The following morning, Althea woke to the sounds of maids and servants bustling about the estate. The day of the betrothal ceremony had finally arrived. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across her modest room. She stretched lazily, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the anxiety curling in her stomach. Soon, she would be in a position to change her family's fate.
"Good morning, my lady," Annis greeted as she entered, her voice soft but cheerful, followed closely by another maid carrying folded linens.
"Good morning, Lady Althea," the second maid added, her tone brighter. "You must be excited. It's your betrothal ceremony, after all."
Althea let out a light chuckle, her lips twitching upward despite her nerves. "Excited might not be the right word," she admitted, swinging her legs over the bed. "But I am looking forward to seeing the palace. I've never been there before."
"It must be magnificent," Annis, the younger maid, chimed in, her wide eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "My mother used to work there. She said the marble floors shimmer like glass, and the chandeliers—oh, my lady, they're adorned with crystals as big as your fist!"
"I've heard the gardens are breathtaking too," Ellen added as she smoothed the linens. "The kind of place where fairytales are made." She cast Althea a sidelong glance, her smile teasing. "A perfect setting for a love story, don't you think?"
Althea raised a brow, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Love story? Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"You never know," Annis said with a grin. "Maybe the prince is secretly dashing and kind. Imagine that, my lady—falling in love at first sight."
Ellen snorted softly, shaking her head. "Don't fill her head with nonsense, Annis. Princes don't have to be kind—they just have to be rich and powerful."
"Perhaps," Annis conceded, but her smile didn't waver. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to dream."
Althea couldn't help but laugh lightly at their exchange. "Dreaming is all well and good," she said, rising from the bed, "but reality has its own plans. Let's get started, shall we?"
The maids led her to the bathing chamber, where the bathwater was infused with petals and fragrant oils, their delicate aroma filling the air and easing the tightness in her shoulders. Annis worked carefully, massaging her scalp as she washed Althea's hair.
"Have you met the prince before, my lady?" Ellen asked curiously as she refilled a pitcher of warm water.
"No," Althea replied, her voice thoughtful. "I've only heard what others say. Some of it good, some… not so much."
"That's how it is with royalty," Ellen said with a knowing nod. "Stories and rumors swirl around them like a storm. Truth is often somewhere in between."
Annis, ever the optimist, chimed in. "I'm sure he'll be wonderful, my lady. After all, the crown prince must have his share of admirers."
Althea tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're quite the romantic, Annis."
Ellen chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "She's young. Give her a few years, and she'll be as cynical as the rest of us."
"Not too cynical, I hope," Althea teased. "A little hope never hurt anyone."
When the bath was done, the maids helped her into the simple dress Leilani had sent over—a pale blue gown cinched at the waist with a white ribbon. It replaced the dress her father had sent, a plain and uninspired garment that spoke more of practicality than celebration.
The dress wasn't hideous, but it lacked any embellishment worthy of the occasion. Yet, Althea found herself oddly grateful for its simplicity. Her reputation was already questionable, and she was infamous for her overly dramatic ball gowns. A more subdued appearance might help her seem compliant, even humble—though the thought left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Once dressed, the maids pinned her hair back into a neat bun, leaving space for the veil. They forewent makeup entirely, reasoning that the veil would obscure her face. When they finished, Annis stepped back with a satisfied nod.
"My lady, you look beautiful. You should dress like this more often," she said with a bright smile.
Althea raised an eyebrow, her voice light with mock indignation. "Are you implying that I usually don't?"
"N-no! I didn't mean—" Annis stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson.
Althea laughed softly, waving her hand dismissively. "I was only teasing. Thank you both for your help."
The maid exhaled in relief, her shoulders relaxing as she offered a smile.
"Shall we?" Althea asked, gesturing toward the door.
The maids ushered her out of the room and down the grand staircase, where her father was waiting. Duke Aldridge stood near the entrance, his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze sharpened when he saw her.
"Good morning, Father," Althea greeted, stopping a few paces away.
The Duke's eyes swept over her attire, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why didn't you wear the dress I sent you? It was your mother's. I thought it might bring you comfort on a day like this."
Before Althea could respond, Elodie, her father's companion, interjected with a sharp laugh. "At least what she's wearing isn't as hideous as what she usually parades around in. Let's just get this over with, my dear. Don't let her stubbornness ruin the day."
Duke Aldridge's frown deepened, but he gave a small nod before addressing Elodie. "Go on ahead. I'd like a word with Althea."
Elodie hesitated, glancing between them before sighing dramatically and heading toward the carriage.
When she was out of earshot, the Duke's expression softened slightly. "Althea," he began, his voice quieter. "Do you want this? Truly? If you have any doubts, now is the time to speak. This can still be stopped."
Althea's heart clenched at his words, but she forced a smile. "It is what I want, Father. Thank you for asking me."
The Duke studied her for a long moment before nodding. He rested a hand on her shoulder briefly, his grip firm but warm. "Very well. Remember, you are stronger than you think."
With that, he turned and walked toward the carriage, leaving Althea standing alone for a moment.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Serena and George descending the stairs. Serena's eyes flicked over Althea's dress, her lips curling into a smirk. "You look...ordinary, as always," she remarked, her tone laced with condescension.
"I can't say the same for you," Althea replied evenly, her lips curving beneath the veil. "You look as though it's your ceremony being held."
"Perhaps it is," Serena said with a coy shrug. "One never knows."
"I suppose not."
"You do know," Serena continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, "that in arrangements like this, if one sister is deemed unsuitable, the other is automatically considered, right?"
Althea's smile didn't waver, though her tone cooled. "I'm not sure what you're trying to imply, Serena, but I think it's time for me to leave."
Without waiting for a response, Althea turned and made her way to the carriage. Caspian was waiting by the door, his expression carefully neutral.
"Good morning, Lady Althea," he said, his voice soft but steady.
"Good morning, Caspian," she replied, her tone equally measured.
He offered his hand, helping her step into the carriage. As she settled into her seat, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Are you really going to do this?"
"I have no choice," Althea murmured, meeting his gaze briefly before turning away.
Caspian hesitated, then shut the door and took his position.
She knew he was furious that she had stood him up the night before. Annis had delivered his letter, imploring her to meet him by the garden at midnight, but she had chosen to sneak out with Leilani to attend the masquerade ball.
The memory of his expression lingered in her mind—anger, frustration, and perhaps something else she dared not name. Whatever he felt was none of her business. Smiling faintly to herself, she leaned back in her seat.
As the carriage lurched forward and the structure of the castle came into view from far away, Althea's earlier confidence began to waver. Her hands trembled, not just from the chill of the morning but from the fear gnawing at her heart. What if the whispers about the prince were true? What if he was cruel—or worse, mad?
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to focus. None of it mattered. All that mattered was protecting her father and securing their future. She had no other choice. She must become queen.