I twirl the glass of wine in my hand, watching the deep red liquid swirl as I lounge in my chambers with Esther.
The excitement from my successful interview still buzzes through me, a rush of adrenaline I haven't felt in a long time. I got the job. I actually got the job. I clutch the acceptance letter in my hand, reading it over again as if the words might change, as if this is all some cruel trick. But it's real. I'm finally clawing my way back to the life I lost.
This job is more than just employment, it's my way out. It pays better than my last one, offering stability, security, and the means to rebuild. With this salary, I can gradually offset my parents' debts, give Ray the life he deserves, and finally start law school, like I always dreamed. A fresh start, a new beginning; one that doesn't include being trapped in a marriage built on lies.
I let out a slow, measured breath, trying to suppress the bitterness creeping into my chest. This marriage is a scam, a twisted contract orchestrated by the Queen Mother, who scrutinized me like I was some lowly peasant daring to sit at her gilded table. And Cassian? He's no better. He's the same arrogant prince who thought I would sit around waiting for him to change.
I sigh, gripping the letter tighter. I don't need this marriage anymore. I don't need him. This job is my ticket to freedom, and I'm going to take it.
Esther, ever the gossip, grins as she refills my glass. "You missed quite the drama today," she says, eyes twinkling with mischief.
I raise a brow. "Drama?"
She leans in conspiratorially. "The Prince. He was arguing with the Queen about you."
I lower my glass, surprised. "Me?"
Esther nods eagerly. "He was furious. Something about why you don't get an allowance. He kept saying, 'She's my wife, isn't she? Why does she have nothing?' The Queen tried to calm him down, but he wasn't having it."
I blink, processing. Cassian was upset about… my lack of an allowance? He actually cared?
A part of me feels something strange, warmth, maybe, but I quickly push it aside. I don't need their money. I never did.
"I don't care about the allowance," I say, swirling my drink again. "I have what I need."
Esther grins knowingly. "Oh, I know. But it's nice to see the mighty Prince actually give a damn, isn't it?"
I don't answer. Instead, I glance toward my open wardrobe, where my collection of jewelry is noticeably dwindling; pawned piece by piece to keep my father's hospital bills from drowning us completely. But that's about to change. My new salary will be mine, my freedom.
I exhale, the weight on my shoulders lifting just a little.
I'm finally getting my life back. And no one, not even Prince Cassian, can take that from me.
***
Weeks slip by, and I stay busy. My routine is simple; morning rides, work, dinner, and straight to bed. It's a cycle I find oddly comforting. Besides Esther, no one checks in on me. Not even Cassian. Not that I care.
It's the weekend, finally, and for once, I have time to just exist. No rushing, no schedules. I take a slow stroll through the palace gardens, soaking in the fresh air, when a shrill voice pierces the quiet.
"Ethan, stop that! Don't do that again! Don't you know you are the next Prince of Matica? Behave yourself!"
I pause mid-step, my eyes landing on Liliana and her son. She's fussing over the boy, straightening his little coat as he fidgets, clearly uninterested in whatever 'princely' behavior she's trying to instill in him.
I scoff internally. Who cares?
My gaze shifts to Liliana, and I note the changes. Her once simple dresses have been replaced with elaborate gowns, her jewelry is heavier, and her skin practically glows. The Queen is spoiling her rotten.
Good for her.
I keep walking, uninterested in whatever show she's putting on. I don't envy her. Not one bit.
That evening, the palace hums with an air of importance as the council members gather for a meeting. I don't concern myself with it, I'm too busy minding my own business. But, of course, Esther wastes no time bursting into my chambers with the latest gossip, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You won't believe what just happened," she starts, barely able to contain herself.
I raise a brow, uninterested. "Try me."
She leans in, lowering her voice dramatically. "Cassian's coronation has been fixed. Two months from now."
I blink. "Finally. The Queen must be thrilled."
"Oh, she is," Esther says. "But that's not the best part. The council also made another decision."
I glance at her, waiting.
"They say the mother of Matica's prince should live with the prince," she whispers, eyes wide. "Which means Cassian is expected to marry Liliana as his second wife."
I stop mid-sip from my wine glass. "What?"
Esther nods eagerly. "And Cassian lost it! He raised the roof, saying he hasn't even finished dealing with one wife, and now they want to impose another on him?"
I let out a laugh, deep and amused. "Hell no," I mimic mockingly.
I can just picture his outrage, his stormy eyes flashing as he protests. The thought alone is hilarious.
"Doesn't change a thing for me," I say, reclining lazily. "They can stack wives on him like a tower for all I care."
Esther watches me closely, as if trying to figure out if I truly mean it. I do.
Cassian's battles are his own. I've got my own life to focus on.
Just as I wave Esther off, satisfied that I've heard enough drama for one evening, the sound of hurried footsteps echoes through the hallway. A knock follows immediately; urgent, impatient.
Esther and I exchange a glance.
"Come in," I call out lazily.
A guard steps inside, his face tense. "Princess Celeste, the Queen requests your presence. Immediately."
I sit up, narrowing my eyes. "What for?"
"She didn't say," he answers stiffly. "But the entire council is waiting."
Something in his tone sends a chill down my spine.
Esther grabs my arm. "Celeste, what if…"
I shake her off, rising to my feet. "Let's not keep the Queen waiting."
With steady steps, I follow the guard out, my heart pounding in my chest.
Whatever this is, I have a feeling my role in the palace is about to change.