Chapter 3

Lyca’s POV

After that night, when I discovered the queen’s true identity, I tried to avoid her, but I made sure she didn’t find out. However, this has become a difficult task.

For now, I’m sitting in the garden with my afternoon tea, admiring the view.

“There you are, my lovely princess.”

I didn’t have to look back to see who the owner was when a lively voice broke the silence. The queen’s voice and face became my nightly nightmare after that night in my father’s room.

Queen Annabelle sat across from me, smiled, and said. “I noticed you’re always out here and rarely come into your studio… do you have a problem? Or is something bothering you?”

Despite my rage at the queen, I smiled and replied politely. “The scenery here is beautiful, and it will help me with my painting.”

Queen Annabelle nodded, her gaze fixed on the sprawling garden. “You are correct… the flower brings peace to my heart, while the cool breeze relieves my tension…”

If I hadn’t seen the queen’s true colors, I would have believed in her goodness. But, knowing her evilness, I know she can’t appreciate nature’s true beauty.

Hypocrite! I know that evil despises beautiful things! You did intend to destroy this place! I exclaimed to myself, but something else came out of my mouth.

“I’m glad this place makes you feel better… Though I’m sure it won’t be enough to alleviate your sadness over my father’s condition…”

Queen Annabelle’s smile faded over time. “You’re right; it’s difficult to see the dear king in pain, which is why I’m glad you don’t have to… Your father wanted you to remember him as a strong and loving father, not the one lying on the bed.”

I couldn’t stop clenching my fists after hearing the queen’s remark. So, to conceal my rage, I stand up and turn my back on the queen.

“Thank you, my queen; I know everything you do is for me, and I hope my father’s health improves so that we can meet again.”

Queen Annabelle’s lips curled into a devious smile as she looked behind me. “With God’s mercy, everything will be fine; as long as we keep praying, your father will be fine, and everything will hopefully be settled by the full moon.”

Huh! Do you believe I’ll let you succeed? My father and I were far away from here before the full moon appeared! I think to myself.

The queen eventually entered the castle, while I went to my chamber to plan my escape.

“I can’t trust anyone from the castle, so I have to be careful,” I muttered to myself.

I can escape because I know the secret tunnels in the castle that will lead me to the outside. My issue is my father; how can I get him out of the queen’s chamber without being discovered?

“That’s right! Prince Matthew promised to pay me a visit!” I exclaimed, recalling my last conversation with the prince.

I jumped to my desk and looked at the calendar. “If I send a letter now, it will almost certainly reach Prince Matthew, and he will arrive here before the full moon!” I grumble as I check the calendar.

I wasted no time and immediately wrote a letter for Prince Matthew; as soon as I finished the letter, I went to the castle guard to deliver it.

“All I have to do now is wait.”

***

Prince Matthew arrived at the castle with his two knights the day before the full moon. I greeted him enthusiastically.

“It’s good to see you again, Prince Matthew.”

I did not explain the problem in the letter, but because I sent it, Prince Matthew was already aware of the situation.

“Didn’t I promise to pay you a visit?”

As we approached Queen Annabelle, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs, I gave him a thoughtful look.

“What a lovely surprise… But I would appreciate it even more if you told me before you came so that we could greet properly,” Queen Annabelle smiled.

Matthew and I exchanged glances before exchanging smiles.

“Please forgive me, my queen, but I wanted to surprise my princess,” Matthew replied, laughing.

“Oh, no need to apologize; you’re always welcome in the castle,” Queen Annabelle said, motioning for Matthew’s luggage to be brought into his room.

Queen Annabelle did not abandon Prince Matthew and me. She came over for a snack and also joined in on our conversation.

What’s the matter with her? Was she aware of my plan? Is that why she’s keeping an eye on us? I murmur to myself.

I don’t have time to waste because the full moon is tomorrow. I must flee tonight with my father, or else I will be sacrificed tomorrow night!

A soft knock on the door indicated that the Lord had heard my prayer. Albert, Queen Annabelle’s right-hand man, entered.

“It appears that I will have to leave you guys,” Queen Annabelle says. She stood up and walked away without waiting for our response. Albert followed her.

I approached Matthew quickly because Queen Annabelle had left. “I require your assistance because my father’s unknown illness is the work of the queen, and she also intends to use me as an offering tomorrow night!”

Because there wasn’t enough time, my explanation was brief, but I made certain that Matthew understood the situation.

“Of course I’ll help you! I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you or your father,” Matthew says as he takes my hand in his.

The warmth from Matthew’s hand gave me hope, which is why I couldn’t stop crying. “I know the favor I’m asking is excessive, and I also know it’s dangerous—”

“Shh, it’s my duty as my future queen to protect you,” Prince Matthew cut off my sentence and hugged me.

***

That night, Prince Matthew and I sat around waiting for everyone to sleep. Even though fear began to consume me, I remained strong because that was our only chance. My father’s and everyone else’s lives are dependent on our success.

“I believe everyone in the castle is fast asleep,” Prince Matthew said, looking at the grand clock on the side of my room.

I inhaled deeply and nodded. “Remember, if you think you’re in danger, run,” I reminded Matthew as I exited the room.