flash

Chapter 2 - The Secrets of the Royal Palace

Clara woke up the next morning wrapped in silk sheets inside the Royal Palace. The trauma of the previous night still weighed heavily on her mind. As she stepped out of the bed, Alexander entered, wearing a simple tailored suit instead of his royal robes. He looked like the gentle man she had fallen in love with in the small bakery where they met, but the crown on the desk reminded her of the reality.

"Why didn't you tell me, Alex?" Clara whispered, her voice trembling. "I stood by you when my family threatened to throw me out. I believed you were a struggling orphan."

Alexander walked over and gently took her hands. "I had to know if someone could love the man, not the crown, Clara. My life is surrounded by vipers, including those within my own court. By keeping my identity a secret, I kept you safe from the political enemies who want my head. But seeing them hurt you last night... I couldn't play the part anymore."

Before Clara could answer, the heavy oak doors of the chamber burst open. It was Grand Duke Julian, Alexander’s ambitious cousin and the commander of the military forces.

May you like

"Your Majesty," Julian said, his eyes scanning Clara with a calculating coldness. "Marrying a commoner whose family has just been disgraced is a political disaster. The High Council is already demanding an annulment. If you do not cast this woman out, the stability of the throne is at risk."

Clara felt a chill run down her spine. The nightmare wasn't over; it had just moved to a larger stage.

Other posts