A few days later
Prince William
When I looked outside and noticed the beautiful snow on the ground, I couldn't help but think deeply.
Wassalia Day was a week away; after that, it was the wedding date, and honestly, I didn't know how to feel.
It wasn't that I wasn't excited about my wedding, but something didn't seem right, and it started after the court hearing.
A few days have passed, and I feel like something is off, something involving my little Dove and her Father.
However, if I'm being honest, I couldn't tell what that was. Everything seemed to overwhelm me, and I needed time and space to think. This is why I came out here for some fresh air with Spencer.
He was the only one who understood me in that sense. I could zone out, and he didn't have a problem with it.
While this wasn't good for other horses, it was something that I knew my little Dove's horse was.
When I first met her a few months ago, I remember how she crashed because she was distracted and worried about her horse.
After that, I ensured she knew where she was going and trusted her instincts. When she does that, the horse will trust you indefinitely, no matter where you go or if you're zoned out.
You must also trust your instincts to ensure the horse trusts you. That is called thespecialbond.
Whenever I passed by to get Spencer, I did notice that Lily was in her own quarters, the same one she had been in when she moved in a few days ago.
It seemed odd since my little Dove loves flying out with Lily, especially early in the morning at sunrise.
I quickly changed the location of where Spencer was facing, took a few spins around the castle, and flew straight to the village.
I lashed full speed ahead when I was getting close to the village and reached it sooner than expected.
It wasthen I pulled back on the harness and turned Spencer around, making him hover around the village.
I looked at the bottom and saw many people working together in the garden and decorating for Wassalia Day.
Since we had snow, the garden was closed for growing food; however, during Wassalia Day, it was the location we used to celebrate the day.
The big tree would be placed in the center of the garden, and we would have many flowers from Freezenberg sent for decoration.
Many would be beautiful blue crystal flowers, while others were holiday winter flowers.
Thinking about this made me wonder whatwas going tohappen and what I would give my little Dove for Wassalia Day.
I turned my horse and headed for the mine we had just started a few years ago, near the village's end trail.
It was off the roads, near the mountains. It was almost as if you were heading to the castle, but we would head slightly to the land of the borders.
I decided to go check it out since the village was doing terrific, and if I'm honest, I am looking for more distraction.
I sighed and looked down to see Dad and Edward riding their regular horses along with GrandDad, and I couldn't help but wonder.
'What in the world? Now this looks interesting,' I thought as I dove my horse carefully to ensure a peaceful landing.
As soon as I landed, I quickly got off Spencer and walked toward them, talking to a guy. They were standing outside the mine with some jewel carts.
"I think this is going to be a good production, Your Majesty," said the guy as Dad and GrandDad nodded happily.
"It does give it a good glow," I added as they turned around to face me and smiled.
"William, I'm glad you're here, son," said GrandDad as he hugged me, and Edward smiled.
"You're doing good?" Asked Dad. As I nodded, he frownedat me, almost asking me if I was sure.
"Arnold, can you explain to Edward and my Dad what you told me, please," said Dad as I looked at him confused as the miner nodded.
"But…" I started, and he smiled and cut me off before shaking his head.
"Nope, come on, William. Besides, we're not allowed to be around the business too much," said Dad, slightly chuckling as I nodded.
He is right that if the council of Whelsire were to see us here, they would not like it. They would even automatically assume we were here doing business.
"Besides, you and I need to have a conversation," he said as I looked at him confused.
"How come?" I asked him as we continued to walk before he stopped and smirked at me.
"William, I know you well, son, and I know something isn't right," he said, growing confused at me as I turned away from him.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," I said before looking at him again as he smirked.
"Okay, then. So, how's the wedding going? It's coming up real soon," he said as I shrugged.
"I dunno," I said, shrugging my shoulders as he raised his eyebrow.
"I thought you and Rosalie were discussing that?" He asked as I began to walk away from him slightly before turning around.
"We were but…..Lately, it's been a bit odd," I said as Dad smiled and nodded.
"Yes, your mother and I have seen that," said Dad as my eyes widened.
"Does everyone know?" I asked, slightly panicked as he shook his head.
"No, just us," he said as I nodded and sighed.
"What happened?" He asked as I shrugged.
"Honestly, Dad, I don't know. One minute, we were all good, and the next, it's like we're complete strangers," I said as he listened.
"After the trial, she's been acting a bit odd,and thatworries me," I said as he nodded.
"Why don't you talk to her?" He suggested as I shook my head.
"What if she lies to me? I know something happened because her Father and she were alone for a while," I said as Dad frowned, confused.
"How do you know there was an interaction with them?" He asked.
"Because I stopped him from basically abusing her again," I said as Dad's eyes widened.
"What?" He asked, shocked as I nodded.
"He had her arm in a tight grip, and I had to order him to let her go," I said as he sighed and shook his head.
"William," he started, but I shook my head and interrupted him.
"No, Dad. I know it's her Father, but it's not right, and technically, he never bothered with her, and she's my fiancée," I said as he listened.
"I'll be damned if someone were to hurt her," I said, upset, as Dad smiled.
"It's a tricky situation because it's her Father, but again, she is your fiancée, and you want to protect her—even if it's her Father," he said as I nodded.
"It's upsetting; no one should be treated like that. Especially her, who we know is kind," he said as I nodded.
"She's been through a sticky situation, but I'm glad she has you. It makes your Mother and I see that we raised you right," he said, smiling.
"Thanks, Dad," I said as he smiled.
"If she changed since she saw her Father, he could have threatened her," said Dad as I sighed.
"Possibly, but why not tell me? I can help her," I said, getting a bit upset.
"Blackmailed, Remember William. Ricardo has his ways of getting to her," he said as I sighed.
"What if she's playing us?" I asked, slightly worried as my Dad shook his head.
"I don't think that's the case, William; you've said it yourself. He's been abusing her for years. If anything, she's a victim," said Dad.
"I've tried giving her space, and nothing. I've tried talking with her, and nothing; I don't know what else to do," I said, annoyed as Dad sighed.
"Just let her come to you; when she's ready, she will," said Dad as I sighed.
"Dad, the wedding is in three weeks. If we don't start talking soon, I don't know how we're even going to finish everything," I said as he sighed.
"Well, I've heard that Rosalie has asked your Mother and Liz forsomehelp. So, I'm pretty sure the wedding will be happening," he said as I nodded.
"Well, at least I know that then," I said as he sighed.
"It will be alright, son, I promise," he said as I sighed.
"I hope you're right, Dad," I said. He smiled slightly and nodded as we headed back to Edward and GrandDad.
"I think it will do fine," said Edward as GrandDad nodded, smiling.
"I can't wait for the lavender quartz to be fully extracted from the mines; they're going to be a great addition to the kingdom," said Edward happily.
"Ready to head home?" Asked Dad as they nodded happily.
"It looks like Edward might give me a run for my money," I said, smirking. They all chuckled, and Edward shook his head.
"No, thank you, William. You can have this; it's too much, and I don't know how you and Dad can honestly deal with this?" He said as I smiled.
"But you're amazing at this," I said as Dad nodded.
"It's in his blood," said Dad as GrandDad nodded.
"Not really my thing; I see myself more as a knight," he said, smirking.
"Lord, perhaps?" Asked Dad.
"He'd make a terrific Lord, too," said GrandDad as I nodded.
"Ever thought of becoming one?" I asked as he shrugged.
"Maybe, I don't know," he said as I smiled.
"It would mean less responsibility," I added, smiling as he thoughtfor a moment.
"Maybe, but I would have to see," he said as we nodded.
Once we arrived at the carriage, I looked at Spencer beforelooking atEdward.
"Ready to head back?" Asked Dad, and I shook my head.
"I actually need to go into town. Would you like to come with Edward?" I asked him, and he nodded.
"Alright then, we'll see you at home," said Dad as he and GrandDad nodded before getting into the carriage.
"Why are we going into town?" Asked Edward, smiling as I took hold of Spencer.
"I need to buy last-minute gifts," I said as he chuckled.
"So, we're doing last-minute shopping because you forgot?" He asked, smirking as I rolled my eyes.
"If we hurry, we can be back home real quick," I said as he nodded.
"Fine, but you owe me," he said, smiling as I shook my head and smiled.
We made our way into town and were quickly recognized by everyone as we beganourshopping.
I had to buy my last-minute gifts for Wassalia Day; otherwise, there would not be many things to get later on.
The good thing was that I didn't have afew people left—just Mom and Liz—so they were pretty easy to choosefor.
"Done," I said as he nodded, and we exited the store with the gifts in a bag, all nice and wrapped.
"What are you getting for my new sister-in-law?" he asked me, smirking. I raised my eyebrow and smiled.
"Something," I said as he chuckled.
"But what is it?" He asked as I smiled and continued to walk towards Spencer.
"It's a surprise," I said as he reached me before frowning, confused.
"You're not going to tell me?" He asked, sounding a bit shocked as I smiled.
"I won't tell her, pinky promise," he said sarcastically before smiling as I chuckled and shook my head.
"You sound like Liz," I said, getting on Spencer as he smiled.
"I mean, we are siblings, siblings who tell each other everything," he said, smirking. I rolled my eyes and sighed.
"Fine," I said, gesturing for him to get on Spencer.
Once he was on Spencer, I waited momentarily as we took off before he asked.
"Well?" He asked for a few minutes as we flew, and I sighed.
"You just don't give up, do you?" I asked him, turning my head slightly as he smiled.
"Nope," he said as I rolled my eyes and smiled before telling him what Iwas planning on givingher.
"I think that's amazing," he said as I smiled, and we landed at the palace.
"You think so?" I asked as he jumped off Spencer and nodded.
"Yup, anyone would say you're in love," he said, smirking as I rolled my eyes and walked away as his eyes widened.
"Wait a minute. Did something happen?" he asked as he walked towards me, and I smirked at him.
"Tell me, what happened?" He asked as I chuckled.
"I think I should go get Liz so you two can have a discussion," I said as he rolled his eyes.
"Come on, bro. That's what brothers are for," he said, smirking as I shook my head.
"Why don't we go for a ride?" I asked him as he looked a bit upset.
"Fine, Fine," he said as I smiled. He went to get his horse quickly as we began to race.
I am not going to lie. It was pretty fun to race with Edward. For a while, it helped me forget the troubles I was having.
We spent a few hours flying until the sun began to set, which meant it was getting closer to dinner time.
We landed, took our horses to the stables, and put them back in their quarters before we walked out.
"Have a good night, your majesties," said the stable boy as we nodded.
"Thank you, you as well," we said, and he smiled and bowed as we walked out.
"Feel better?" He asked as I stooped and gave him a look of 'how did he know?'
"How did…?" I started, but he smiled at me.
"William, I know you well enough to know that you were stressed because of the problem you have with Rosalie," he said as I sighed.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked as he shook his hand sideways.
"Kind of. I am your brother, and I know you well enough," he started as I sighed.
"I know this involved Rosalie because even though you haven't told me, I know you love her. You've changed since she arrived," he said as I looked at him.
"I kissed her," I said as he smiled.
"We shared something special, or at least I thought it was until wecame backfrom the trial," I said as he sighed.
"Did she change?" He asked as I nodded.
"A lot, she met with her Father. I know this because he is being rough with her again," I said as he frowned, confused.
"Are you sure?" He asked as I nodded.
"He bruised her wrist," I said as his eyes widened before he shook his head.
"Maybe this was all too much for her? Have you thought of the possibility he could have blackmailed her?" Said Edward as I nodded.
"I have, but like I told Dad, shouldn't she have told me? Especially since we were getting close?" I said as he nodded.
"Dad knows?" He asked as I nodded.
"Yup, that's why he pulled me aside," I said as he nodded.
"I understand what you say, William, but you have to remember that all this change isn't easy for Rosalie," he said as I sighed.
"I know. That's why I've been very patient and kind with her. I've given her space and tried talking to her, but nothing is working," I said, upset.
"Like you, Rosalie is changing. Maybe she wants to see what she can do," suggested Edward as I thought.
"But ignore me? It almost makes me feel like she's mad at me, and I don't know why," I said as he smiled.
"Have you said anything to offend her?" He asked as I shook my head rapidly.
"Of course not," I said quickly as he chuckled slightly.
"Then I won't worry, brother, she will come to you when she's ready," he added as I sighed.
"I hope you're right, brother. At least I know the wedding plans are still running," I said as he nodded, and we continued to walk.
"Oh yeah, Liz keeps on talking about how it's going to be amazing," he said mockingly, and I rolled my eyes.
"Don't worry, William, everything will be solved soon," He said as I smiled.
Once we reached the dining room, I walked in to see everyone already sitting there.
Rosalie and Liz talked about something before facing us as we walked in.I met her beautiful blue eyes that almost resembled purple, and I couldn't help but smile.
She had the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, and as soon as mine met hers, I immediately felt attracted to her.
Along with the beauty of her eyes, they also told a story that resembled fear and hopelessness.
However, after spending some time with us, I watched that disappear and be filled with confidence and joy.
It wasthen my eye traveled to her lips as I saw her smiling more directly at me.
She was smiling at me, and I couldn't help but feel a smile on my lips. I felt a strange sensation in my chest.
Princess Rosalie
It had been a few days since the trial, and I couldn't help but slightly worry, especially after what my Father had told me.
I didn't want him to harm Celeste because of my fault, but another thing was that I didn't want him to have power over me.
He had taken so much from me, and I was done; I didn't want him to hold any more power over me.
My time here with William has helped me a lot with overcoming my past trauma, and I didn't want to go back.
But part of me couldn't help but think if my Father's words were true. Did William really buy me? Was I nothing more than a bargain?
Most importantly, does he really love me? He has done a lot for me, but as my Father said, it was his job to do it.
However, I can think of many things he did for me that weren't his jobto do. For instance, he didn't have to bring Lily here for me.
He didn't have to help me with my Father by seeing me here; he could have said no, but he didn't.
He helped me all the way and has protected me from him repeatedly.
These last few days, I've been out of sight, mostly in my room, thinking about everything that has occurred.
I've tried to process and analyze the situation and ultimately put the wedding aside.I even ignored William a bit. I didn't mean to, but I needed time for myself.
My Father was used to manipulating people, which was one thing I didn't want to happen again.
Thankfully, Sofia and Liz have been helping me with the wedding, and we are almost done. The only thing missing was my dress. I had been waiting for the fitting, but it wasn't time yet.
I was then interrupted by a knock at the door. As I called and looked up to see who it was, I saw it was Sofia and Liz.
"Good evening, darling. May we come in?" Asked Sofia as I smiled and nodded.
"Of course," I said, smiling as they entered my room.
I quickly noticed Liz carrying a tray set with tea and cookies before placing it on the table.
"We wanted to check and see how you're doing," said Sofia, smiling.
"And to see if you'd like some tea," added Liz as I nodded, gesturing for them to sit and nod.
Once we alltook a seat, I noticed Liz was the one pouring the tea and was surprised by her manner.
Usually, Liz would lift the teapot and serve the tea from a high angle, which was not princess-like.
"What a graceful change," I said, raising my eyebrows at Liz. She smiled and handed me my tea cup.
"Been practicing," said Liz as I nodded.
"Her lessons seem to be going amazing," said Sofia as I smiled and nodded.
"How are you doing, darling?" Asked Sofia as I smiled.
"I'm doing good," I said as she smiled.
"Are you sure? You've been out of sight for a while, Rose," said Liz as Sofia nodded.
"I know it must have not been easy to see your Father at the trial, but we are here for you, darling," said Sofia as I smiled.
"Thank you, and sorry, I've been trying to process everything that happened, but it's not easy," I said as they nodded.
"We can imagine," said Sofia as I nodded.
"Even so, I think I am starting to remember parts of my childhood. There are many things I thought I forgot," I said as they looked surprised.
"At times, I dream about something, and I am not sure if it's a dream or a memory of my childhood," I said as their eyes widened before they smiled.
"This is good," said Liz as I smiled weakly.
"Is it, though?" I asked as I looked at Sofia, and she nodded.
"Yes, because only this way can you overcome this trauma and move on sweetheart," she said as I sighed.
Deep down, I knew she was right, but I didn't want her to be right because I was scared of going through that again.
"What is one thing you remember?" Asked Liz as I smiled.
"They're not fully in, but I think there was a time when I went to school with other students," I said as she smiled.
"Really?" She asked as I shrugged.
"I think I'm not fully sure," I said as she nodded.
"What is one memory you know for sure is real?" Asked Sofia as I smiled.
"This one is easy. I was with my aunt in our little cottage, and I passed by a painting of a beautiful woman. It was my mother," I said as they smiled.
"That was the only time I saw how she really looked since my Father never showed me," I said as they nodded.
"What happened to her paintings?" Asked Liz as I shrugged.
"I don't know. Once I moved in with my Father, I never saw that painting again," I said as they nodded.
"How did your Mother look like?" Asked Liz as I smiled.
"She had long, wavy blond hair with purple eyes," I said as they smiled.
"Just like you, darling?" Asked Sofia as I nodded.
"Her hair was a bit more of a honey blonde, while mine is goldenblonde. But I do have her eyes," I said as they nodded.
"Very unique eyes," Said Sofia as I smiled.
"Thank you," I said, smiling.
"What color are they really because I can't tell?" Asked Liz as I giggled.
"It's dark blue; it almost looks like purple at times," I said as they smiled.
"Very unique. I have green eyes," said Liz, slightly upset, as Sofia looked at her and raised her eyebrow.
"I'm sorry you got your Father and grandmother's eyes," she said, smirking as Liz bit her lip nervously.
"I'm playing Mom," she said, giggling nervously as Sofia smirkedat her.
"Sure, you are darling," she said, patting her hair.
"You excited for Wassalia Day?" Asked Sofia as I shrugged slightly.
"Kind of; I am excited to spend the day with you guys since it will be my official first Wassalia day…." I started but stopped.
"But you're worried something might happen?" Added Liz as I nodded.
"If I'm being honest, I don't want my Father to be here," I said as they nodded.
"I understand, and believe me, we will try what we can to ensure you have the best experience here," Sofia said as I smiled.
"Thank you," I said, smiling to Sofia.
"You're going to love it; we have ourownlittle tradition here," said Liz, smiling as I nodded.
"Can't wait," I said happily.
"Well, girls, I will leave you to it. I must go check up on dinner," said Sofia as she stood up.
"See you girls in a bit," said Sofia as she walked away, and we nodded.
"Alright, now that we are alone, tell me what's happening?" Asked Liz as I looked at her confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked as she smiled.
"Rose, Mom, and I have been observing you and have noticed that after the trial, you've been a bit quiet and zoomed out," she said as I sighed.
I didn't want to tell her everything that had occurred that day; I hadn't even told William.
He said he would protect me no matter what, but how can he protect me from what involves him?
I couldn't help but think of our first kiss. It was so magical and wonderful, and most importantly, it felt very real to me.
This is why I'm having difficulty understanding or believing my Father, especially since he's a good liar.
All the lies are for manipulation, but William and I haven't been close since the trial.
"I'm sorry; I have beendoing a lot ofprocessing and thinking about my memories coming back," I said as she nodded.
I wasn't telling her the full truth, but I also wasn't lying. Slowly, memories have been coming back, and I've felt overwhelmed.
"Especially one particular memory that I can't seem to unfold. I am certain it's not a dream anymore, but I can't unfold it," I said as she nodded.
"Which one is it?" Asked Liz as I sighed.
"I was a kid, maybe 7. It was right after my aunt died, and I was forced to return with my Father," I started as she heard.
"I went to this building. I can't tell what or where it is, but it was huge, and the colors were blue, green, and red, I think," I said as she nodded.
"Do you remember anything else?" She asked as I shook my head.
"Not really. I remember entering that building, and everything else is blurry," I said as she nodded.
"Anything else?" She asked, raising her eyebrow and smiling as I frowned, confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked as she smirked at me.
"I couldn't help but notice that before the trial, you and William were all nice and cozy?" She said, smirking as my eyes widened.
"Liz!" I exclaimed as she smirked.
"Aren't we best friends? We're practically sisters at this point," she said as I smiled.
"Something did happen," I said, looking away from cheeks burn slightly.
"I knew it! What happened?" Asked Liz excitedly as she walkedin front ofme and grinned the biggest smile.
"He kissed me," I said as she squealed with joy.
"And he gave you a precious ring," she said, smirking as I smiled.
"I thought that was a given, though?" I said as she shook her head.
"Nope, he didn't tell any of us. We knew because we saw the ring on your finger," added Liz as my eyes widened.
"I'm just a bit confused," I said as she raised her eyebrow.
"Why? What's there to be confused about?" She asked as I sighed.
"Liz, you know my past and what I've been through. I don't want this to be a lie; I don't think I can recover from that," I said, and she smiled.
"I understand, Rose, I do, but I am going to tell you a secret, Rose," she said as I nodded.
"William has always been opposed to the idea of marrying; he thought love was something out of his reach," she said as I looked at her in confusion.
"What? How do you know that?" I asked as she smiled.
"I know my brothers well; for a reason, I'm their favorite sister," she said happily as I looked at her confusion.
"You're their only sister, Liz,"I added as she smiled.
"Exactly what I mean," she said as weboth started to giggle.
"I can tell you from experience that this is new to him, but it's real. Don't doubt that," she said as I thought for a moment.
If I were to believe anyone, it would be Liz. She hasn't lied to me once and has been very supportive.
"So, I shouldn't doubt him at all?" I asked as she smiled before shaking her head slightly.
"William,wouldn'thave a reason to lie to you, especially if you two have shared a kiss," she said as I thought.
"Has he told you he loves you yet?" He asked as I shook my head.
"No," I said as she nodded.
"But he has proven it to you; it's just a matter of time," she said as I smiled.
Maybe she is right; he has repeatedly told me I can trust him with anything.
Since the moment I got here, I've changed for the better. Even though my Father says it's for the worse, it's because I no longer play by him.
William assured me that I could be myself with him. When he learned what I used to do when living with my Father, he shrugged it off.
He smiled, as if he enjoyed learning that was me. He could have blackmailed me with it but he didn't.
To this day, he brought me Lily and encourages me to ride her and go whenever I please with her.
With him, I am free here; I have been since the moment I have crossed paths with him.
'He truly is a blessing.' I thought as I couldn't help but smile and bit my lip nervously as I turned to see Liz.
"I guess you're right," I said, smiling as she smiled.
"Of course, I'm right. Now tell me what you were thinking a moment ago?" She asked as my eyes widened.
"W-what?" I asked, slightly nervous as she smirked.
"You heard me," he said, grinning as I shook my head.
"Does anyone tell you that you're a bit too nosy sometimes?" I asked, raising my eyebrow as she smiled and nodded.
"My Mom and William," she said as we giggledfor a moment.
"I was just thinking about the first time I met your brother," I said as she smiled.
"At the ball, right?" she asked, sipping her tea. I shook my head, and she looked confused.
"That's when I saw him again, but not when I first met him," I said as her eyes widened.
"When did you meet him? Where?" she asked, surprised. I smiled and looked down before looking at her again.
"A few days before the ball, I went out with Lily for a ride. I had a terrible day and needed to depart," I said, stopping momentarily.
I took a deep breath before continuing. Liz knew exactly what I meant, which is why she didn't ask for more.
"I was riding high and got lost, probably because I wasn't paying too much attention," I said, slightly chuckling.
"I crashed here for the first time late at night. Lily got a bit scared, and we made a pretty hard landing," I said as her eyes widened.
"Where?" She asked.
"Just outside the palace wall, but before getting to the new mine they just built," I said as she nodded.
"Right in the middle of those two locations, then," she said as I nodded.
"Once I landed, I tried to calm Lily. She was a bit scared, and I didn't even see your brother approach me," I said as she smirked.
"That little…. He didn't even tell me where he really met you," she said as I shook my head.
"He didn't know who I was, Liz, I…." I said as she cut me off.
"He has eyes, Rose; he can see well," she said, smirking as I shook my head.
"I was all dressed up in ridding clothes and was wearing a mask so that no one would recognize me," I said as her eyes widened.
"He approached me, and we talked for a minute before I departed," I said as she smirked.
"About what?" She asked as I shook my head.
"He was trying to give me pointers about my horse," I said as she giggled.
"And you sure proved him right," she added, grinning as I nodded.
"I didn't know who he was or where I was, and I kind of made fun of him for wearing fancy clothes," I said nervously as she laughed.
"That is the best thing I've ever heard," she said, laughing as I smiled and shook my head.
"Anyway, after what I left, it wasn't until I saw him at the ball that I put two and two together," I said as she nodded.
"Wow, you guys met even before you knew all this was going to occur?" she said as I nodded.
"How was he? What was the first impression he gave you?" She added as I thought momentarily.
"Charming but stubborn," I added as she slightly chuckled and nodded.
"That's my brother, alright," she said, smiling as I heard a knock at the door.
"Come in," I said as the door opened to reveal Izzie smiling at us.
"Dinner is ready, girls. Let's go," she said as we nodded and headed toward her.
As we walked, I couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. It had been a few days since William and I had talked.
We barely spoke, and sometimeswewould avoid each other, but I knew that had to stop sooner.
We are to be married and can't have this type of behavior. I trust him; I really do. But I can't risk the life of the person who raised me; that's unethical and uncanny.
Then again, my Dad could be lying about everything and make me lose William over nothing.
I was unsure, but I knew I needed to sort this out quickly before it consumed me. I'm not too fond of it when we disagree.
Once we arrived, we acknowledged the family and waited as they served us our food as William and Edward arrived.
I couldn't stop looking into his green eyes, so I didn't even try. I looked at him and saw him piercing through my eyes. I couldn't help but smile as he looked at me.
Dinner was very interesting anda bit awkward because I knew William would be unsure how to react.
The good thing was that they didn't ask much about the wedding, but Liz, being Liz, did. Luckily, I had my answers read.
"How is everything coming along?" she asked as I raised my eyebrowat her.
"You're there with me; you know how it's going," I said. Liz smiled as I looked over at William.
"Don't worry, I'm keeping her on a leash. This will be as simple as we can make it," I said as he nodded and smiled.
"I'm okay with anything you want," he said as I nodded.
"I didn't realize you were this eager to plan a wedding, Liz. Maybe we should start planning yours," said Sofia as Hugo's eyes widened.
"What?" He exclaimed, sounding afraid as Garrick couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't listen to her, Dad. She means my party," said Liz. Hugo gave Sofia a look, and she smiled.
"Have you heard anything?" William asked, giving his Father a look. I looked confused as he shook his head.
"Nothing yet, but might soon," he added as William nodded.
The rest of dinner went smoothly; before we knew it, it was time to head to bed. We all bid our good night before returning to bed.
I walked into your room and took a quick bath. Once I was done, I changed into my long-sleeve lavender nightgown.
I took my brush and began brushing my hair before stopping and going to the balcony.
I took a step outside and felt the cool breeze. I took a deep breath and looked up at the beautiful sky.
I couldn't help but think about who I should listen to. My Father, who has abused me all my life and tried using me as a pawn? Of my Fiancée, who seems to really care for me?
The choice was clear: It should be William since he hasn't given me a reason not to trust him.
However, another part of me didn't want to because I was afraid of what my Father would do to Celeste.
I could tell William the truth, but I'm afraid this could significantly harm Celeste.
As I thought I had taken a deep breath and sunk to the floor of the balcony, I looked at the beautiful view from the rails and up at the sky.
"I lost one, Mother; I can't lose another one," I said as I shook my head, and the tear finally slipped.
Suddenly, there was a knock at my door as I quickly wiped my tears away from my face.
"Come in," I said in a low voice, not turning to see who it was.
I heard the door open before it closed, and footsteps approached me. I sighed and smiled slightly, knowing who it was.
As I moved my head from the side to look before me, I saw William sitting in front of me, looking in the same direction I was a few minutes ago before turning to face me again.
"Came to interrogate me?" I asked as he chuckled slightly before shaking his head.
"Not unless you want me to," he said, raising his eyebrow as I sighed and looked out the balcony again.
"I'm afraid," I finally said after a few minutes of silence, still not looking at him.
"Why?" He asked, confused as I took a deep breath before answering him.
"My Father, he could potentially hurt the last person who cares for me," I said slowly, turning my head in his direction and avoiding eye contact.
"I've thought, and thought, what I can do to save her, but it's hopeless. I can't save her; I'm a failure," I said, upset as another tear slid down.
I looked down at my hands before I saw his on top of mine; one of his hands grabbed my chin and slowly brought me up to meet his green eyes.
"You have nothing to be afraid of. As long as I'm here, I will protect you. But I need to know to help you," he said as I nodded.
Another tear slid down my cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb before smiling at me.
"You're not a failure. You're Dove, and like one, you will fly again with some help," he said as I smiled slightly before pulling him in for a hug.
"We'll find a way to solve this, Dove, I promise. We'll do this together," he said as I hugged him tighter.
"I promise you, my Dove," he said as we continued to hug, not wanting to let go of each other.