Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Goodbye Stranger

~ Raven's POV ~

The princess's laughter was loud and biting as we walked back.

"I must say," she mused, a cruel smirk playing on her lips, "this arrangement is almost poetic, don't you think?"

I said nothing.

"I mean, truly," she continued, twirling a strand of her golden hair between her fingers. "You and the king of Grok?" She chuckled. "It's a perfect match."

Her voice was laced with mockery, her amusement as sharp as a blade.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

My breath hitched, but I kept walking, my expression carefully blank. She took my silence as an invitation to keep talking.

"Isn't it funny?" she mused. "He is a savage beast! And you…well, a slave who dared dreamt of becoming something."

I stiffened and she noticed.

"Oh, don't tell me you actually thought you would become a noblewoman just because you wrote some exam?" Her laughter rang out, high and cruel. "Gods! Look at your face?! You actually thought so."

I exhaled slowly, focusing on each step as I steadied myself.

This was nothing new.

I had been mocked my entire life, for my mother's past, for my own place in this world, for the blood in my veins. But this was harsh! I had won fair and square, but instead of making me serve in the royal healing council, they had tied me to that monster.

The princess's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I suppose it's only fair. Your mother was the last noble of a fallen kingdom, and now her daughter will be shackled to a monster."

The words hit harder than I wanted to admit.

The only surviving noble captured by another kingdom, A prized trophy turned into a servant for life. That was my mother's fate.

And mine?

I bit the inside of my cheek, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I wouldn't give princess Ellie the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Not here. Not now.

We reached the gates, and the princess sighed dramatically. "Well, I suppose I should let you prepare for your grand wedding." She grinned. "Try not to cry too much, save it for the wedding night."

Then, with a careless flick of her hand, she walked into her chamber.

I stood there for a moment, staring at the heavy wooden doors.

A lump formed in my throat.

Not here.

I turned and walked away, my steps quickening as I made my way towards the servants' quarters.

This was so cruel! I had been so happy to have passed the examination, but my prize had been taken from me! Because of my status!

I had no idea how I got to the housekeeper's office, but my hands were trembling.

I forced myself to breathe, to push away the lump crushing my chest. He looked up as I entered.

"Raven?" He narrowed his eyes at me. "What's wrong?"

I hesitated for a while before the words tumbled out.

"The king has approved the budget for the wedding," I said, my voice not at all sounding like it belonged to me. "We can start making preparations."

There was a long silence.

Tate, who was also in the office stiffened beside the housekeeper, his jaw clenched.

The chef was also there. I had known her since I was a child. She carefully set down the pan she was holding and turned to face me fully.

From the way they looked at me, I was sure that they knew. They could see how I felt.

And yet, I decided to say it.

Sucking in a shaky breath, I spoke. "I'm getting married to King Liam."

The words felt like shackles closing around me.

A queen in name but an actual captive in reality.

The housekeeper exhaled slowly. He understood, perhaps more than anyone. Tate stepped forward first. His expression was blank, but there was something broken in his eyes.

"You don't have to do this."

I shook my head. "I don't want to die in this place."

He cursed under his breath.

The chef let out a heavy sigh, wiping his hands on his apron. "Come here, child."

I didn't hesitate.

He pulled me into his arms, and the moment I felt his warmth, I let it all out. The tears came fast, silent and hot, no longer within my control.

The housekeeper's voice was gentle. "It's not fair."

Tate's fists clenched at his sides. "It's wrong."

The chef stroked my hair, whispering, "You've been strong for too long."

And for once, I let myself cry.

By the next morning, exhaustion had settled deep in my bones.

I hadn't slept. I couldn't. I kept thinking about the stranger, about my life, about how cruel everything just was.

It just wasn't fair! I just… wanted to disappear.

Just for a moment. Just long enough to feel human again.

So instead of preparing the wedding plans or plans on receiving him, I slipped away.

I ran. I ran to the one place no one would look for me.

The forest. Perhaps I'd see him there and maybe…maybe get to know him better. Maybe he would take me away from there.

But the woods were oddly cool and quiet, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh Resins.

For the first time in hours, I could breathe, but I couldn't find him. I wandered aimlessly, letting my fingers brush against the tree trunks, feeling their rough bark beneath my skin.

Instead of being at peace, I felt…numb and Empty. I didn't care about the rebels anymore, they could kill me if they so wanted to.

I wandered around until my stomach growled. I sighed and turned back towards the palace. Food first. Then I'd go find him again.

I headed towards the kitchens, keeping my head down.

The chef spotted me immediately, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You look like death, girl."

I managed a weak smile. "I feel like it."

He huffed, placing a plate in front of me. "Eat something."

I glanced down. It was a slice of cake. A cake specially prepared for Princess Ellie.

I hesitated. I had never taken anything that belonged to her before.

But today… Today, I deserve it since I was sold in her place. I picked up the fork and took a bite.

It was sweet. Sweeter than anything I had ever tasted.

The chef smiled knowingly. "Good girl."

For a brief moment, I let myself enjoy it.

Then I picked up the breakfast tray and headed towards my mother's room.

She was asleep when I entered. Her breathing was slow, but even. I set the tray down carefully, my heart aching as I looked at her frail form.

I had to tell her. She needed to know. But as I watched her sleep, her face peaceful for the first time in weeks, the words stayed back in my throat.

Not today. Maybe not yet. I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.

"I won't let them hurt you," I whispered, knowing that I had agreed to this for her.

She'd have a good life. She has to, even if it means selling my soul to a mo

nster.

I grabbed the medicine jar from where I had hidden it. I pressed a small kiss on it. "Goodbye, stranger," I muttered as I walked out to dispose of it.