Adeline Learns the Truth
"Are you aware of who I am?"
"Yes, Miss."
"Do you understand the purpose of my visit?"
"Indeed, Miss."
Vivian's sharp gaze lingered on me, cutting through the air with unspoken accusations.
"Jake, return to your quarters.”
"As you wish, Mother," he replied, exiting the room swiftly.
"Jake, what a fine name.”
"He was named after his father, continuing a long family tradition."
"My mother has already revealed the truth to me.”
“There is no need for deception."
"Your mother shared her truth."
"What truth do you have to offer?"
Vivian studied me with contempt, as though I were the one sentencing her to death
"I served the royal court loyally, from a family of esteemed standing.”
“Your father often sought my counsel on important matters.”
“He had long suspected your mother of being unfaithful."
Her voice wavered only slightly as she continued.
"I loved Jake deeply, but he never returned my affections.”
“His demise, however, was the result of your mother's actions."
My posture remained calm as I listened to her words, my expression betraying none of the turmoil I felt inside.
"Jake died before he could ever meet our son.”
“Your visit today is not about the past tragedy."
"What do you know about the disappearances in the castle?"
Vivian’s eyes widened at my unexpected question.
"Your brother had many affections, some of which the king saw as threats.”
“Many were banished to the same place.”
“A small village far across the sea.”
“You should seek out Macy, your mother’s former lady-in-waiting if you want more answers.”
“That is all I know."
"I have one more question."
I stepped forward, my voice firm.
"Do you know who killed my mother?"
She hesitated, her eyes darkening.
"It was your father.”
“He planned to have it done the night you were born, but something made him change course."
I absorbed this revelation in silence, feeling the weight of it settle in my chest. Without another word, Vivian and Nyx ascended the stairs together.
In the seclusion of the upper chambers, they exchanged whispers of past hurts, long-buried truths revealed under the cover of night. Secrets were laid bare, the truth cutting deeper than any blade.
Nyx descended the staircase ahead of me, his expression unreadable as he disappeared into the shadows. A sense of urgency gripped me, propelling me into action. I pulled my cloak tightly around me, the fabric a comforting weight as I stepped into the unknown.
"Thank you, Vivian, for your candor," I said, turning to her one final time.
"If you ever need my help, do not hesitate to ask."
Nyx pressed a soft kiss to Vivian's cheek before we left, the door closing with a final click behind us. We stepped outside. I noticed the young man watching from an upper window, his eyes lingering on us as we disappeared from view. Nyx assisted me into the carriage, his gaze steady as we began our journey.
"Nyx, do you know of the village across the sea?"
"Your brother mentioned it a few times."
"Is there a way to communicate with the people there?"
"If you wish, I can go myself to bring back Macy."
"That would be appreciated."
The rest of the ride passed in silence. When we arrived back at the castle, Alexander was waiting at the entrance, his face filled with concern. He rushed to the carriage, helping me down before pulling me into a warm embrace.
"Adeline, I was so worried for you."
"I am fine, Alexander.”
“There is much I need to tell you."
"Shall we go to my study where we can speak privately?"
He nodded, and we walked through the castle's grand halls, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. Soon we reached Alexander’s study, the heavy door creaking open. The room was cluttered, books strewn about as if he had spent restless nights seeking answers. His appearance mirrored the chaos, disheveled and tired. He secured the door behind us, then perched on the edge of his desk, running his fingers through his tousled hair.
"What have you learned, Adeline?"
"My father’s mistress was more knowledgeable than I expected.”
“She spoke of a village across the sea.”
“A place where the disappeared were sent.”
“My brother and father exiled them to avoid scandal."
Alexander’s brow furrowed.
"Why would they do that?"
"To protect the crown from disgrace.”
“There is no proof of any wrongdoing by those exiled."
"What do you intend to do with this information?"
"Nyx has agreed to sail to the village and retrieve my mother’s former lady-in-waiting.”
“I need answers.”
“I believe my father played a part in my mother’s death, but I need evidence."
Alexander’s gaze shifted to Nyx, standing nearby.
"Leave us."
Nyx bowed respectfully and departed, closing the door behind him.
"Adeline, are you sure you trust this woman’s words?"
"She is afraid of something, but I believe her.”
“Nyx also mentioned my brother speaking of this village."
Alexander relaxed, the tension leaving his face as he stepped closer. His presence was warm, comforting. He pulled me into a tender embrace, and for a moment, we simply stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms. His heartbeat was a steady rhythm against mine, grounding me in the present. Just as our lips were about to meet, a knock interrupted the moment. Alexander's grip tightened in frustration.
"Who is it?"
His voice was sharp.
"It is Cecelia, my lord," came the voice from the other side.
Alexander sighed, releasing me reluctantly. He crossed the room, opening the door to reveal Cecelia, her eyes flickering between us before settling on him.
"Your Majesty, I need to speak with you alone."
"You can speak here," Alexander replied curtly.
"Adeline stays."
Cecelia hesitated, then continued, her voice losing some of its flirtatious edge.
"It is about Nathan's education.”
“I want him to receive the same royal training as Andrew."
Alexander's gaze softened slightly at the mention of his son.
"Go on."
"I believe he deserves to be groomed for his role, like his brother.”
Alexander regarded her thoughtfully.
"What does your husband think of this?"
Cecelia’s expression faltered briefly before she regained her composure.
"He agrees that Nathan should have the best education possible."
Alexander considered her words for a long moment before responding.
"Very well.”
“I will make the necessary arrangements.”
“I will not hesitate to intervene if there are any issues."
Cecelia curtsied gracefully before leaving the room, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.