Rebekah POV
I sat on the edge of my bed quietly staring at the open balcony door. The soft rise and fall of the curtain as the cool winter breeze blew against it was alluring. The flow of the fabric brought a strange sense of comfort to my chaotic mind like the calm of the sea after a storm. My shaking hands gripped the fluffy duvet beneath it while I tried to grasp my current situation.
The reality of my life unfolding at the seams was one I could never understand as again and again the world I once knew felt like nothing more than a dream. The good turned into the bad. The once happy life warped into disaster. My emotions running berserk inside me.
From hurt to anger.
Leaving only the need to know the absolute truth of why I was dragged into these circumstances.
Refusing to process the feelings within.
What would be the point?
Would it change what happened?
Would releasing these pent-up emotions free me from internal suffering?
Would it help me move forward without feeling regret for not being able to convince them that they had made the wrong decision? Or the guilt I felt for watching my family be forced into prison while I fainted like a child at the sight of fresh blood. Unable to do anything.
Linda's gentle voice pull me from my depressing thoughts as she waved her hand in front of me. "Why are you intently staring at the balcony? Is something wrong?"
"I'm fine." I simply stated, too tired to explain.
"Hmm...You should rest some more before dinner. You've exhausted yourself enough over the past few days. It hasn't been long since you've woken up." She said as she checked for any physical wounds.
A rush of emotions pushed forth as a wave of helplessness and anger threatened to consume me. Linda's concern brought no comfort to me, only the urge to spiral out of control at my powerless self. Concealing the nasty feelings within me I reminded myself that Linda should not be the one to feel the wrath of my anger.
"There is no need to worry. I assure you that I am fine and unharmed." I frowned as it dawned on me that I had not returned to my room on my own. The last memory I had was of the music room.
"How did I get here?" I inquired. My mood dampened as I remember the conversation between my mother and Prince Marcus as she spoke nothing but lies when he presented his evidence. The very one I had no clue he would have. The features of the palace are still a mystery to me.
"Prince Marcus brought you here after you fainted and had Dr. Lily check you. Did you hit your head again?"
Shrugging my shoulders, I stood from my seat. A sudden head rush caught me off guard as Linda wagged her finger at me. "This is the very reason I said you need to rest Becca. You've worked yourself to the bone and now you're fainting at every opportunity. You're like a stubborn old woman refusing to leave her home. At this rate, you'll be a shriveled old woman before your wedding day. You should get back into bed..." She rambled on as I walked to the joined bathroom in my room.
Splashing some water on my face I washed off the small amount of makeup on my face. Glancing in the mirror I saw the disheveled image of myself as sad blue eyes hide behind the dark bags under my eyes.
"Seems fainting has become my signature move lately," I grumbled to myself as I removed the jewelry I wore.
"Linda?" I called as I realized her rambling had stopped.
"Yes?" She peeked through the door as I shook my head in amusement at her childish behavior.
"It appears your gloomy expression is fading. Did I help? Or is it your one true love?" she gushed.
Rolling my eyes, I said. "You may think whatever you want."
"Of course, I will." She winked.
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Exiting through the backdoor of the palace Linda and I made our way to the greenhouse a few steps away. Pulling the cloak closer as a shiver ran through me. Rubbing my hands together to bring them some warmth as I dreaded the cold days to come. My body and mind were unprepared for the beautiful season of snow.
"Did Prince Marcus receive my message?" I asked as we entered the greenhouse filled with rare plants. The rich green scenery was a complete contrast to the withering trees and flowers outside. The warmth of the room was appreciated as I removed my cloak, revealing the simple black silk floor-length dress with lace sleeves and a simple v-neck that I wore. My previous messy hair was combed and styled into an elegant braid with a few strands framing my face. The accessories adorning my ears and neck were simple, yet they sparkled like the finest jewels under the light.
The click of my heels could be heard as I strolled down the path leading to a small seating area, admiring the beauty of the Queen's garden. The various species of plants came from the different lands she visited. Each is a valuable treasure to aunt Mariah.
Standing before the table of pastries and tea I popped a bite-size tart into my mouth, savoring the taste of the sweet treat. My mood lightened as I inhaled the scent of the blooming flowers.
"When will Prince be arriving?" I asked.
"I was told that his majesty will be arriving soon," Linda said as she arranged the cutlery.
Nodding in understanding I sighed in contentment as the beauty and tranquility of the garden provided the peaceful environment that I needed. Throwing my head back I let myself relax as I waited for Prince Marcus.
Though it was short-lived as a voice in the distance could be heard. My brow twitched in annoyance at Prince Marcus and Arthur's loud discussion.
"I heard Lady Scarlet and Rosalie have been sent to the southern prison, is that true brother?" Arthur asked.
"Yes." Was Prince Marcus's blunt reply.
"Why? Did you find a lead in the murder case? Were they involved? Is that why they were imprisoned? As the second Prince of this kingdom, I should know what is happening around us. It isn't right that the palace maids have more information about palace matters than I have. It makes me seem incompetent as a prince." Arthur grunted. His complaints were childish yet true.
"Then you should be more aware of your surroundings and more interested in the life of a royal. Besides If you were meant to be informed of every movement made within the kingdom father would have given you a messenger to keep you updated or maybe even a gossiping maid. I am not your informant brother." Prince retorted in irritation.
Rising from my seat I trailed my way to the bickering brothers.
"Gentlemen if you insist on making a ruckus and disturbing my peace, I suggest that you return to your rooms and continue being the loud infants you seem eager to be," I said through clenched teeth and a smile. My patience wearing thin.
Linda stifled a laugh behind me as Arthur's head snapped in my direction. Eyes blazing with anger as he narrowed them at me. "I see your witty comments have returned dear Rebekah. Though they aren't welcomed at this time."
"Yes, I'm afraid they are although they would have remained hidden if had you not chosen this exact moment to behave like a five-year-old child demanding the attention of his older brother. I'm certain your conversation could have happened later." I countered.
"I'm not a child nor am I begging for my brother's attention." He grumbled with eyes averted. His cheeks tinted a hint of pink.
"Of course, not..." I drawled.
A hand extended between us as Prince Marcus slowly moved Arthur away from my view. His expression was blank as he spoke. "I believe that is enough for today, Arthur. You may leave for now. I will tell you what you want to know once I have spoken to Rebekah."
Arthur grunted as he complied with Prince Marcus's request. "This isn't over Rebekah. I'm not a child!" Arthur shouted over his shoulder as he left. Forgetting my worries for a second, I giggled as he stomped his way out.
"I see you're doing much better than earlier." Prince Marcus said. Turning to face him my smile faded as I was reminded of the reason why he was here.
Forgoing greetings I signaled for him to have a set at the small table I was previously at steeling my mind for the discussion to come.
"Please have a seat, Prince Marcus. I believe we have much to discuss."