Chapter 11
Federico walked briskly through the thick forest, his mind racing, feeling frustrated like a relentless itch he couldn’t relieve. He felt the cool night air on his skin, with only the distant chirping of crickets disturbing the silence. However, he quickly acknowledged that he was not by himself.
“Without looking, he said ‘Maya,’ anticipating her arrival before she even spoke. Her quiet, shadow-like movements always caught his attention.
Moving ahead, she came out from behind the trees. Maya, the daughter of the king’s most trusted advisor, tended to show up when Federico was most cautious. Her black hair flowed over her shoulders, and her eyes, consistently gentle when gazing at him, expressed a blend of worry and another emotion.
“Did you anticipate my arrival?” she inquired, her voice tinged with sadness but accompanied by a small smile. “I’ve never been good at being sneaky.”
Federico eventually shifted his gaze towards her, its intensity softening a bit as he looked at her. He mentioned rather than inquired if you had followed him from the palace.
Maya agreed, fidgeting with the hem of her tunic nervously. “I just found out about your upcoming marriage ceremony.” I desired to have a conversation with you.
Federico’s jaw clenched when the wedding was brought up. He felt his hands automatically tighten by his sides, but he made a conscious effort to calm down. “Maya, there is no topic for discussion.”
Moving nearer, her eyes showed an undeniable sincerity as she frowned. However, there exists. I am familiar with you, Federico. I am aware that this is not something you desire. However, you find yourself being compelled to do it.
Federico emphasized that his desires were not the focus, speaking wearily with a flat tone. “There are obligations I need to meet-tasks, duties.” This is one of those marriages.
Maya’s expression dropped, despite her attempt to conceal her letdown. “I believed you would be more joyful… if you found a partner and established a home.”
Federico let out a bitter laugh. Looking for a companion? This marriage is completely unrelated to that one. It’s simply a contract, Maya. An agreement made by two clans. No joy can be derived from it.
Maya fell silent briefly, her face revealing a mix of emotions-sadness, longing, and acceptance. She always harbored feelings for Federico, even though she never openly expressed them. However, she had never been courageous enough to act on them, always remaining just beyond grasp.
“I’m glad for you regardless,” she murmured, even though the words felt empty. Seating herself on a nearby tree stump, her shoulders drooped downwards. “Despite not being your desired outcome, I wish for you to discover solace in it.”
Federico stood still, his eyes distant as he gazed into the deep darkness of the forest. He sensed her disappointment, the weight of her unspoken words lingering between them. However, he wasn’t feeling up to dealing with them. He had nothing to offer her – or anyone else, for that matter. His existence had turned into a sequence of responsibilities, a chess game where each action was determined by factors outside of his influence.
After what seemed like an endless period of quiet, he finally took a seat next to her on the ground of the forest, feeling the cool earth beneath him. They sat in silence for a while, surrounded by the peace of the night. Federico gazed at the sky, observing the stars shining overhead, pondering how his life had become entangled in this situation.
Maya, feeling the burden on his shoulders, refrained from pushing him for more information. She remained seated nearby, providing solace while also maintaining the distance he preferred in their interactions.
Gradually, the night started to diminish, and a glimpse of dawn emerged in the sky. Federico got to his feet, dusting off his trousers. “We need to return to where we started.”
Maya agreed with a nod and stood up too. As they returned to the edge of the woods, they remained silent, their paths splitting there – Federico heading back to his part of the kingdom, and Maya to her house.
Watching her fade into the distance caused Federico’s heart to weigh more heavily than it ever had before. He found himself thinking about the upcoming marriage, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of it all. His fate was already determined, with no space for emotions or decisions.
At Mack’s estate, excitement filled the air. Ophelia, Mack’s spouse, and Azalea’s sibling, walked back and forth in the main hall, supervising the arrangements for the wedding ceremony with a glint in her eye. Perfection was essential for this significant union in their family’s history.
Mack was seated at a close table, with a broad smile spread on his face. “Unbelievable, it’s happening,” he muttered, mostly to himself. “My younger sister is getting married to someone from the royal family.” Ophelia, this is like a dream that has finally been realized.
Ophelia nodded, her hands moving quickly as she mentally went over the extensive list of tasks. “We must choose the color palette for the hall.” Do we prefer roses or something more unique for the flowers? Azalea deserves a voice in this matter.
Right on time, Azalea entered the hall with a blank, distant expression, seeming unfazed by the chaos surrounding her. Ophelia’s face lit up at the sight of her.
Hastening towards her sister, she called out, “Azalea!” “I was contemplating – what shade do you prefer for the hallway?” Are there any specific choices you would like to make? And we need to discuss the seating plans-”
Azalea barely paid any attention to her. Ignoring her sister, she strolled by with distant eyes and a preoccupied mind. Ophelia blinked in astonishment, observing Azalea navigate through the busy hall without acknowledging the commotion around her.
“Is that Azalea?” Ophelia attempted once more, speaking more gently, but her sister was already moving swiftly towards the door with determination. “Azalea, hold on-”
Azalea kept going. Without uttering a word, she exited the hall, her form vanishing as she went through the doors, leaving Ophelia shocked.
Mack observed as the situation played out, his smile disappearing and concern appearing on his face. He rose and went to his wife, putting his hand on her shoulder. “He whispered with a low voice, sensing that something was amiss.”
Ophelia shook her head, continuing to gaze at the door her sister had recently disappeared through. “Since the announcement of this marriage, her behavior has been unusual.” I believed she would change her mind, but…
Mack’s face twisted into a scowl, his demeanor growing more serious. I have a feeling she is planning something. And I’m concerned that it’s risky.
Ophelia shifted her gaze towards him, her eyes filled with worry. “Do you believe she would attempt to-”
Mack interrupted, his voice tense, saying, “I’m not sure.” Regardless of what it is, we must monitor her closely. This marriage carries too much significance. We cannot handle any problems.
Ophelia nodded, but the discomfort in her chest continued to increase. Ophelia was increasingly worried about her sister Azalea’s unpredictable behaviour, suspecting that her silence was hiding a dangerous secret.
With the sun starting to ascend in the sky, its golden light shining on the estate, a heavy and unsettling tension loomed over them. The wedding ceremony drew near, yet with each move ahead, the shadow of something sinister crept close behind.
Ophelia couldn’t rid herself of the
sense that they were all going directly towards the center of the storm.