Chapter 21: A Single Tear from the Divine Lady
~~~{──────────
Night.
Bedroom, 3rd Prince Chambers.
Wyfkeep Castle, Wyfellon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
Salviana rushed through the hallways, her heart pounding in her chest, the searing sting on her shoulder a distant echo compared to the ache in her soul. Emma followed closely behind her, silent but concerned, her presence a small comfort in the otherwise oppressive atmosphere. The chamber guards, sensing the tension, stepped aside as they approached the doors to her chambers, their eyes averted but alert.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Salviana turned to the maids who had trailed in, eager to assist her with the elaborate night preparations, but she shook her head, her voice quiet yet firm. "No, leave me," she whispered. "I’ll manage alone tonight."
They hesitated, uncertain, but eventually bowed and exited without protest. When the door clicked shut, the silence that followed was deafening.
Her hands shook as she reached for the pins in her hair, undoing the intricate, headache-inducing fashion with quick, desperate movements. The heavy curls fell around her shoulders, the release offering little relief from the weight she felt inside. Her reflection in the mirror stood ignored as she stripped off the dress, the fine fabric slipping to the floor in a pool of silken elegance that she barely noticed.
Salviana slipped into a simple, flimsy white gown and crawled into the bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin. It was soft and comforting, but it could do little to shield her from the turmoil in her heart. She lay on her side, clutching the bedspread, her knuckles white with the effort of holding onto something—anything—that could anchor her in this storm.
A tear slipped down her cheek, silent and unchecked, soaking into the pillow beneath her. She didn’t try to stop it. This was going to be a forever journey—a life tied to a royal family that felt nothing but disdain for her. They were cold, heartless, and cruel, and each passing moment seemed to chip away at the small hope she’d once held that she could find a place here.