~Katrina~
I lay on my bed, hands resting on my stomach, laughing softly to myself. It had been so long since I felt this kind of happiness.
I came here expecting nothing but sorrow, maybe even death, yet life had given me a taste of joy before that moment came.
I couldn't stop thinking about the man from the garden. He was so handsome, so gentle. The way he looked at me left me breathless. But why the mask?
It felt like he was hiding, and though he was still beautiful, it gave him a dark, mysterious edge. I couldn't help but wonder what his face looked like without it.
"You should be more careful, my lady," Marissa burst into the room, clutching her chest as she caught her breath. She must've been running after me again.
"It was just a race," I teased, sitting up.
"I'll get punished if something happens to you," she said, her voice serious.
"I wouldn't let that happen," I smiled at her, trying to ease her worry. "I know how to run without getting hurt. You don't need to worry."
"If you say so, Princess Katrina," she replied, still a little shaky. "I'll go and fetch your clothes from the tailor."
She turned to leave, but I stopped her. "Wait, did you see the man I was talking to earlier?"
"No, I didn't," she replied, looking confused.
I walked over to her, my curiosity getting the best of me. "His name is Rowland," I said softly, almost embarrassed by how eager I was to know more about him.
"Lord Rowland?" Marissa asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Lord?" I frowned. "He told me he was just a worker."
"Lord Rowland is the king's closest advisor and best friend. He's no ordinary person," she explained.
I felt a wave of disbelief. "The man I spoke to has nothing to do with the king," I insisted. "He said he's been working on the farm for five years."
Marissa hesitated. "Then he must be an ordinary worker like me. I'll find out more and let you know, my lady."
I nodded, though my mind was racing. Who was he really? Why did we have to meet in such a condition?
Four hours later, Marissa returned with a bag of clothes. I tried on a few, but the one I had saved for tonight was different.
The moment I saw it, I couldn't take my eyes off the green dress, embroidered with shimmering stones. It was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.
The queen mother had told me it would make me stand out, and I could see why.
I silently thanked her for sending Lady Poria away. My stepmother would have been furious if she saw me in this dress—she never thought I deserved anything beautiful.
"The king didn't come yesterday, but he'll be here tonight after seeing you," Queen Mother Elizabeth said, gently combing my hair herself. She was skilled, and it relaxed me, though my nerves were still high.
"I thought he came but left," I said, certain someone had opened my door last night.
"No, he didn't," she replied, dismissing the thought. There was no point arguing. She wouldn't believe me anyway.
When she finished, I stared at my reflection, speechless. The French bun was perfect, more flattering than I'd imagined.
Marissa had called the royal makeup artist, and soon, I was ready to slip into the dress.
As I stood there, I whispered to Marissa, "Do you know who opened my door last night?"
"No, my lady," she said, looking confused.
"Could it have been the king?"
Marissa shook her head. "No, I saw him go into Queen Fortuna's room last night."
I had forgotten about Fortuna, that witch. The king had spent the night with her, but I held no grudge. In fact, I owed her for saving me once from a worse fate. But if it wasn't the king, who came to my door?
The thought sent a chill down my spine.
"I'll find out who it was," Marissa assured me. "But for now, smile, my lady. Don't let all this effort go to waste."
I forced a smile, trying to push away my worries. The maids helped me into the dress, and I could barely breathe with how tight the corset was. I wasn't used to it, but I didn't dare ask them to loosen it. I couldn't let anyone doubt I was a princess.
Standing in front of the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. Night had fallen, and soon I'd face the king.
My heart raced with fear. What if he changed his mind tonight? What if he ordered my death because of my father?
I quickly brushed the dark thoughts away. I couldn't afford to think like that, not now. I had a reason to stay alive. Maybe I would find Rowland tonight. Maybe he'd give me the strength to get through this.
"It's time," Marissa said softly, pulling me from my thoughts.
I nodded, following her downstairs. Queen Mother Elizabeth was waiting with a few maids, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion. She looked at me like there was something more to her words. "If things don't go as planned, I may not end up being your mother-in-law. But I want you to know, I'll always love you like my own daughter."
I didn't know how to respond. Her words confused me, but I stayed silent. I walked behind her toward the main quarters, my heart pounding louder with every step.
Each step felt like walking to my fate. A fate I didn't want.