Halsey POV
The ceremony comes to an end, and now it's time for me to go to my new home. The knot in my stomach returns with such intensity that I feel like throwing up.
I feel detached from my people, especially the few people I love dearly. My favorite handmaids, Arya and Kiari. I will miss them so much. They are the only friends I have and have been with me since childhood.
"I'll miss you more than words can say, Halsey." Arya's voice cracks as she squeezes my hand, her tears shimmering under the fading light.
"Promise me you'll stay strong. Promise me you'll fight, no matter what."
Kiari nods, her hands trembling as she brushes a stray curl from my face. "And if you ever need us, we'll come. Kingdoms apart won't stop us."
Their words cut through me, leaving an ache that feels almost physical. They're my sisters in all but blood, and now I'm leaving them behind.
"Take care of yourselves." I whisper, my throat heavy with the weight of repressed tears. I'm already thinking about what my new home will be like and my new life with my mate.
Soon, I bid farewell to everyone, as the carriage that will transport me to my new home is now waiting outside.
I don't bother saying goodbye to the few people I know who are thrilled about my departure, especially Rio. She looks the happiest with her fake smiles.
"I won't miss you, Halsey. At last, no one gets to compete with my beauty in this kingdom." She comes close as though she wants to hug me, whispering the words in my ears.
"Don't flatter yourself, Rio." I smirk, pulling her into a mock embrace, our faces inches apart as I whisper, "Even in my absence, my shadow will outshine you."
Her expression twists into a mask of fury, and she hisses.
"Enjoy your monster husband. I hope he keeps you busy—permanently." She grits in a whisper, and I chuckle because I got the reaction I was expecting.
Shortly, I walk out of the hall, giving the prince my hand. He holds me in position as I climb into the carriage. He gets in as well, sitting next to me. And King Klaus drives in a different carriage behind us.
We drive in silence. He doesn't even glance at me; he actually focuses his gaze outside the window.
The silence is so loud that it makes those knots in my stomach grow. I can't stop thinking about what to expect in my new home. He doesn't say a word to me, not even his name.
What if he refuses to claim me as his? What if he never gives me the right to become his mate? I can't stop thinking about what he said earlier in the hall.
"I don't care; if you are my mate, it changes nothing." His words reverberate in my head continuously, and I wish I could take my mind off them.
Some hours later, the castle looms above us, its towering spires cutting into the midnight sky. Shadows twist and ripple across the stone walls, illuminated by the pale glow of the crescent moon.
He offers his hand to help me down from the carriage, his touch cool and fleeting, as if he can't bear more than a moment's contact. Without a word, he strides ahead, his figure disappearing into the yawning gates of my new home.
I trail behind him, my footsteps echoing against the cold stone floor. Each step widens the chasm between us, an invisible void I can't seem to cross. Hurt coils in my chest, mingling with the sting of rejection.
I tell myself it doesn't matter—he doesn't owe me anything. And yet, a foolish, fragile part of me still hopes for a glance, a word—anything to bridge this unbearable silence. He doesn't seem to acknowledge me or this marriage.
As we head into the castle, a tall lady with vibrant green eyes appears in front of us. "Welcome, Your Highness and my lady." She greets us with a bow as her jet-black hair waves to the corner of her eyes. "Your Highness, shall I take her highness to her room?" She inquires with a stage smile.
My room? Do we have separate rooms? Does this imply that he won't genuinely claim me as his mate?
He truly has no interest in me. The emptiness in his eyes conveys his true feelings. He gives me a goodbye look before he gives the maid a go-ahead. "Take her to her room."
"Now, I will take my leave. Have a wonderful night's rest." He turns to walk away.
I am left speechless because he doesn't even bother to get to know me, tell me things about him, or even just his name.
"Shall we, your highness?" She bows with a friendly smile, but my eyes are teary as I'm unable to let out the hurt I feel.
"Yes." I mumble, slightly wiping my cheek dry.
We walk into the room. It's large and cozy with elegant decoration. It's slightly more comfortable than the room I had back in my castle.
"I will prepare a bath for you shortly, my lady." She bows again and heads to the bathroom side of the room.
It's still late at night, and I don't think I will like to eat tonight anymore. I just want to take my bath and go to sleep.
The maids inform me about my bath. I swiftly remove my clothes before entering the warm bathtub. She helped me bathe thoroughly and wash my hair.
She seems to be nice because she keeps giving me the friendly smile at any words she utters. I'm tempted to ask questions about the prince, especially his name, but I don't know if she will act friendly to that extent.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my lady. I forgot to introduce myself! I am Zanora by name, and I will be your personal maid from henceforth." She bows as she pins the last button of the light blue dress.
"Nice to meet you, Zanora. I'm Halsey." I smile; her vibes give me more confidence to go ahead with my questions.
"Welcome once again, my lady. And feel free to ask any questions." Her green eyes brighten, and now I feel confident about asking her questions.
"I'm sorry, this might seem weird, but do you mind telling me His Highness's name?" I bite my lower lip as I ask. It's very awkward to ask the name of my husband from a maid. I wish I could ask him myself, but it seems impossible.
"You don't need to feel shy, my lady. I understand you perfectly. His Highness's name is Lalchan Klaus." She gets on the bed beside me as she rolls up my long brunette hair together in a round shape; she says it will make me sleep comfortably.
Then I contemplate the last question that has been ringing in my head. The rumors I heard from Rio. Is it just rumors, or was Rio trying to scare me?
"Is His…" I pause, biting my lips nervously.
"Go ahead, my lady; you are free to ask any question. I'm here to serve you." She smiles brightly, and I nod as I think about the question again.
"Is it true what they say?" My voice trembles, barely above a whisper. "About him... being a monster at night?" I bite my lip, bracing for an answer, while her expression shifts—first surprise, then something softer, almost pitying.
She chuckles lightly, though the sound lacks warmth. "Rumors have their way of growing teeth, my lady," she says, her green eyes dimming slightly. "But truth and lies often wear the same cloak. Perhaps His Highness prefers you to see only what he allows. If he didn't inform you, then I believe he doesn't want you to know." Her tone lowered, and the brightness in her eyes dulled.
"I know he doesn't care about our marriage. But we just found out that we are mates. He doesn't seem to care as well. He despises both this marriage and me. I can see it in his eyes. He is so cold toward me, as though I've committed a big crime by becoming his mate. I didn't even want this marriage; I was also forced to get married to him, and there is nothing I can do about it."
I'm unsure of when I will express my emotions, tears streaming down my face. I've been repressing all my emotions since the wedding, and I'm currently feeling extremely overwhelmed.
"There are... truths about His Highness," Zanora begins, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Truths that are not mine to share. If he hasn't told you, then perhaps he believes it's not time yet—or that you shouldn't know at all." Her gaze flickers to the door as if fearing unseen eyes, and for a fleeting moment, her cheerful demeanor falters. "But not everything is as it seems, my lady. Not with him."