12

They drew closer to the capital. Making their way from the outer ring towards the castle. Many greeted Princess Amaris with open arms while a select few voices their displeasure. Nonetheless, Princess Amaris gave a brighter smile. Not showing them the effects of their words. The closer they got to the castle, it appeared even more crowbarred when they first arrived.

Guards were sent for extra measures. Protecting Princess Amaris, Audrey, and Lady Layla until they reached inside the castle walls. King Rhys had been waiting for them as night fell close in hand.

The carriage stopped close to the stairs leading into the castle. "Welcome to Bellesea Castle. How have you liked our kingdom this far?" Rhys grabbed Amaris' hand and helped her out of the carriage.

"Many wonderful sights I got to see during my travels here." Amaris had whispered to him. Playing her role.

"Good. Once inside, I'll have someone show you to the chambers that you will be staying in," he had whispered back. Rhys had let her walk ahead as he helped his mother and sister out of the carriage. Once done with that, he led them inside. Ordering some maids to show Princess Amaris to her room so he can talk to his mother.

Amaris looked wearily in their direction as they walked away before focusing on the maids before her. They gestured for her to follow and she did just that. She was tired and more than ready to sleep.

_________________•••________________

Cora slowly crept into King Rhys's study. Trying to catch her lover off guard. As she approached, Rhys couldn't help but notice that the air in the room began to pick up a citrus smell to it. Smiling to himself, slowly at the fact that Cora had come to visit him. He felt delicate arms wrapped around his neck from behind. The smell of her engulfed him, calming him ever so slightly.

"My love, I told you that tonight I would not visit you. That I wish to wrap up some issues before spending my time with you tomorrow," his tone a soft and gentle one. Grabbing her arms as he pulled her around and sat her in his lap. Burying his face into the crook of her neck. Inhaling the scent of her.

"You have been gone for months in a different kingdom. I have missed you terribly since you have been gone," A pout formed on Cora's face. The sadness that she had felt leaked into her words. Catching Rhys's attention immediately. Moving her hair away from her neck. Rhys had placed slow kisses along her neck. Whispering words of apologies and sweet nothings. Causing Cora's face to heat up. Looking away and towards the agape door. Seeing the woman that had come in the same carriage as Audrey and Layla. Smirking, Cora gave a slight moan. Indicating that they were being intimate. Then, she was gone.

Amaris had witnessed enough. Her heart beat rapidly within her chest as she ran away from the scene that unfolded before her. She felt hurt and betrayed in some way. That had explained why he hadn't come to their chambers and why he told her not to wait up for him. Running until she was out of breathing and shaking within their shared chamber. Tears ran down her face. The door slammed behind her.

She was shaking as the emotions washed through her. She knew better than to be affected by him. She knew that all kings had their mistresses... so why... why was she so shocked at the scene that she was not intended to see?

As time passed by... she heard footsteps echo behind the door. Someone was in the corridor but she didn't move. Didn't care at this point until she heard a knock on the door. Slowly, she got up. Opening the door to be blinded by the sudden light that had entered the room by the candle the person held. Eyes squinting. Adjusting to the light. She noticed it was someone who look like Audrey. She then realized that he must be her twin.

Keith was taken aback by Princess Amaris's appearance but then again he did not expect her to open the door. He expected his brother, the king. Amaris eyes were puffy. A clear sign that she was crying. Her cheeks were still wet which added to the conclusion of her crying.

"Princess... where is my brother? Did he do something to hurt you?" The words rushed out of his mouth before he could stop himself and with those words. The tears were once again fresh. Streaming down her face as her body shook with the sobs that came from her lips. Heart aching, Prince Keith reacted without thinking. He pulled her in and hugged her. His hand ran slowly through her hair in a soothing manner.

He whispered soothing things to her. Trying to get her to stop crying. Once she did, he pulled her into the room and made sure to move her somewhere that she could sit. Kneeling in front of her. Caressing her cheek. Wiping the tears away during the process. "Now tell me what is wrong that you are crying and making that pretty face of yours so puffy..." He trailed off. Waiting for a response. She slowly looked at him before replying.

"I was simply curious as to why your brother, the king, told me not to wait up for him this night. So I asked the guards on where I could find him... only to see him... within another's intimate embrace...." Her voice cracked. Not willing to say much more about the matter.

Keith knew all too well who the woman that Rhys was embracing was. He also knew that his brother was not planning to see her tonight at least. Not with everything that piled up while he was gone. He kissed her forehead gently. Hoping that would put her at ease. Even if it was clear to see her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink.

From the doorway, it had appeared that they had kissed and Rhys had witnessed the entire thing. Wondering when they got so intimate and informal with one another. His blood boiling for some unknown reason. Watching them interact made him want to storm inside their chambers and beat his younger brother to a bloodied pulp. Then he heard his brother say something that made it even worse.

"I'm sure it was the last time thing. After all, I doubt it'll happen again..." But before Keith could finish what he was saying Rhys had already stormed into the room. Causing both Amaris and Keith to jump away from one another in fright.

Rhys had pulled his brother away from Amaris and punched him square in the jaw. She screamed in horror at what she was witnessing. Guards soon rushed into her chambers.