Chapter 61

Banished? Did I hear him accurately? I jumped to my feet and rushed to grab his coat. He stood frozen near the door when my arms went on his waist, and I leaned on his back.

"You can't do this to me," I begged, "Even though I lied to you, you can't banish me, please."

Tears streamed down my face, a silent testament to the storm raging in my heart. Couldn't he look past my lie and accept me for who I was? Was his love just words he spewed when he felt like it but took back when it was no longer convenient? My tears went on his expensive jacket as I begged again and again for him to let me stay in the kingdom. This was my home, the only place I could call home.

Where did he expect me to go?

He sighed heavily before he turned to look at me. For a second, I could have sworn I saw sympathy but all that was left was anger, resentment, and disgust. He grabbed the hands holding his back, lifted them, and kissed them before he let them fall to my side.

"The only reason you are still alive is because I love you. Otherwise, you would have been thrown to the wolves," he muttered.

"Where will I go?" I whispered.

"That is no longer my concern," he shrugged.

My hand went up to his warm cheek, I gently caressed the face of the man I loved. I examined him carefully for the last time before I let my hand fall to my side. I turned away from him and walked towards the window I used to hate with all my heart, but at that moment I was feeling nostalgic.

"You will regret this one day," I stated.

He opened the door and paused for a minute.

"Maybe or maybe not," he said and left.

My hands shook on my side. We had come to our end. I hadn't accomplished anything in my father's case, but I did understand the King. Although he was stern and difficult, he was not a bad person. Based on what I have seen following him around, he had a good heart. I knew he felt betrayed since I lied but banishing me was excessive.

Every word he muttered today was like a dagger directed at my fragile heart. My eyes glazed over the garden I loved looking at. I should give him time. He might reconsider, after some time. I stayed rooted on the ground until evening came.

The door to my chambers was roughly opened, and Nedra, a servant I didn't know, Mrs. Meyers and five knights walked in. Nedra seemed pleased by the turn of events while the knights seemed confused. I get where the confusion was coming from as I was also confused. Things escalated so fast that I had no way of dealing with my situation.

"I win," Hedra smiled.

My arms rested on my chest when I turned to look at her smug face.

"I didn't realize we were competing?" I retorted.

Her smug smile disappeared leaving a frown. Although she had won, what exactly did she win? The King's affection, I highly doubt it. She ran forward and slapped me across the face before I could react. The same cheek the King slapped earlier today. Anger flowed in my veins as I moved towards her. When the knights saw the murderous stare on my face they came forward, surrounded me, and pulled out their swords.

"Please Lady Nalani, don't start a fight. The King is already angry, if you continue, he might throw you in the dungeons," Mrs. Meyers tried to calm me down.

"She belongs in the dungeons!" Nedra interjected.

"What did you say to me!"

"The daughter of a traitor doesn't belong in a castle. She belongs in the dungeons with the other filth," she smirked.

"Come closer and say it again!" I threatened.

"Do you think I'm scared of you? You are nothing but the King's leftovers. He discarded you after he used you. Do you think we don't know you slept with the King like a whore," she humiliated me.

I froze when she mentioned sleeping with the King. Did everyone know? The knights and Mrs. Meyers came across as rather uncomfortable with the new topic.

"At least he liked me enough to sleep with me. What about you? How long have you been engaged again," I taunted at her.

"You....You!" she spoke but nothing came out.

"Like I said, stupid!"

"Drag her out before she hits the future Queen!" the unknown maid yelled.

Future Queen? Was she the future Queen? When Nedra saw my shocked expression, she took the opportunity to pounce.

"The King and I will be married in a week," she explained.

"What! NO..."

I turned to Mrs. Meyers for answers, but she looked away.

"I'm afraid it's the truth," one of the knights answered.

"So please leave quietly with the little dignity you have left," another interjected.

My mouth flew agape at the insult. I was a free target for everyone to insult even the Knights. Deciding not to cause any more trouble, I started walking towards the door.

"What are you doing!" Nedra screamed while moving backward towards the same door.

"Leaving, didn't you ask me to leave?" I asked sarcasm filled in my tone.

"Oh!"

She moved to the side with the Knights, left the room to wait for me. While I was passing her, I suddenly turned and punched her. No one was allowed to hit me, not even the King. Nedra screamed alerting the entire Castle. When I heard heavy footsteps rushing towards us, I created some distance between us and patiently waited for the people coming.

Sir Stanley was the first to arrive followed by the King and some knights.

"What is happening?" the King asked.

Nedra, like the hypocrite she was, ran to the King, holding the cheek I allegedly punched.

"She hit me," she cried.

The King's glare was directed at me once again. His jaw clenched and the furrowed lines on his forehead spoke volumes of the disappointment and anger etched deep within.

"I didn't ..."

Before I could finish, I was punched in the stomach. Dizziness hit me and I dropped to my knees, my arms automatically wrapped around my abdomen.

"How dare you lay hands on the future Queen!" another voice yelled.

Crumpled on the ground, I raised my head to look at the King. He was yet to speak a word. Was he going to stand there and watch me get a beating?

"Are you okay?" he asked her.

The small smile that was forming on my face turned into a frown. How dare he? Did he want to prove to me I was not good enough for him?

"If you continue to cause trouble, you will be beheaded, like your father. What did I even expect from a traitor's daughter," he sighed.

My chest tightened with each word he uttered; disbelief gripped me as I tried to grapple with the painful reality that was unfolding before my eyes. I stood up, my eyes on him, never wavering. He wanted to show he was disappointed, that was fine, but why did he have to speak of my father like that? I may love him but there's a point where one reaches, when you can't stomach or ignore the disrespect, anymore. I understand he was bitter because I lied to him, but insulting me like that, did it make him feel better or perhaps more powerful?

My chest tightened painfully, before I could say what needed to be said.

"I wish you the best on your upcoming wedding, however, I won't be able to send a present," I spoke.

I dusted my gown and turned away from the love of my life. My legs were shaking as I walked away, but I forced them to move anyway. I didn't belong here. Perhaps I didn't belong anywhere. When I reached outside, the huge gates were already opened for me to leave. I didn't turn back. I refused to turn back, because if I did, I would have begged him to take me back.

The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a contrast to the darkness engulfing my soul. I whispered his name one last time, each syllable carrying a weight of shattered trust and disappointment. The betrayal cut deep, leaving me heartbroken, and lost in a cruel maze of emotions.

THE END.