Elaine sat alone in the dim chamber beneath the castle, her fingers curled around the edge of the bench, her eyes hollow. The walls felt closer than usual, the air heavier. The engagement was hours away, but her heart had already sunk days ago.
She had lost faith.
In her family.
In her future.
In herself.
Her thoughts drifted back — to the day after she arrived at the castle.
She had been crying, curled up on the velvet rug, her gown wrinkled and her voice hoarse. The door slammed open.
Lady Viremont stormed in, heels clicking like thunder.
"Get a hold of yourself," she snapped. "You're not a child. You're a bride-to-be. Someone important is arriving today."
Elaine had begged. Pleaded. Thrown every tantrum she had left in her soul.
But eventually, she gave up.
She was dressed, powdered, and escorted to the grand hall.
That's when she met him.
Prince King.
He stood like a peacock in velvet, his sleeves dragging across the floor, his chin tilted so high it looked like he was sniffing the ceiling.
To the side, his butler coughed violently, nearly collapsing before Rudolf rushed forward and helped him to a chair, offering water with quiet care.
Elaine watched, unsettled.
Viremont leaned in. "Spend the day with him. Make a good impression."
The date began.
It was a disaster.
Prince King didn't wait for her. He walked ahead, spoke over her, and kept asking, "Do you want more money? I can give you more money."
Elaine tried to speak, but he interrupted again.
"I'm sure I can make you happy," he said, voice flat. "I guess."
Elaine frowned. "How can you be so sure?"
He smirked. "Oh, women only want sex. You can have that. And you can be friends with Maria."
Elaine blinked. "Who's Maria?"
"My first wife," he said casually. "She's very understanding."
Elaine stood up.
She turned to leave.
But suddenly, his hand grabbed her arm.
"I have not stopped speaking," he said.
Elaine's eyes flared.
And then — she kicked him.
Right in the jaw.
He stumbled back, stunned, clutching his face.
Elaine ran.
Down the corridor, through the archway, and straight into Rudolf's arms.
He caught her, steadied her, and didn't ask a single question.
She didn't need to explain.
He already knew.