Chapter 30: Take Root
"Even though you said you were not tired, I still hope you don’t mind my arranging the audience with the King right away, Your Highness. I have come to the conclusion that it is much better to get it over with as soon as possible."
Tillian and Aideen found themselves in the grand hall leading to the Royal Meeting Room. The princess took a deep breath, attempting to quell the rapid beats of her heart.
The last occasion she walked through that hall was a year ago when the King declared her impending marriage to Count Constantine Crueder. Ironically, she now stood in the same place, about to meet His Majesty to terminate that very union.
Being in the presence of Euris Ruan always inflicted a sense of unease upon her. While the King never caused her physical harm, he consistently made it clear that she held absolutely no value in his eyes.
As the head of the house and the most powerful figure in all of Geraldion, he held the unique authority to halt the perpetual nightmare that had haunted Aideen throughout her entire life. Paradoxically, it was precisely his negligence that inflicted the deepest wounds upon the princess.
The dreadful cycle of abuse found its origin with the King, who opted to permit it.
Clutching the sides of her skirt, the woman released a long exhale, emptying her lungs as if to prevent her body from growing accustomed to the stifling atmosphere of the palace.
Observing Aideen’s anxiety, Tillian decided to shift her focus with another crucial piece of information.
"There is something else you need to know, Your Highness."