Chapter 22: Bonds Tested
The pungent scent of jasmine, which had assailed Queen Eleanor's nostrils after her fierce quarrel with William, still lingered, mingling with her burning rage. Yet, behind Astellia Palace's sturdy walls, a wicked intrigue was already being woven. Isabelle, banished by William's undeniable decree, her heart boiling with hatred, would never allow Shapira to enjoy the happiness that rightfully belonged to her. In the damp depths of the palace dungeon, hidden from the world's view, Isabelle whispered with short, stout figures, dwarves accustomed to working in darkness and crafting deadly concoctions.
"I want her gone," Isabelle hissed, her eyes gleaming sharply in the flickering torchlight. "From Astellia, from Prince William's life, forever."
One of the dwarves, with a long white beard and cunning eyes, nodded slowly. "A fitting price will be paid, Lady Isabelle. And we have a more … elegant method than simply making her disappear."
Alongside this vile plan, threads of a greater betrayal began to intertwine. Isabelle had secretly contacted King Lucian Mordred, the cruel ruler of Varkhiel and Astellia's sworn enemy. She knew Lucian had been obsessed with Princess Anya in the past, and Shapira was her spitting image. Isabelle's plan was cunning, lure Lucian into falling for Shapira, manipulate him, then dispose of Shapira once Lucian had successfully removed William. Through this, Isabelle hoped both the Astellian throne and William's heart would return to her.
Prince William's birthday feast was the perfect time to begin the charade. Isabelle sent a secret message to Lucian, detailing the party and the disguise he should use. This plan was carried out without Queen Eleanor's knowledge, she might still be angry with William, but she would never allow an enemy of Lucian's caliber to be under the same roof as her son.
***
The Kingdom of Astellia rejoiced. Night fell, bringing with it the splendor of Prince William's grand birthday celebration. The palace was adorned with the shimmering glow of crystal chandeliers, strands of rare flowers, and luxurious carpets underfoot. The cheerful sound of orchestral music filled the hall, blending with the laughter and chatter of the assembled nobility. The aroma of expensive wine, delicious dishes, and luxurious perfumes permeated the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere of opulence.
Shapira, merely a servant, found herself caught in the whirlwind of magnificence. She stood in a corner, feeling awkward and out of place, wearing an elegant sapphire-blue evening gown. The dress was a gift from Queen Eleanor. Shapira didn't know the Queen's motivation for giving her the gown, but she still felt the Queen's cold gaze occasionally fall upon her. Soft silk caressed her skin, a high lace collar framed her slender neck, and small jeweled embellishments sparkled on the bodice. Her long black hair was styled simply, partly tied back with a silver clip, partly cascading over her shoulders. She felt like Cinderella in a fairy tale, a fleeting dream that could vanish at any moment.
Amidst the crowd, whispers began to ripple. "Look at that girl," a noblewoman remarked to her friend. "Doesn't she strongly resemble the legendary Princess Anya?"
"Ah, you're right! Those gray eyes, that dark hair … like a shadow of the past returned," another replied, her voice filled with curiosity.
Shapira could hear the rumors about her being Princess Anya's reincarnation, rumors that grew louder among the guests. She simply lowered her head, a mix of fear and wonder churning within her.
Suddenly, a strong yet gentle hand touched her back. "Shapira."
She turned, and her eyes met William's dark blue ones. William that night wore a black royal ceremonial robe embroidered with silver, which accentuated his upright posture. He looked so dashing and captivating, an aura of power and tenderness merging within him. A faint smile touched his lips, momentarily erasing the shadows of sorrow that often clouded his face.
"William," Shapira whispered, her heart pounding. It felt like a wave of electricity flowed through her every time she was near him.
"You look … stunning," William praised, his voice low and sincere, making Shapira blush shyly. "That gown suits you perfectly."
"Thank you," Shapira whispered back, her eyes fixed on the floor. She wasn't accustomed to receiving compliments, especially from a Prince.
William extended his hand. "Would you dance with me, Shapira? This is my party, and I only wish to dance with you."
A small smile finally appeared on Shapira's lips. She placed her hand in William's warm palm. William gripped it tightly, as if to assure her he would never let go. They walked to the center of the hall, where several noble couples were swaying to the music's rhythm.
As William held her waist and Shapira's hand rested on his shoulder, they began to dance. William's steps were steady and confident, guiding Shapira gently. The music, now flowing, felt even more beautiful, as if created just for them. William looked at Shapira with a gaze full of love, a gaze that made Shapira feel safe, cherished, and as if she were the only woman in the room.
Amidst the revelry, Isabelle stood transfixed among the pillars, her eyes blazing with envy. She watched William and Shapira dance with such intimacy, such perfect harmony, as if they were soulmates who had finally met. Her heart sank, filled with profound hatred. Their happiness was poison to her. She clenched her hands, her fingernails digging into her palms until they turned white. "I won't allow it," she hissed softly, her voice barely audible. "Never."
In another corner of the room, a man in a black palace guard's cloak, his face hidden by a hood, his cold, glassy eyes watched William and Shapira. He was King Lucian, who had successfully infiltrated thanks to Isabelle's help. A cynical smile played on his lips. "So, there she is … Anya's reincarnation," he muttered softly. "Interesting. William Valen Astellian, you have no idea what danger you've invited into your life."
After several intimate turns on the dance floor, William guided Shapira away from the crowd, towards the palace's secret garden. The garden was quiet, lit only by the silvery glow of the full moon and the scattered stars in the night sky. The fragrant scent of night-blooming flowers, like jasmine and frangipani, filled the air, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. William led Shapira to a stone bench hidden beneath a lush weeping willow tree, its leaves dangling like a curtain.
"Shapira," William began, his voice hoarse but full of sincerity. He knelt before Shapira, his eyes looking straight into her gray ones. His hand reached for Shapira's, gripping it tightly. The warmth of his touch spread, both calming her and igniting a surge of emotion within Shapira.
"I know this might be too soon. I know there are so many obstacles between us, so many shadows of the past haunting us," William said, his breath a little heavy. "But I can't keep it inside anymore. Every time I see you, every time I hear your voice, my heart cries out. I love you, Shapira. I love you more than anything in this world. More than the throne, more than my own life."
Tears began to well up in Shapira's eyes. William's words were so sincere, so profound, touching the most sensitive depths of her heart. "William .…"
William continued, his voice now firmer, full of resolve. "I can't imagine my life without you. You are the light that illuminates the darkness of my soul. You are the music that calms the storm within me. Will you … will you be my wife, Shapira? Will you accept this destiny with me? Will you share every remaining moment of my life, through joy and sorrow, amidst the world's threats or in the happiness we create?" He pulled a small velvet box from his robe pocket and opened it. Inside, a silver ring with a glittering sapphire-blue diamond, precisely the color of Shapira's gown, radiated its charm under the moonlight.
Shapira was stunned. Her body trembled, not from cold, but from an overwhelming surge of emotions. William's proposal came so suddenly, so beautiful and sincere, but it also carried a heavy burden. She felt an overflowing happiness, but also a gripping fear. Princess Anya's past, the suffering she endured, now felt so real, as if she were looking into a mirror reflecting that terrible destiny.
"William, I don't know what to say," Shapira uttered, her voice trembling. Tears already streamed down her cheeks. "I … I love you very much, that's true. Every second with you is a happiness I never expected. But I'm afraid … I'm afraid that I'm not worthy of you. I am merely a servant from another world, without a family name, without power, without protection."
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "And… and Anya's past. I fear the same fate. I'm afraid that by accepting you, I will bring catastrophe upon the kingdom of Astellia, upon you. I don't want you to suffer because of me." Shapira felt the weight of history and destiny was too heavy to bear alone, let alone involving the man she loved. She feared their happiness would only trigger greater destruction.
William gripped Shapira's hands tighter, his eyes gazing at her with profound love and conviction. He could sense Shapira's uneasiness, her genuine fear. "Shapira, listen to me," William said earnestly, his voice filled with reassuring calm. "You are everything to me. I don't care where you came from, or what happened in the past. I don't care about titles, thrones, or noble blood. I only care about you. I only want to be with you forever."
He rose, holding both of Shapira's hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Your fears are my fears. Anya's past is part of a destiny we must face together. You won't bring catastrophe, Shapira. You are hope. You are my reason to fight, to live. You have awakened my strength, my strength to protect Astellia, my strength to protect you. Don't let shadows keep you from the happiness you deserve."
"I can't lose you, William," Shapira whispered, her sobs caught in her throat.
"You won't lose me," William reassured her, his hand gently caressing Shapira's cheek. "Never. We will face this together. I swear, I will protect you from every threat, from every shadow, from every terrible destiny."
Seeing William's sincerity and steadfastness, all of Shapira's doubts slowly faded. The love she felt was so strong, so pure, that it managed to conquer her fears. She looked at the ring in the box, the sapphire-blue diamond seemed to radiate hope.
With tears still streaming, Shapira finally nodded. A faint smile, but full of relief and happiness, appeared on her lips. "Yes, William," Shapira said in a soft voice, yet full of conviction. "I will. I will be your wife. I will face everything with you."
William's face lit up. A genuinely happy smile blossomed on his lips, a smile rarely seen. He immediately rose, pulling Shapira into a tight embrace. He kissed the top of Shapira's head, then lowered to her lips with profound love, as if to prove that his feelings were sincere and eternal. The kiss was a promise, a vow that they would love and protect each other, facing every obstacle that might come. Under the starlit sky, William and Shapira carved a sacred promise. The moonlight bore silent witness to their blossoming love, a love daring to defy destiny.
However, unbeknownst to them, great danger lurked in the darkness. Not far from the secret garden, behind a dense rose bush, King Lucian observed the entire scene. His cold, emotionless eyes blazed with fury. He watched William propose to Shapira, and Shapira accept. His plan to charm Shapira had utterly failed. His teeth ground together, his grip tightening on the hilt of the dagger concealed beneath his robe.
"Fool," Lucian hissed in a chilling voice that cut through the night. "You chose your keeper, not your liberator." His hatred for William, who now not only seized the throne but also the heart of Anya, or her reincarnation, burned even fiercer.
He quickly vanished into the shadows, seeking Isabelle. He had to devise a new plan, one crueler, more dangerous. A plan that would not only seize Shapira from William but would also destroy the entire kingdom of Astellia. A vengeance for his dark past, which now felt so close he could grasp it.
"I will make them regret rejecting me," Lucian hissed again, his voice echoing through the dark corridor he passed. "Shapira will be mine, and Astellia will crumble beneath my feet. William Valen Astellian, you will witness the destruction of all you love." His smile was cruel, full of promises of impending doom. That night, amidst the happiness of two souls who had just sworn their vows, the seeds of destruction had just been sown, ready to grow and destroy Astellia from within. The real threat had only just begun.