Chapter 105

The palace was in a state of pandemonium, the events of the previous night still casting a dark shadow over the opulent halls. We decided what happened at the Ashbourne Duchy was to be kept under wraps, hidden from prying eyes and wagging tongues. It was a secret that would have to be kept for now, no matter how much it weighed on my conscience.

But that was only the beginning of my troubles. I had to put on a facade of happiness and contentment, all for the sake of my fake fiancée, Lady Celina. The thought alone made my headache, the sighs escaping my lips like a prisoner on death row.

"Your Highness, what seems to be troubling you?" Elrond asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

I forced a smile, trying to brush off the weight of my worries. "Nothing, I was just thinking about yesterday. It's just so much work, and the council is calling Riona a monster...it's all getting on my nerves."