Chapter 48
Azalea stirred in her bed as the early morning light crept through the curtains. Her body ached from the tension of the previous days, but there was little time to rest. A soft knock at the door startled her awake. She sat up, blinking away the remnants of sleep as she heard the door creak open.
“My lady?” Vick’s familiar voice called softly from the doorway. He stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before they settled on her. He smiled faintly, though there was an edge of concern in his expression. “Good morning. I’ve come to help you get ready.”
Azalea let out a small sigh of relief, grateful for his presence. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor sending a shiver up her spine.
“Vick,” she greeted him, her voice still groggy from sleep. “What’s going on?”
Vick walked over to the wardrobe, pulling out a deep emerald gown that complemented Azalea’s pale complexion. “The king has summoned everyone for breakfast in the grand dining hall. Gabe will be there shortly to take you.”
Azalea’s heart quickened at the thought of facing the king-and everyone else. Breakfast in the grand dining hall was never just a meal; it was a performance, a stage for the royals to make subtle moves and manipulate power dynamics. She could already feel the tension simmering beneath the surface.
“Let’s get you dressed,” Vick said softly, holding up the gown for her approval. “We don’t have much time.”
Azalea nodded, rising from the bed. She allowed Vick to help her into the dress, his fingers working swiftly to fasten the intricate buttons and laces. Her mind raced as he worked, thoughts swirling about Federico, the power plays, and the danger that surrounded them all.
Just as Vick was finishing, there was another knock at the door. Gabe’s voice came from the other side. “My lady, are you ready? The king is expecting us soon.”
Vick gave her a reassuring look, stepping back to allow her to compose herself. Azalea straightened her gown, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
“I’m ready,” she called out, her voice more confident than she felt.
The door opened, and Gabe stood there, his usual stoic expression firmly in place. He nodded approvingly at Azalea before gesturing for her to follow him. “The king has ordered that everyone be present at breakfast this morning,” he informed her, his voice as unreadable as ever.
Azalea exchanged a glance with Vick before stepping forward to follow Gabe. Her stomach twisted with anxiety, but she knew she had no choice but to face whatever awaited her in the grand dining hall.
—
Meanwhile, in the study of King Marcos, Federico paced back and forth, his frustration barely contained. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight as he forced himself to calm down before entering. He had no idea why his father had suddenly decided that everyone should gather for breakfast, but it felt like a trap-a calculated move meant to unsettle him.
He pushed the door open without knocking, stepping into the large, dimly lit room where his father sat behind an imposing desk. King Marcos didn’t look up from the papers in front of him, his presence as cold and commanding as ever.
“Father,” Federico began, his voice sharp with tension. “What is the meaning of this? Why did you order that everyone should have breakfast together?”
King Marcos finally raised his eyes, his gaze hard and unyielding as it met Federico’s. “Mind yourself, Federico,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re walking on thin ice.”
Federico’s jaw clenched. “You can’t keep me in the dark like this. I have a right to know what’s going on.”
The king’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. “You have no right to question me. If you don’t want to find yourself where you belong, I suggest you keep your mouth shut and do as you’re told.”
The threat hung in the air between them, and for a moment, the tension in the room was suffocating. Federico’s hands balled into fists at his sides, but he knew better than to push his father any further. King Marcos had never been one to tolerate disobedience, and Federico had been dangerously close to crossing the line.
Without another word, Federico turned on his heel and stormed out of the study, his anger simmering just below the surface.
—
Just outside the study, Leandro and Thomas stood close to the door, listening intently. They exchanged a pleased glance as they heard the harsh exchange between Federico and the king.
“Did you hear that?” Leandro whispered, his voice barely containing his glee. “Federico’s losing favour with the king. This could work out perfectly for us.”
Thomas grinned, his eyes alight with satisfaction. “Finally. Let him fall. It’s about time he gets what he deserves.”
The two of them shared a quiet, triumphant laugh, their eyes gleaming with the knowledge that Federico’s fall could mean their rise.
—
Federico stormed out of the study, his face dark with rage. He couldn’t stand the way his father treated him like some child to be controlled and manipulated. His mind raced with thoughts of defiance, but he knew he had to bide his time. Now wasn’t the moment to strike back-he had to play the game, whether he liked it or not.
But one thing was certain: he would make sure his father regretted underestimating him.
—
In the meantime, across the estate, Maya and her sister Marie climbed into the backseat of their mother’s sleek black car. Lady Margaret slid into the driver’s seat, her eyes cold and calculating as she adjusted the mirror and glanced at Maya.
The ride to the grand dining hall was tense, the air thick with unspoken words. Maya could feel her mother’s suspicion pressing down on her like a weight, heavy and unbearable. Lady Margaret hadn’t been the same since their conversation last night. Her eyes lingered on Maya, full of doubt and quiet accusation.
Marie sat beside her, oblivious to the tension, but Maya could feel it in every breath, every sideways glance from her mother.
As they drove through the estate, Lady Margaret finally spoke, her voice sharp and clipped. “I hope you’ve thought about our conversation from last night, Maya.”
Maya stiffened, her hands clenching in her lap. “I have, Mother.”
Lady Margaret’s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Good. Because this family cannot afford any more mistakes. You understand that, don’t you?”
Maya nodded, though her throat felt tight. “Yes, Mother. I understand.”
The rest of the ride passed in silence, but the weight of her mother’s words hung heavy over Maya’s heart. She knew what Lady Margaret wanted-control, compliance, and absolute loyalty. And though Maya had always tried to be the daughter her mother expected, she was beginning to realise that perhaps she could never be that perfect image Lady Margaret demanded.
As they neared the grand dining hall, Maya could feel the knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She wasn’t ready for this-wasn’t ready to face the kings and queens, the power plays, and the danger that lurked behind every smile.
But ready or not, she had no choice. She would have to face them all, and whatever was to come, alone.
—
Azalea followed Gabe through the winding halls, her heart racing with nerves as they neared the grand dining room. She had no idea what to expect, but the sense of foreboding that had settled over her since waking had only grown stronger.
As they approached the doors, she could hear the faint murmur of voices from inside. Gabe paused at the threshold, his hand resting on the door handle as he glanced down at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked, his voice quiet.
Azalea swallowed hard, her palms sweating despite the cool morning air. “I guess I have to be.”
Gabe nodded, giving her a small, reassuring smile before pushing open the doors.
The grand dining hall stretched out before them, the long table already set and occupied by the kings, queens, and lords of the realm. Azalea’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. The power in the room was palpable, and she could feel the weight of every gaze as it turned toward her.
King Marcos sat at the head of the table, his expression stern and unreadable. Beside him were Queen Selena and Queen Lucia, their regal presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
Azalea hesitated for a moment, but Gabe gave her a slight nudge, urging her forward.
This was it. There was no turning back now.