The royal city was abuzz with excitement, but today's festivities were unlike any other.
The streets were adorned with roses and lilies, and young women donned their most vibrant dresses. Boys waved flags and cheered, their faces alight with anticipation. The city was preparing to welcome a distinguished guest—Princess Catherine of Calia.
She was the heroine who had saved the prince, the linchpin of a crucial alliance, and the prince's betrothed.
As the afternoon sun reached its zenith, the bells of the clock tower rang out, followed by the resounding call of trumpets.
A magnificent white-and-gold ship docked gracefully at the harbor. Nobles lined the port in anticipation, and music filled the air. A crimson carpet stretched from the castle gates to the grand hall, awaiting the arrival of royalty.
Cyrus stood at the forefront, clad in a deep blue ceremonial suit, his sword at his side. Tall and composed, his handsome features were marked by a subtle melancholy that captivated many.
He maintained a courteous smile, his demeanor reserved, betraying none of his inner turmoil.
Behind him, the crowd erupted in cheers—
"Princess Catherine!"
"The prince and princess are a perfect match!"
"A union blessed by the gods!"
Cyrus's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes grew colder with each passing moment.
A golden carriage halted at the end of the carpet. A maid lifted the curtain, revealing a woman in a lavender gown.
She stepped out with grace, her confidence evident. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a radiant face that seemed to glow with divine light. Her smile silenced the crowd.
Princess Catherine approached Cyrus, each step measured and elegant.
He extended his hand, which she accepted with a smile.
"We meet again, Prince Evan," she said warmly.
"Welcome, Princess Catherine," he replied, his voice steady.
Cannons fired in celebration, and the castle gleamed under the sun's rays.
——
Unseen by the jubilant crowd, a pair of tear-filled eyes watched from a secluded tower window.
Lia stood in the shadows, clutching the curtain tightly. She had once walked these streets beside him, basking in the same sunlight. Now, she was hidden away, a secret no one acknowledged.
Since the princess's arrival, Lia had been confined to a remote tower, forgotten by all.
Her world had dimmed.
As night fell, the castle's grand hall came alive with festivities. Golden chandeliers illuminated the marble floors, and laughter echoed through the halls. Nobles toasted, musicians played, and servants bustled about.
Meanwhile, Lia sat alone in her tower, gazing out at the sea. The waves ebbed and flowed, mirroring the turmoil in her heart.
She bore no ill will toward Vera Catherine—the princess had saved Cyrus. But Lia herself was nothing, a mere shadow.
She missed him dearly.
She wondered what he was doing, if he thought of her, if he...
The door creaked open softly.
Familiar footsteps approached, breaking her reverie.
She turned abruptly.
Cyrus rushed in, enveloping her in a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Tears welled up in Lia's eyes, but she shook her head.
"I just wanted to see you," he said, lifting her chin to meet her gaze. "Have you eaten? Do you... hate me?"
She shook her head again, tears streaming down her cheeks.
He gently wiped them away, kissing her softly.
"Don't cry, Lia. Your tears break my heart."
She nestled into his embrace, seeking solace.
They held each other in silence, the sea breeze rustling the curtains, carrying the scent of the ocean.
But this moment of peace was fleeting.
He was a prince, bound by duty.
He had to return.
He held her hand tightly, reluctant to let go.
"Wait for me... Don't leave. Trust me. My heart belongs to you, and no one can take that away."
She nodded, offering a faint smile.
He kissed her gently and departed, returning to the celebration.
On the terrace, Vera stood, watching his hurried approach.
"Prince Evan," she said with a knowing smile, "were you perhaps ensnared by a particularly enchanting flower in the garden?"
He paused, his expression momentarily tense, then replied smoothly, "No flower could rival your beauty, Princess Catherine."
She chuckled softly, saying nothing more.
The moonlight bathed her golden hair, casting an aura of nobility and power.
The banquet continued amidst music and merriment.
Meanwhile, in the secluded tower, the forgotten girl sat by the window, gazing at the moonlit sea in silence.
Only she knew that her heart was slowly sinking into the depths.