Evelyn sank back into her chair, her eyes wide, her body trembling. The weight of what she had just done crashed over her like a tidal wave. Her hands shook, and a cold numbness spread through her limbs.
"Evie… tell me, why have you suddenly gone mute?" Queen Victoria asked softly, concern laced in her voice.
"Evelyn," King Dave added, his tone firm yet uneasy, "you've done the right thing. Your parents promised something, and promises must be kept… no matter the cost."
A blinding light filled the room, so intense they all had to shield their eyes. The Heavenly Lord appeared before them, his presence overwhelming.
"You have done what is necessary," his voice boomed, echoing in every corner of the palace. "Your path has been set, and all shall obey the decree."
Before anyone could respond, the Heavenly Lord vanished, leaving Evelyn and her parents alone. Their faces were a storm of emotions:
Disgust
Disappointment
Shame
Helplessness
King Dave was silent, as was Queen Victoria. Without a word, he rose and walked upstairs, leaving Evelyn staring at the floor, frozen.
A reporting staff hurried to catch him before he left. "Your Highness… news for you. His Highness Zafil sends greetings to King Charles David and his betrothed. He wishes to visit and officially complete the arrangements… to make Princess Evelyn his bride. After all, he has waited many years in chains… he deserves his prize."
"Me… a prize?" Evelyn whispered under her breath, her chest tightening.
"Get ready, daughter," King Dave's voice rumbled behind her. "After all, this was what you wanted."
Two weeks later, the news of Zafil's impending return spread like wildfire. Rumors flew through the kingdom, and the blame fell squarely on Princess Evelyn. Everyone whispered that she had ruined her own future.
Evelyn stayed silent, retreating into the shadows of her misery. Her once warm, vibrant spirit had been replaced with harsh, brittle quiet.
"Evie… you don't have to blame yourself for all this," Queen Victoria said gently, finding her daughter sitting alone on the veranda.
Evelyn glanced up, her eyes hollow. Without a word, she turned and walked away.
"Don't walk out on me," her mother called.
"When is he coming?" Evelyn's voice cracked, raw with fear and anger.
"Look, my dear," Queen Victoria said softly, "it doesn't matter if he comes or not. You need to think of yourself first. You're becoming… a shadow of yourself."
"Leave her be, woman," King Dave interjected, his tone sharp.
Evelyn's eyes flicked to him briefly before she walked away, shoulders hunched, heart heavy.
"Evelyn…" Queen Victoria called after her.
"It's all right," King Dave replied. "She'll come around. She's going through a lot right now."
Back in her room, Evelyn collapsed onto her bed. It still felt like a dream—a nightmare she couldn't wake from. She wanted to curl into herself, somewhere no one could find her. Tears streamed freely, burning hot against her cheeks.
She couldn't believe it. All her dreams… gone. Ruined by her own choices. This wasn't the life she had imagined. She didn't want to be locked in a cell under the captivity of a cruel, heartless demon.
Her thoughts spiraled, bitter and sharp. She was a princess, yes—but that title came with no freedom, no choice. Her life was not her own. She had no right to choose her mate.
"This… this is so unfair!"
Evelyn screamed, her lungs straining, her voice echoing across the empty room. Rage, grief, and helplessness collided inside her, leaving her trembling on the edge of despair.