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ARAMINTA’s POV

My legs felt wobbly and heavy as I struggled to maintain my balance till I got into my room. I slammed the door shut and pressed my back on it, my hands on my chest as I was breathing in and out to calm myself. I had never felt so much anger, frustration, and skepticism before. My eyes welled up with tears again, I could see my life crumbling before me.

“Kai…I don't want to fail you——

I sobbed out with my hands covering my mouth to keep myself from being heard by the guards outside my room. A jacket fell from my shoulder as I struggled to keep my balance, Noah’s jacket……everything was so confusing and complicated but I was determined not to let his facade deceive me. I could not bear to trust and marry the same person who murdered my first lover in cold blood. Everything happened so fast, my father made me seem like a stranger for most of my life. He made all my life decisions but this?

How could I tell him that I can't marry Noah because he killed Kai?


I opened my swollen eyes when I heard a light knock on my door. My voice came out tiredly, I had worn out myself the previous day.

“Imogen, is that you?

She opened the door and entered with her head hung low, I creased my forehead for a minute to figure out what was happening when I remembered about the vase. It wasn't like I forgot but a lot happened yesterday and was so overwhelming for me.

I cleared my throat lightly “Imo, I will be deceiving you if I tell you that I wasn't mad at you but….I realized that I probably overreacted and that was very bad of me” I pouted my lips before I continued “Forgive, me Imogen”

Her eyes lighted up with a big smile breaking on her face, she dashed toward me on my bed and hugged me tightly

“I’m sorry too, Princesa” she uttered with a teasing tone. I detached myself from her immediately with shock written on my face “Princesa?! Imogennnnnnnnnnn!!!!

Her laughter occupied my room immediately after my scream “Ohh, heard that is the name your Prince charming calls you. He grew up in Spain and that explains why he looks so clean and hot…..ahhhhhhhhh”

I could feel Imogen’s happiness in my bones, she was truly happy for me and I wished I could tell her the truth behind Kai’s death but I didn't have the courage to.

I stood up from my bed, still wearing my dress from yesterday. I honestly didn't even know how I ended up moving from my door to my bed not to talk of falling asleep.

“My lady, I will miss you a lot. But I promise to make good use of your remaining days here” Imogen said behind me as I made my way to the restroom, her voice sounded unhappy.

I stared at her with my hands on my waist “ I wish my parents didn't sell me out to a goddam Prince……well sorry and not sorry to burst your bubbles, Imogen, we are leaving with the prince charming tonight”

“That explains your swollen eyes” Her words sounded in my ears earning her a sharp look from me. “Wait, aren't you surprised that I'm leaving tonight?

Imogen walked closer to me with her hands clasped together “Well, I could say I heard some words here and there when you were arguing with the Queen last night. The only thing I wanted to be sure of was if I was coming with you and guess what?!?

“You just confirmed it!!!! She busted out with laughter and danced around my room. I watched her dance and I secretly wished I was happy for myself as much as Imogen was for me but that was not possible, I was leaving my whole life behind for a man who cut short my happiness. Thinking of Kai, tears prickled in my eyes. Imogen who had probably noticed my unusual silence stopped and came in front of me “My lady, are you…okay? Her voice came out with concern as she stared at me confusingly.

I nodded my head and offered her a warm smile “I'm fine..just—just nervous” a voice sounded in my head as I lied to Imogen, it was nothing close to nervousness. It was fear—and it was getting clearer to me that I could not get past this whole thing.

LATER THAT DAY

I found myself walking through the corners of the palace, I had finished dressing up for the unwanted journey. I wore a simple split sky-blue dress which exposed a bit of my thighs and packed my hair in a dough. I was taking my time to check those walls before I will be leaving for another town, the breeze was blowing gently and it was so peaceful. But my sanctuary was disturbed when I heard some hushed voices just outside an open window, the voices sounded familiar but were too faint to grasp.

I crept closer and hid behind the thick velvet curtains, holding my breath while focusing on listening, it was Noah’s voice….but he was on a call with someone who was placed on a loudspeaker.

“…….arranged it perfectly” the other voice sounded from the phone, his tone firm and rigid. “Everything is in place, the property will finally be within our reach”

My heart throbbed…what property? Is he talking about me or they were talking about something else?

Noah then sounded next, deep and calm as usual “ Good, I believe this is a necessary step and she doesn't need to be aware of it when carried out”

I pressed my hands over my mouth stifling a gasp, the words were confusing yet intriguing. What do I need to know? My mind wandered in turmoil to try to place some pieces together. Was Noah hiding something else? Or was I just overthinking and being paranoid?


Later that night, after having ignored both my parents and managing a calm facade and after a tense dinner and few preparations. I stood outside in the chilly breeze looking at the car that would take me to where I hadn't chosen. Prince Noah approached with his scent hitting my nose hard and his unreadable expression in the moonlight.

“Shall we go, Princesa? His deep voice jotted me to reality as he said to me while offering his hand. I ignored his hand as if I had never seen it and took a deep breath to steady myself before I muttered with as much stability as I could muster “I'm ready”

He stared at me with a flicker of surprise and for a split second, it felt as if he was searching for something in my eyes. But they vanished quickly as he replaced them with his beautiful and probably infuriating smile.

I stepped into the car, I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. Tonight, I was leaving behind my whole life, my family, and the only chance I would ever have at true love. But the best part was I wasn't leaving without answers. No matter what challenges would come my way, I would uncover the truth and make Noah pay the hard way. Even if it meant costing me my last breath.

The palace was fading as we moved forward, a cold chill settled over me. I could feel Noah’s hot gaze on me, watching, and at that moment, I swore

“ He might believe he has all the powers but jokes on him because I won't be a pawn in his little game and he has no idea what I'm willing to do for the truth”

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