Facade

Chapter 16

KEIDEN


Emelia quickly went inside the chariot and we began our journey.

Minutes passed and she broke to ask if she had offended me, I recalled my harsh response from earlier.


"Do you think you did anything wrong?" I had countered, my voice low and measured.


I told her, "Then you shouldn't be bothered about how you're treated."


Now, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had overreacted.


Emelia didn't deserve to be treated like that. She was already vulnerable.


But apologizing would only draw her closer to me, and that was the last thing I wanted – for both our sakes.


The rest of the ride passed in silence, Emelia wisely choosing not to press the issue.


Hours later, I announced, "We're here."


No response.


I glanced at Emelia, and my breath caught. She was asleep, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.


The dim light danced across her features, highlighting the contours of her face.


Her skin was porcelain-smooth, almost translucent in the fading light.


Her eyelashes, dark and luscious, framed her closed eyes.


Her lips, a delicate pink, parted slightly, inviting.


Her slender neck, graceful and elegant.


Her body, though slender, was a masterpiece.


Every curve, every line.


I itched to carry her, cradle her in my arms.


But reason prevailed. We weren't home.


We were on a mission.


All eyes would be on us.


I settled for gently touching her shoulder.


"Emelia," I whispered, my voice soft.


She stirred, her eyes fluttering open.


"We're here," I repeated, calm and detached.


Her gaze cleared, focusing on me.




Then she nodded, sitting up straight.






———————————————————————-


EMELIA

As the chariot continued on its journey, the silence between Keiden and me grew thicker, more oppressive. His rebuke still stung, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of rejection.


I gazed out at the passing landscape, watching the rolling hills and lush forests blur together. The gentle rocking motion of the chariot lulled me into a state of numbness.


My thoughts drifted to Keiden's words: "Life's not always fair, Emelia. Sometimes you have to accept things as they are."


Accept things as they are?


How could I accept being treated like this?


But I knew better than to press the issue.


Keiden's expression had shut down, his eyes cold and unyielding.


I retreated into my own world, letting the silence envelop me.


As the hours passed, fatigue crept up on me.


The rhythmic creaking of the chariot's wheels and the soft clip-clop of the horse's hooves created a soothing melody.


My eyelids drooped, and I let my head fall against the chariot's side.


Before I knew it, I drifted off into a light sleep.


My dreams were fragmented and fleeting.


I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder, and my eyes fluttered open.


Keiden's face hovered above mine, his features soft in the fading light.


For an instant, our eyes locked.


"Emelia," he whispered, his voice low and husky.


I blinked, disoriented.


"We're here," he repeated, his voice calm and detached.


I sat up straight, rubbing my eyes.


The chariot had stopped.


Outside, the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange.


We had arrived.


I smoothed my gown, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.


Keiden's gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable.


I avoided his eyes, not wanting to rekindle the tension between us.


Instead, I focused on the surroundings, taking in the grandeur of our destination.


A majestic castle loomed before us, its towers reaching toward the sky.


The sound of murmuring voices and clinking metal drifted through the air.


Keiden swiftly exited the chariot, his movements fluid and graceful.


He strode to the other door, opening it with a gallant flourish.


"Allow me, Emelia," he said, offering his hand.


His smile looked forced, a thin-lipped attempt at chivalry.


I eyed his outstretched hand warily.


How quickly he shifted from cold indifference to pretended concern.


His rebuke still stung, and I wouldn't be swayed by this sudden display of courtesy.


"No need, Keiden," I replied, my voice even.


I gathered my gown, careful not to crease the delicate fabric.


With a subtle swish of my skirts, I descended from the chariot, unaided.


Keiden's face fell, his eyes widening in surprise.


For an instant, his mask slipped, revealing embarrassment and shock.


Then, his expression smoothed into a polished smile.


"This way, Emelia," he said, gesturing toward the castle.


His tone was light, but I detected an undercurrent of irritation.


I preceded him, my footsteps echoing off the castle walls.


As we walked, I couldn't help but think:


Why the charade?


There's no need to pretend affection when it's absent.


Keiden's actions reeked of insincerity.


I quickened my pace, putting distance between us.


"Emelia, slow down," Keiden called out, his voice low and even.


I ignored him, my gaze fixed on the castle's grand entrance.


We were here for a purpose, not to play at courtly love.


As we approached the entrance, a liveried servant bowed low.


"Welcome, Lord Keiden,," he intoned and he didn’t even regard me.

“Wow, women are not regarded by men here??””


Keiden's hand brushed against mine, a fleeting touch.


I moved away, subtly distancing myself.


The servant's eyes flickered between us, his expression neutral.


"Follow me, please," he said, leading us into the castle.


We trailed behind him.

I sensed his gaze on me but refused to meet his eyes.


This façade would soon crumble.


Reality would assert itself.


And when it did, I'd be ready.






As we entered the castle's opulent halls, I became aware of the weight of gazes upon me.


Whispers followed us, a persistent hum.


I tried to ignore the murmurs, focusing on the servant leading us.


But curiosity got the better of me.


I strained my ears, catching snippets of conversation.


"...cursed man's wife..."


"...doomed from the start..."


"...just like the others..."


"...fated to suffer..."


"...trapped in a loveless marriage..."


"...a mere pawn in his game..."


"...bound to meet a tragic end..."


"...another victim of his curse..."


"...a foolish girl, blinded by love..."





My heart sank.


The news had spread.


People believed I was destined to meet the same fate as those close to Keiden.


A chill ran down my spine.


I quickened my pace, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere.


But my reprieve was short-lived.


A familiar voice cut through the din.


"Hi, sister-in-law."


My blood ran cold.


Keiran.


My worst nightmare.


His smirk twisted his features.


"Keiran," I managed, my voice even.