunlight streamed through tall arched windows, illuminating rich tapestries, polished furniture, and the glint of silver accents. The scent of cedarwood and leather filled the room—elegant, masculine, and refined.Caspian stood near the mirror, dressed in a deep navy hunting coat embroidered with gold. Two butlers moved around him, adjusting the details of his attire. His presence filled the room like a command. And beside him, standing quietly with his hands behind his back, was Felix. When his eyes met Amelia’s, he offered a polite bow.Amelia lowered her gaze and gave a small bow to the King. “Your Majesty.”Caspian turned, his expression unreadable. “I heard from your maid that you refused to join us for the royal hunt,” he said, voice calm but tinged with disappointment. “Is that true, My Lady?"She kept her gaze lowered, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Hunting is not my thing, Your Majesty. I’m not used to it. I’ve never hunted before.”Caspian studied her for a moment, then spoke with a measured tone. “You weren’t used to many things before coming here. That’s perfectly understandable. But once you become Queen, you’ll need to do things a Queen is supposed to do.” He finished with a faint smirk playing on his lips.Caspian’s twisted words made Amelia’s stomach twist. “I find no pleasure in killing animals. I prefer them to be alive.” she said, lifting her eyes just enough to meet his.Caspian’s smirk deepened. “You don’t have to kill animals, my lady. Just accompany me. That’s all you have to do. Now go get ready. The horses will be prepared soon.” With that, Caspian turned back to the mirror.Amelia’s stomach tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. She understood now—this wasn’t about hunting. It was about control, about being molded into a version of herself that fit the role he’d already chosen for her.Elise bowed deeply before retreating. Amelia, however, did not. She turned silently and walked out of the room, her back straight. The doors closed behind her with a soft thud, but the echo lingered in the chamber—and in Caspian’s mind.Felix glanced at the King, raising a brow subtly.Caspian didn’t look away from his reflection. “She’ll come around,” he murmured.