Matthew Wild
I sat on the edge of my bed, head heavy in my hands, trying to make sense of the chaos that had unfolded last night. The taste of whiskey still lingered on my tongue, mingling with the memory of Sebastian's lips against mine. It was a kissâa moment that now seemed both surreal and terrifying, threatening to unravel everything I held dear.
How could I? How could I do this to Katharina? She was not only my sister but a person I deeply cared for and respected. The weight of guilt settled heavily in my chest as I replayed the events of the night before. Sebastian's touch had been both gentle and electrifying, pulling me into a whirlwind of emotions I had not anticipated.
I had always supported Katharina's potential match with Sebastian, believing it was not only a strategic alliance for our families but also a union that could bring stability to the kingdom. But now, after that impulsive, reckless kiss, everything felt uncertain. How could I face Katharina knowing what had transpired between her intended and me?
I've been hiding out, not wanting to see the Prince, not wanting to see anyone. The thought of betraying Kathy's trust pained me more than I could express. Katharina had always been there for me, guiding and supporting me through the complexities of courtly life. Now, I feared I had jeopardised our relationship and the carefully laid plans our family had made.
As I sat there, grappling with my own conflicted feelings, the sound of a soft knock at my door startled me from my thoughts. "Matthew?" It was Katharina's voice, filled with concern and perhaps a hint of apprehension.
"Come in," I called out, my voice betraying none of the turmoil raging inside me
As Katharina entered, her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Matthew," she began eagerly, "I can hardly contain myself! The ball is tonight... I have the strongest feeling that something magical is going to happen."
I forced a smile, my heart heavy with guilt over what had transpired between Sebastian and me. "I'm glad you're looking forward to it," I managed to reply, my voice strained.
Katharina didn't seem to notice my subdued demeanor as she perched herself on the edge of the bed beside me, her excitement bubbling over. "Matthew, you should have seen Prince Sebastian today," she gushed, her eyes dreamy. "He spoke to me again, and he's so charming, so attentive. Nothing like the rumours say he's like. I think..." She hesitated for a moment, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I think I could really see myself marrying him."
Her words stabbed at my heart, a painful reminder of the tangled mess I had created. "Katharina," I began tentatively, struggling to find the right words.
She placed a gentle hand on my arm, cutting off my sentence. "Matthew, please," she interrupted gently, her grip on my arm firm but comforting. "I know you're always looking out for me, but you don't need to worry this time. Sebastian isn't what everyone says he is. When he talks to me, it's as if he sees the real me, not just the idea of being his wife or the political advantage."
I swallowed hard, the bitter taste of my own betrayal almost too much to bear. "I... I just want you to be happy," I managed to say, my voice cracking under the strain.
She smiled warmly, her eyes softening. "I am happy," she replied. "I truly believe that Sebastian could be the one to bring joy and stability into my life. We've all heard the rumors about his... dalliances, but I think he's different with me. He seems sincere."
A pang of jealousy twisted in my chest, mingling with the guilt and confusion that already plagued me. "I'm sure he does," I said quietly, my mind racing with the memory of Sebastian's kiss, the way his touch had ignited something deep within me that I had never felt before.
Katharina's face lit up as she continued, oblivious to the turmoil roiling within me. "I really think, he might choose me out of the other, well Alice and Elizabeth are probably too interested in themselves rather than him"
I forced a smile, nodding as my heart clenched painfully, "That's true"
Katharina leaned closer, her expression earnest. "You know, you're my everything, Matthew. If you have any doubts or concerns, I want you to tell me. I trust your judgment more than anyone else's."
Her trust in me felt like a knife twisting in my gut. How could I shatter her illusions? How could I tell her that the man she was pinning her hopes on had kissed her own brother?
"Katharina, I..." I struggled to find the right words, to confess the truth without breaking her heart. But before I could continue, she squeezed my arm reassuringly.
"It's going to be fine, Matthew," she said softly, her voice filled with conviction. "Tonight at the ball, I'm going to tell him how I feel. I just hope he feels the same way."
I nodded numbly, the enormity of what lay ahead overwhelming me. "I hope so too," I replied, my voice hollow with the weight of my unspoken confession.
As Katharina stood to leave, she turned back to me, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "You'll be there tonight, won't you?" she asked. "I need my big brother by my side."
"Of course," I assured her, though my heart felt like it was breaking. "I'll be there."
She smiled, her face glowing with anticipation. "Thank you, Matthew. It means the world to me."
As she left the room, the door closing softly behind her, I was left alone with my thoughts and the crushing reality of what I had to face. The ball, which promised so much for Katharina, now loomed before me as a night of reckoning, a night where everything could unravel.
...
As Katharina's footsteps faded down the corridor, I sat motionless on the edge of my bed, the silence of the room pressing in on me. Each breath felt heavy, as though the weight of my guilt was crushing my chest. The events of the previous night replayed endlessly in my mindâSebastian's kiss, the intoxicating blend of whiskey and his lips, the way his touch had sent sparks through me. What had started as a fleeting, forbidden moment now felt like a catastrophe looming over everything I cherished. We were just drunk, that's what it was. But this doesn't satisfy the guilty feeling.
Regret gnawed at me, relentless and unforgiving. How could I have allowed this to happen? How could I betray Katharina, my sister, who trusted me implicitly, who looked to me for guidance and support? The memory of her excited face, the way she spoke of Sebastian with such hopeful anticipation, twisted the knife of guilt deeper into my heart. I had always prided myself on being her protector, the one who safeguarded her happiness. Yet here I was, the architect of a potential disaster that could shatter her dreams and unravel the delicate balance of our lives.
Needing a reprieve from the suffocating confines of my room, I decided to seek solace in the castle gardens. The cool evening air and the tranquility of nature might offer some clarity or, at the very least, a temporary escape from the turmoil in my heart. I slipped into my shoes, grabbed a cloak to ward off the chill, and quietly made my way through the dimly lit corridors, hoping to avoid any encounters.
The gardens were a sanctuary, their pathways winding through an array of meticulously kept flowers and towering hedges. The moon hung low in the sky, casting everything in a soft, silver glow. As I wandered, lost in thought, I heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Marcus, Prince Sebastian's close friend and confidant, making his way down the path towards me.
"Matthew," Marcus greeted me with a nod, his expression shifting from surprise to a warm, friendly smile. "Out for afternoon stroll?"
I returned his smile, though it felt forced. "Something like that," I replied, my voice tight. "I needed some air. And you?"
"Same," he said, stopping beside me. "It's a good day for it. The gardens are always so peaceful."
I nodded, grateful for the distraction he provided. "Yes, they are. I find it helps to clear the mind."
Marcus studied me for a moment, his sharp eyes seeming to pick up on my unease. "Is everything alright?" he asked, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Or did the whiskey finally catch up to you?"
I managed a weak smile, grateful for the levity. "Just... a lot on my mind," I said evasively, trying to match his tone. "Sometimes, it's hard to find the right answers. Or remember where I left my drink."
He chuckled, his laughter lightening the weight of my thoughts. "Well, if it's about finding the last whiskey bottle, I'm afraid I might be the culprit," he confessed with a wink. "Though, I'm more inclined to believe it's not just the drink you're mulling over."
I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued despite myself. "You seem to have a knack for reading people. Is that part of your charm?"
"Ah, it's all smoke and mirrors," he said with a mock-serious expression, twirling his hand as if performing a magic trick. "A necessary skill to survive court life. You pick up on things. Like how the weight of the world seems to be resting on your shoulders tonight."
I sighed, unable to maintain the facade of ease. "Court life can be overwhelming," I admitted. "Politics, expectations, the constant maneuvering... sometimes, it's all too much."
Marcus nodded sympathetically, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "You know, there's a secret to navigating this circus we call court. And it involves a lot less thinking and a lot more... well, maybe a bit of mischief."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite my mood. "Mischief? Like what? Pranking the courtiers?"
He laughed, the sound warm and infectious. "Tempting, but no. More like finding little moments of freedom in all the chaos. Like sneaking off to the kitchens for an extra slice of cake or 'accidentally' losing the Duke's favorite quill."
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension in my chest easing just a bit. "So, that's your secret? Cake and quills?"
"And not taking things too seriously," he added with a wink. "It's easy to get caught up in the gravity of everything. But sometimes, the best way to handle a heavy heart is to lighten it with a little fun."
I looked at him, surprised by his insight. "You're full of surprises, Marcus. I didn't take you for a philosopher."
"More like a court jester," he corrected, bowing dramatically. "But thank you, I'll take that as a compliment. In all seriousness, though, if you ever need to talkâor sneak out for some cakeâjust let me know."
His offer, though wrapped in humor, felt sincere. I nodded, feeling a small flicker of warmth amidst the cold knot of my worries. "I might just take you up on that," I said, managing a genuine smile.
"Good," he replied, clapping me on the shoulder. "And remember, sometimes the simplest truths are right there in front of us. We just have to stop overthinking and see them for what they are."
Before I could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the garden. Both Marcus and I turned to see Prince Sebastian emerging from the shadows, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
"Marcus," Sebastian greeted, a hint of surprise in his voice as he glanced between us. "I didn't expect to see you out here."
Marcus flashed him a broad grin. "Just catching up with Matthew," he said, the mischief in his tone unmistakable. "Discussing the finer points of cake and quill theft."
Sebastian's eyes flickered with amusement as they settled on me. "I see," he said slowly. "Matthew, may we talk? In private?"
My heart raced, knowing that the moment of reckoning had arrived. I nodded, glancing briefly at Marcus, who gave me an encouraging nod before turning to leave.
"I'll leave you two to your serious discussion," Marcus said, his voice carrying a note of teasing support. "Goodnight, Matthew. Sebastian."
As Marcus's footsteps faded away, I turned to face Sebastian, the garden's serene beauty a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me.
"Shall we walk?" Sebastian suggested, his voice gentle but firm.
We walked in silence for a few moments, the tension between us building with each step. I stole a glance at Sebastian, his face a mask of determination, yet there was a softness in his eyes that belied his regal composure. Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I spoke.
"Sebastian," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "About last night..."
He stopped and turned to face me, his gaze piercing through the darkness. "Matthew," he interrupted gently, "I know what you're going to say. That it was a mistake, that it shouldn't have happened."
I swallowed hard, the memory of our kiss flashing vividly in my mind. "We were drunk," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "It was... impulsive."
"We were both caught up in the moment, influenced by circumstances beyond our control." he replied, his voice steady and commanding.
I nodded slowly, grateful for his decisiveness yet still wrestling with my own conflicting emotions. "Yes," I agreed quietly.
Sebastian's gaze held mine for a long moment, his expression thoughtful yet resolute. He took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts before speaking.
"Matthew," he began, his voice steady and commanding, "last night was a mistake. We were both caught up in the moment, influenced by circumstances beyond our control."
I nodded slowly, grateful for his decisiveness yet still wrestling with my own conflicting emotions. "Yes," I agreed quietly, "it was a mistake."
He reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder in a gesture of solidarity. "We cannot undo what happened, but we can choose how we move forward," he continued, his voice measured. "For the sake of Katharina, for our families, and for the stability of the kingdom, we must ensure this remains a secret between us."
His words resonated with a clarity that I had been seeking, a path forward amidst the chaos of my thoughts. "Agreed," I affirmed, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders at his assertive leadership. "It stays between us."
Sebastian's grip on my shoulder tightened briefly, his eyes holding mine with unwavering intensity. "We have a duty tonight at the ball," he reminded me, his tone carrying the weight of responsibility. "Katharina's happiness is paramount. We must present a united front, as if nothing has changed."
"So does that mean you are choosing her out of the other women?"I asked cautiously, searching his face for any hint of his true feelings.
Sebastian met my gaze directly, his expression solemn yet resolute. "Matthew," he began, his voice low but steady, "the king has made his decision. Lady Katharina has been chosen as the best match to become queen and my wife."
His words hung in the air between us, a solemn confirmation of the path our families had set before us. Despite the turmoil within me, I nodded slowly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
"I understand," I replied quietly, my voice tinged with resignation. "It's what's best for the kingdom. She truly will be happy."
Sebastian regarded me with a mixture of gratitude and sympathy. "Thank you, Matthew," he said sincerely. "Your support means a great deal."
I managed a small, wry smile, attempting to lighten the somber mood that enveloped us. "Just make sure you treat her right," I teased lightly, though the weight of my words hung beneath the jest. "You know I'll be watching."
Sebastian chuckled softly, a brief glimmer of amusement breaking through his composed facade. "Of course," he replied with mock solemnity, placing a hand over his heart in an exaggerated gesture. "I promise to be on my best behavior, under your watchful eye."
I couldn't help but smile, grateful for the moment of levity amidst the weight of our conversation. "Good," I said, nodding in mock seriousness. "Because if you don't, well, let's just say you'll have me to answer to."
Sebastian's smile softened, a genuine warmth touching his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Matthew," he assured me, his voice quiet but earnest.
I couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a slight lift in the weight that had settled over us. "Alright then," I said, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. "Let's not keep the future queen waiting. We have a ball to attend."
Sebastian nodded in agreement, his demeanor shifting to one of resolve. "Indeed," he replied, straightening his posture. "Let us present a united front for Katharina and for the kingdom."
"Remember," I added with a playful grin, "you're not just marrying Katharinaâyou're marrying into the Canterbury family. We come with a lifetime guarantee of a protective older brother."
Sebastian laughed, the sound echoing through the corridor. "Noted," he said with a wink. "I'll keep that in mind."
As we walked, the castle walls looming ahead of us, I turned to Sebastian with a more serious expression. "But on a serious note, Sebastian," I began, my tone earnest, "Katharina is not just any match. She's my sister, and I care deeply for her happiness. Treat her with the respect and love she deserves. She's trusting you with her heart, not just her future."
Sebastian nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting a sincerity that reassured me. "I understand, Matthew," he replied softly. "Katharina is... she's special. I promise to cherish her, to support her dreams, and to honor the trust your family has placed in me."
I nodded, appreciating his earnestness. "Good," I said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder briefly. "She deserves nothing less than your best."
Sebastian's expression softened with gratitude. "Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility," he said sincerely. "I know it's not just about political alliances. It's about two families coming together, and I take that seriously."
"I know you do," I replied with a small smile. "And that's why I believe in you."
With that, we reached the grand entrance of the castle, where servants bustled about preparing for the evening's festivities. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a mix of excitement and nervous energy as nobles from far and wide gathered for the ball.
Sebastian glanced at me once more, a hint of determination in his gaze. "Let's make tonight memorable for all the right reasons," he said, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie.
I clasped his hand firmly. "Agreed," I affirmed. "For Katharina, and for the kingdom."
Together, we entered the castle, ready to face the challenges and responsibilities of the evening ahead. As the doors closed behind us, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and hope, knowing that Katharina's future, and the future of our kingdom, rested in capable hands.