Chapter 23
Azalea says still, watching the birds flying outside as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Her body was stiff from the strange way she had woken up in Federico’s arms. It was a shock, to say the least. She could still feel the weight of his hands from when he had pulled her closer, even though, as soon as he’d woken, he had thrown her off like she was nothing.
The coldness in his eyes, the disdain in his voice when he reminded her that they were married under a contract and nothing more-it stung. She had felt humiliated, but she knew better than to show it. There was no point. This marriage wasn’t based on love or affection. It was purely transactional, and that reminder was clear in every interaction they had.
The sudden knock at the door had pulled her out of her thoughts. She sat up, unsure of who could be visiting so early but the unfamiliar face did no justice. The door opened slowly, and a tall, graceful woman entered the room. Her eyes were sharp, her face elegant. Everything about her radiated confidence, and Azalea could sense that this woman was important, though she couldn’t quite place her.
Before Azalea could ask who she was, Federico stirred beside her. As soon as his eyes landed on the woman, he bolted upright and swung his legs out of bed, a wide smile spreading across his face.
“Maya!” Federico’s voice was warm, far warmer than Azalea had ever heard it. He quickly approached the woman, pulling her into an embrace. “I wasn’t expecting you so soon. How are you?”
Azalea blinked in confusion. Maya? Who was this woman? And why was Federico acting like this around her? She had never seen him so… comfortable.
“I arrived late last night,” Maya replied, her voice soft and melodic, but there was a glint in her eyes that Azalea didn’t miss. Maya glanced over at Azalea briefly, as if just now noticing her, before turning back to Federico. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“It’s good to see you,” Federico continued, ignoring Azalea completely. “I’ve missed having you around.”
Maya smiled sweetly, her gaze briefly flickering to Azalea once more. “It seems I’ve interrupted something.”
Azalea felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The room felt too small, and suddenly, she wished she could disappear. She was still sitting on the bed, her presence completely disregarded. Federico hadn’t even bothered to introduce her.
Maya turned to Azalea, finally acknowledging her. “I’m Maya, by the way. Federico’s childhood friend.”
Childhood friend? Azalea forced a small smile, though her chest tightened at the way Federico hadn’t even tried to include her in the conversation. “Azalea,” she said softly. “Nice to meet you.”
Maya smiled again, but there was something about her expression that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Likewise.”
Before the awkward silence could stretch any further, another knock echoed from the door.
“Come in,” Federico called out, still standing close to Maya, as though Azalea wasn’t even in the room.
The door opened to reveal Vick, Azalea’s maid, who stepped inside. Her gaze instantly fell on Maya, and for the briefest moment, Azalea saw the flicker of surprise in Vick’s eyes. But the maid recovered quickly, her posture remaining poised and professional.
“Your Highness,” Vick addressed Federico, bowing slightly before turning to Azalea. “My lady, the king has requested your presence for breakfast with the entire family.”
Breakfast. The last thing Azalea felt like doing was sitting at a table with Federico and his family, especially after this morning. She barely even knew the people she had now married into. But protocol was protocol, and refusing a request from the king wasn’t an option.
Federico nodded, but instead of addressing Azalea, he looked back at Maya. “I have a meeting in my office soon,” he said to her, his tone softening even more. “But let’s catch up after breakfast?”
Maya smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’ll be around.”
Federico glanced back at Azalea, his eyes cold and distant once more. “I’ll be in my office,” he said flatly, before walking out of the room, Maya following closely behind him.
Azalea watched them leave, feeling a sharp pang in her chest. She hadn’t expected Federico to care about her-they were strangers, after all-but seeing him interact with Maya like that, so effortlessly, made the reality of her situation hit even harder.
This marriage wasn’t just cold. It was lonely.
Vick approached her cautiously, her voice gentle. “It’s time to get ready for breakfast, my lady.”
Azalea nodded silently, her mind still swirling with thoughts. She allowed Vick to help her out of bed and guide her toward the dressing area. Her heart felt heavy as she looked at herself in the mirror, trying to reconcile the image of the woman she was now with the one she used to be.
Back in her kingdom, she had been strong, and confident. But here… everything felt different. The customs, the people, the way Federico treated her-it was all so foreign, so cold. She had heard stories of how different life was in this kingdom, but she hadn’t imagined it would be like this.
She barely knew her husband. And now there was this Maya-beautiful, poised, and important to Federico. Azalea couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more between them. The way Federico had completely ignored her presence to focus on Maya was telling. He hadn’t even offered a proper introduction or shown the slightest interest in Azalea.
As Vick carefully arranged Azalea’s hair and dressed her in a simple but elegant gown, the weight of her new reality settled in even more. This was her life now-married to a man who had no interest in her, surrounded by people she didn’t know or trust. And the one person who seemed to bring any warmth into Federico’s life wasn’t her.
Vick finished securing the last piece of Azalea’s attire and stepped back, nodding approvingly. “You look lovely, my lady.”
“Thank you, Vick,” Azalea said softly, offering a small smile. She appreciated the maid’s kindness, even if it didn’t ease the heaviness in her chest.
“Are you ready for breakfast?” Vick asked gently, sensing the tension in Azalea’s demeanor.
Azalea took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She had no choice but to face the day, no matter how isolated she felt. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Let’s go.”
With Vick’s assistance, Azalea made her way out of the bedroom and down the grand corridors of the castle. The walls were adorned with paintings of the royal family, their faces proud and regal. It reminded her of just how out of place she felt here.
As they approached the dining hall, Azalea could already hear the faint murmur of voices inside. She hesitated for a moment, standing just outside the door.
This was her new family. Whether she liked it or not.
Taking one last steadying breath, Azalea stepped inside, ready to face whatever awaited her at breakfast.