2 | With someone else

2 years ago

"Sandra, stop crying over the newspapers" Her mother snatched the newspaper from her hand. Cassandra was just 47 then, young and timid.

"But he's with her, I love him," She sighed and stood up, not wanting to earn another lecture. Rylla was pretty, with amazing emerald orbs contrasting her striking dark black hair. She's everything Cassandra was insecure about.

"He will marry you anyway," Her mom said, without any kind of sympathy for that girl. It felt so wrong to Cassandra, even though she loved him all these years, she didn't want to ruin someone else's life just because she wanted him.

She had been called to the Royal feast in the Eastern Kingdom, but she dreaded to visit them and witness the bond between the prince and Rylla. She had submitted herself to the books instead of talking to people who only commented on what her future husband was doing. That meant she was reading the books all the time.

"Hey Sandra, quit reading those books," Her brother wrapped his arms around her neck and shoulders from behind. She smiled as she dropped them down and stood up. She loved him more than anything else, even though he was the reason her parents treat her less.

"They help me escape reality, maybe you should try it sometime," She told him, handing him a book titled "the past and the present".

"I need to find a lady in reality, not in fantasy," He replied, "Besides, learn to face the reality, Sandra. Truth is harsh, but learn to change it," He added. She sighed and leaned on the chair, causing him to lose his balance.

"Fine," She knew what he was talking about. He wanted her to confess her feelings to Kaydn, and accept whatever he tells her. But she didn't want things to be more awkward between them than it is now.

She paced inside her room after her brother left, wondering what to wear. She didn't want to impress him or make him feel that she was ugly. She glanced over the newspaper once more, the picture of him holding her waist haunted her too much, but she didn't want to ruin their relationship either.

She wondered how it would feel if she were Rylla if he were so madly in love with her. But she knew that she'll never be her, and can never be in his arms. She walked towards the dress her mother had picked for her, it was just too extravagant. Well, it is supposed to be, her mind whispered.

Royal members had a separate school to go to, they teach the basics of the kingdom and everything required to survive in a palace. But Cassandra had always wanted to go to the normal schools in the past, where people could learn whatever they want. Rylla was the minister's daughter, and that's how she visited the same school as Cassandra and Kaydn.

"Sandra, why are you looking at the dress like that?" It was her mother, Ixora, again. She had some pearls in her hand with a bow. She had never allowed maids to dress her daughter whenever she had to meet Kaydn.

She wanted to ask if she could wear anything less extravagant and comfortable, but again, she didn't want another lecture. So she simply slipped into the sliver frock which glittered in the yellow lights. The corset was making her breathless, but again, she didn't want to say anything. She had learned to be mute, and listen to her mother. Her mother pinned the silver bow to the back of the dress. Her hair was braided at the front and decorated with pearls, the hair in the back was left free.

"My precious daughter, I can't wait to show you to them," She said. Cassandra just smiled but she couldn't help but feel like she was material to showcase. Her brother eyed her as they hopped into the car.

"You look gorgeous," He whispered. Her father had left with her mother in another car, they had to drive to the airport and take their private plane which everyone in their country fancied. People eyed the car as it moved across the street, they seemed to be amused no matter how many times they have seen the same car.

"I know," she replied. She hated the fact that she has to travel in this huge dress, but she had no other go. Her life seemed to be so pathetic, nobody knew her except her brother.

The time seemed to fly by, with the plane and they had reached their destination in no time. Her heart palpitated as the Eastern palace's door flew open. Her eyes landed on Kaydn, who was smiling at everyone.

"King Enwyld," The Eastern Kingdom's king welcomed Cassandra's father. His eyes then shifted towards her, and she bowed.

"King Lukius," She bowed again and he seemed to admire her.

"Princess Cassandra," He addressed her back. They seemed to do it every time they met and it bored her, but this was their tradition. She looked at Kaydn and he was talking to her mother, which irked her. She didn't want her to false praise her.

"Prince Kaydn," Cassandra addressed him, he immediately turned around and smiled. She didn't want him to be nice to her, it just made it harder for her to live with the fact that his heart would never belong to her.

"Princess Cassandra, I've been awaiting your arrival," He said, and she knew that he was not. He had said that only because he was supposed to. She just bowed again. They were left alone on the balcony after the formalities, and they named it a tradition.

The guards were looking away, even though they knew there was nothing between them. Everyone knew who Kaydn had affairs with, even though the Eastern Kingdom refused any allegations.

"Sometimes, you make me believe that you are mute," Kaydn joked about the silence between them. He looked at the garden and saw his parents eyeing him. He inched closer and took her hands, making her heart leap for a second. And then she realized.

"You don't have to pretend for your parents," She blurted out, looking away. He looked stunned for a second, and then he let go of her.

"So you believe the newspapers" He commented, "they are true anyway," he added after a pause. She tried so hard to control her tears. She looked down and nodded.

She adjusted herself and looked at her brother who was talking to Azinza, but she didn't look interested at all.

"I know," She replied, and he pursed his lips.

.

"You won't have to worry about that," Kaydn was soothing Rylla and making her feel comfortable in a space that wasn't hers.

"Why not? your dad adores her, he's going to do what he wants," Rylla admitted. It was no secret that King Lukius admired Cassandra and wanted her to marry his son. Well, that is what he kept on telling reporters for the past 10 years now.

"Don't you remember? the witch cursed him and his powers," Kaydn sadly hugged her, the thought of losing his father shook him deep down. He will be the youngest king ever to be coronated.

"So what?" She asked him, even though she knew what was going to happen. She wanted to hear it from his mouth, she hated King Lukius so much.

"He will die Rylla, and he won't be there when we're old enough to get married," He answered. He shuddered and sighed, Rylla comforted him and smiled inside.

"I don't know what I'd do without you Rylla, I love you," He kissed her hair and hugged her tightly, she hugged him back without another word while looking down at her mark which was matching with his.

Little did they know that a King cannot be coronated if he's not married, and a Kingdom cannot be without a King.