"He still has killed many people. Just, be cautious."
Bella's last comment followed me as we left the Inn. She was right. Even if it was in the name of war, he still has taken lives. I can't simply look over that.
'I guess that's why it would be easier believing he has done something like this…' I quickly shook my head. No, I can't start thinking like that right now. I had to at least try!
The ride to the new manor was quiet. For some reason, the road seemed munched steadier than the last carriage ride. But that wouldn't make sense. We were moving away from the city, it was only natural for the roads to be rockier than earlier. My confusion got the best of me as I peeked out from behind the curtain. I expect to see trees, maybe a few houses...but what came into view was far from that. My eyes widened.
"...."
'WE WERE BACK IN THE CITY?????' I thought, completely lost. I closed the curtain and sat there for a moment. I rubbed my eyes before looking out again.
I was definitely not mistaken. This is the same street we took coming to the palace for the first time. And when we left for the first time as well, and now, we were headed towards the palace??? I instantly looked at Bella. She was fast asleep. As much as I didn't want to wake her, this was definitely not supposed to be happening.
"Bella.Bella! Wake up!" I whisper-shouted at her. After calling her name for the third time she finally woke up.
"Miss? What's going on?" She spoke yawning. Rubbing her eyes. I pulled the curtains back for her to see. She looked outside with an unaware expression before understanding what was happening.
"S-Stop the carriage!!!" Bella yelled. Quickly, she got down from the carriage to question the Guards. She returned shortly with a conflicting expression on her face. The carriage continued towards the palace. My heart sunk as I looked at her frantically.
"Bella! What did they say???" I asked. She looked up at me.
"The 4th Prince has requested for your return to the palace, the king has-" she stopped talking suddenly.
"Has what???!?"
"Has allowed it."
Right then, my heart truly dropped. I took a deep breath and rested my hands in my head. The both of us remained quiet as I sunk deeper in thought.
"Maybe if I jump out of the carriage now, I will be lucky enough to be hit by a passing horse."
"Miss!! Don't say that!!" Bella argued. I stared lifelessly at my hands.
God knows how the 4th Prince has managed to get me to return to the palace immediately after what happened last night. I Had a feeling whatever he has said, it will only be digging me a bigger hole.
Sighing with a heavy heart I could only accept my fate. I would most likely be seeing the king again. I only sighed once more.
'Such is the life of the female lead…'
***
The carriage pulled into the familiar entrance that greeted us when we first arrived. Bella helped me straighten out my clothes and hair before helping me out of the carriage. I walked carefully while glancing at the ground. My mind running over possible responses to the King's possible questions. We entered the King's throne room.
"Miss Black Jade has arrived!" The advisor of the King announced. My heartbeat sped up. Thankfully, because I had already thought out possible outcomes, my anxiety wasn't as rampant. Bella and I bowed.
"Greetings, Your majesty." We said in unison.
"Stand." The king said. We quickly did as told. The room went silent for a moment before the king cleared his throat. I was prepared for the incoming scoldings.
"The Queen has requested you attend to her personally as her physician…" He paused. "As you will continue staying here, your marriage with the 4th Prince will also be...continued."
After he finished talking. I bowed again.
"Yes, your Highness." I said. There was a brief silence as I stood.
"You mustn't cause any more trouble! You must serve the Queen diligently. Do you understand?"
"I shall obey your command, Your Highness. I will not disappoint you." I said, Bowing once more. The King let out a small grumpy grumble but then waved his arm.
"Take Lady Black Jade to where she will be staying. Inform her of her duty." The king said. The Guards bowed.
"Yes sir!" They said together. Bella and I bowed once more before leaving.
Everything happened like a blur. And before I knew it, the same room I was in just a few nights ago, was filled with my bags. I blinked a couple of times. My brain froze at the sudden turn of events. I sat on the bed while contemplating.
'I'm, back in the palace? But how?'
'The king said the Queen wanted me to stay. But why? What was happening???'
The strange arrangement of contradictions made my head hurt. This stupid fantasy world and their plot twists. Just as I was about to lie down, Bella rushed into the room. I looked at her confused.
"Bella! Is everything alright-"
"The Queen has requested your audience." Bella said.
".....what?"
(Author here! I apologize for leaving this story unfinished. I will try my best to continue writing, thank you for being patient!)