The family dined together, sipping their drinks and sharing plans for Jake and Selina's engagement later that evening. Excitement buzzed in the air as they discussed preparations, from the decorations to the ceremony's timing.
But Selina remained quiet, her mind distant. Something felt wrong; she couldn't shake the strange unease that gnawed at her since Alicia's absence at breakfast. While her family chattered on, she toyed with her food, her thoughts spiraling deeper into concern.
A sharp sound at the dining hall doors snapped everyone's attention. A muffled commotion followed raised voices and hurried footsteps. Selina exchanged a glance with Jake, who merely raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.
Before anyone could react, the doors burst open, startling everyone at the table. A figure dashed inside, evading the guards who rushed in after her. The intruder stumbled to a stop before them, and to everyone's shock, it was Stella, Alicia's personal maid.
The guards moved swiftly, grabbing Stella by the arms. "Forgive us, Your Majesties," one of them said, bowing low. "We'll remove her immediately"
"No!" Stella cried out, her voice raw with desperation. "Your Majesty! Your Highness! Princess Alicia is missing! I've searched everywhere she's gone!" Tears streamed down her face as she struggled against the guards' grip.
The room fell silent. Every eye turned to Stella, her words echoing ominously. Selina's heart clenched, the unease she had felt all morning crystallizing into cold dread.
"Let her go," Selina said, her voice calm but commanding as she rose from her seat. The guards hesitated but ultimately obeyed, bowing before retreating to their post outside. The doors closed behind them, leaving Stella trembling in the center of the hall.
Selina approached her cautiously, her expression softening. "Tell me everything," she said gently, reaching out as if to steady the distraught maid.
Stella broke down, her voice choked with sobs. "I went to her room this morning, but she wasn't there. I searched everywhere the gardens, the halls but she was nowhere to be found." She paused, fumbling with something in her hands before holding it out. "Then… then I found these."
Selina's eyes fell on the stack of letters in Stella's trembling hands. Carefully, she took them, her fingers brushing against the crisp paper. Stella stepped back, her tears flowing freely as she added, "She wrote these for everyone. I don't know why… I just… I just…"
Selina nodded, her gaze steady. "It's all right. You did the right thing bringing them here." She flipped through the letters, her heart pounding. One was addressed to her. She handed the others to her parents and Rebel, who exchanged worried glances as they began reading.
Jake, seated calmly at the table, watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. Though he put on a mask of concern, Selina could tell he wasn't as invested as the rest. Still, he feigned a somber demeanor, leaning forward as if to catch every word.
Selina's hands trembled slightly as she opened the letter meant for her. The room seemed to grow colder, the weight of Alicia's disappearance pressing down on everyone. Whatever the letter contained, Selina knew it would change everything.
Selina unfolded the letter with trembling fingers, her breath catching as she read the first words.
Dear Selina,
I couldn't bring myself to face you with everything on my mind, so I decided to pour my heart into this letter. By the time you read this, I will have left the castle to search for something precious, something I feel is missing in my life. Until then, congratulations on your marriage. I hope to see my nephew, niece, or maybe even both when we meet again someday.
I write this, I imagine you reading it and feeling confused or even hurt. But please understand, this was not an easy decision for me. I'm sorry I won't be there to see you in your beautiful wedding gown, standing at the altar, taking your vows. It pains me to miss such a significant moment in your life. I know you will likely be angry with me, and I accept that. When we meet again, we can settle the score but for now, I need time away.
You might think I left because of Jake. The truth is, it's not just about him. It's about me, too. I want to build a world where I can find peace, a world where I can heal. But knowing you as well as I do, I'm sure you've already figured out I'm lying to myself. Deep down, I can't bear to see someone who caused me so much pain stand at the altar with you. You, my cold-hearted yet warm-at-heart sister.
Selina, despite everything, I need to thank you. You've been the big sister I never appreciated enough. Growing up, we weren't as close as we could have been. Then I met Jake, a kind, loyal, and trustworthy friend who I thought could fill the gaps in my life. I thought we could make it work, but life had other plans. He was never mine to hold onto.
Please, don't become like me. Love him, but don't make him carry the weight of your doubts or insecurities. Let him cherish you, because he truly loves you.
When I had my first heartbreak, it shattered me. I felt like the pieces of my heart could never be put back together. But you, my sister, were there. You pulled me out of the darkness and made me smile again. I will always remember those moments, and I will always love you for being you.
Never forget this, Selina: even if you feel unseen or unloved, know that I see you. I love you. And I'm always here for you, no matter how far I may seem.
This is not goodbye forever, it's just for now.
Your loving sister,
Alicia
Selina's hands dropped to her lap as the last words burned into her mind. Her throat felt tight, her chest heavy. For the first time in years, she felt a warmth rising in her eyes, tears she hadn't shed in what seemed like a lifetime.
Her thoughts turned dark as the weight of Alicia's words sank in. Because of Jake… all because of him. A sudden, vivid image flashed in her mind Jake's head severed, tossed to the wolves as punishment for the pain he had caused.
Before the thought could fully form, a hot tear escaped her eye. Wait, am I… crying? Selina pressed her hand to her face in disbelief before abruptly standing. She scraped loudly against the floor as she turned and left the room without a word. She needed air.
The family exchanged concerned glances, her sudden departure startling them. Her mother rose instinctively to follow, but her father placed a firm hand on her arm. "Let her be," he murmured, then shifted his gaze to Jake. "Go after her. She needs you."