Chapter 31

Arya's POV.

The coronation day was never-ending, my plan had failed. David backed out of our plan at the last moment, leaving me stranded. After seeing Travis for the last time, I ran to the place we were supposed to meet, hoping against hope that David would show up. I waited, the clock kept ticking, but there were no signs of him.

My heart raced as I thought of my sister and our future. Desperation clawed at me, and I tugged my hair in frustration. Finally, I made the decision to go back. I knew it was a risk, pure stupidity to return to that place, but I had no choice. My sister's life depended on it.

As soon as I stepped inside the corridors of the palace, a guard yelled from afar, "She's the one!" Fear took over as the guards circled me, leaving no place to run.

"Come with us," a strong, dominating voice commanded from behind. It was Commander Brandon. My heart sank as I saw him, knowing this was the end.

My mind raced, trying to think of a way out, but there was none. The guards' grip on my arms was firm and unyielding as they led me through the corridors. Each step felt like a march toward my doom.

The corridors seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn tightening the knot of fear in my stomach. My thoughts were consumed with worry for my sister. What would happen to her if I couldn't escape? The image of her tear-streaked face haunted me, fueling my desperation.

Finally, we reached a small, dimly lit room. The guards shoved me inside, and the door closed with a heavy thud, sealing my fate. I looked around the room, taking in the sparse furnishings and the cold, unwelcoming atmosphere.

Commander Brandon stood before me, his expression unreadable. "Why did you come back?" he asked, his voice low not wanting others to hear.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my trembling voice. "I had no choice," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I had to try and save my sister."

A few minutes passed, and someone came in from the door. It was Travis. Our eyes met, and I could practically feel his heart breaking. The hurt in his eyes was so evident that it couldn't go unnoticed. He turned his attention toward Brandon.

"Is she the maid?" he asked.

"Yes, Sire," Brandon replied.

"Do you think she's the one who helped David escape?" Travis’s voice was steady, but I could sense the underlying tension.

A few moments passed in silence. I had my head bowed, not daring to look at Travis. I was bracing myself for the worst.

"No, Sire," Brandon said finally. "If she'd helped him escape, then she would have left with him through the secret exit."

My eyes shot up in Brandon's direction. Was he defending me? What was happening?

Travis stepped into my line of sight. I breathed in his scent, finding a momentary comfort in its familiarity.

"Well then, you're free to go," I heard him say.

My heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I looked at Travis, and for a moment, his eyes softened as they met mine. There was so much unsaid between us, but this act of mercy spoke volumes.

I took a hesitant step towards the door, glancing back at Brandon who gave me a subtle nod. I knew this wasn’t over, and there would be questions, consequences, and a lot to figure out. But for now, I was free, and I had to find a way to keep my sister safe.

As I walked out of the room, I felt Travis’s eyes on me. The bond between us was undeniable, but the path ahead was uncertain. But one thing was clear: I couldn’t afford to fail again.