Chapter 32

I hadn't moved from my spot until Crystal finally stumbled into the aisle, her face the epitome of terror. Eyes wide and trembling as she touched my arm.

"Are you okay?" Her voice trembled and I finally broke away from my shock.

"Yea- No- No I am not okay" I let out a gasp and fell to the floor, Crystal tried to grab me before I hit the ground but I slipped through her hold.

"It's- It's okay- We can get out of this!" She tried to persuade me, but all I could see was my future being shattered into a million shards of glass and then grounded into dust.

"This is impossible. I- I- That bastard…" I didn't know what to say to make it better because it didn't matter.

Was this it?

A royal advisor or Queen?

"I'll - I'll speak to someone! I'll send a letter to father- maybe he can!"-

"No!" I cut Crystal off, reaching for her shaking arms and holding them in my own, "I will figure this out alone. I don't need any help. Do. Not. Tell. Anyone."

She stared at me, face still that of despair as she looked down reluctantly, biting her lip.

"He was terrifying- I- I was right behind him, but- but I couldn't even move" tears spilt from her eyes as she recalled the memory, "he did something to me- some kind of magic".

I hadn't replied to her. Not because I didn't believe her, but because I suddenly felt like a pebble picking a fight with a mountain.

The prince was dangerous. He was a war hero. He was Grandors sword and shield. Why- Why have any use for me?

"Crystal" I took a deep breath, laying a hand on her arm, "Don't worry about what happened. I'll figure it out".

I pushed on the ground and slowly with wobbly legs, I stood up. Holding a hand to Crystal, who grasped it absently.

"I- I'm not sure if I should've come here anymore and I'm sorry for bringing you".

"It's not your fault at all. It would've happened anywhere if it was meant to".

I had locked myself away in my bedroom for the rest of the day. Crystal had stayed and then left and Sarah was out the whole day. It was simply me, alone in silence that was barely comprehensible with my thoughts.

I left the book at the library. Finding the weight of it too heavy. And I didn't want to return back there.

I stared at the ceiling.

Listening to the ticking of the clock. As hours passed.

Had I not received a letter at that moment I would've spent another day in a similar state. The footman who knocked on the door did not once glance up as he placed the letter on my dressing table, bowing as he left.

"Thank you" I called but I'm pretty sure he missed it.

The letter thankfully was made of recycled paper and the sender was Mr Connor Archangel.

I opened it. Unable to help how noticing informal he wrote to me as if we were friends.

Dear Miss Colter,

I went ahead with the plans as you instructed. The opening date will commence in three days from now and I sincerely hope you can attend.

Anastasia seems to have the same terrible luck as you. I worry how much she must be talking your ear off.

I would also like to pass on that the sales figures have come in and they're quite promising.

Please let me know if you require other information.

PS. Your brothers are in the Capital.

Connor Archangel.

I stared at the last message, wondering if I was seeing things.

My brothers were in the Capital. Did they come by to visit Connor…? I frowned knowing full well I hadn't introduced them.

Strange…

I shook off the feeling creeping up on me. The one that I get when I know something strange is at play. Something I was in the dark about.

I wrote back.

Making sure to ask if he knew why my brothers had come to the capital and prayed it was for business.

I decided to post the letter immediately and got dressed. I picked a dress that was one of the most recent seamstress' creation. It was a beautiful deep blue, but I couldn't help but feel dull emptiness as I stared at myself in the mirror.

It was the type of dress that could make anyone look good, but that wasn't my concern. It was the fact that it felt like it didn't matter. Like it lost all meaning….

I took a deep breath.

I found the footman rather easily and passed the letter to him. He bowed deeply and took it.

"The ladies are in the tea room if you'd like to join them" he said, noticing that I was alone and I smiled gratefully.

"Thank you".

"Let me walk you" I blinked at his eagerness and catching on he bowed apologetically, "please forgive me, I assumed you may struggle finding your way".

"Oh no I'm grateful for it. It's just you seem rather good with people. Most people in the palace ignore you unless necessary" I took in his clean appearance and nodded approvingly.

"I'm honoured to receive such praise. Especially from the most promising princess candidate".

I flinched at his words.

Finding myself loosing my original words to scout him.

Instead we walked in silence after that, while he frequently glanced at me to make sure he hadn't offended me.