"Sighs."
Genevieve's eyes widened in horror as she stood frozen at the door, her hands clasped over her mouth to stifle a scream. The king's words cut through her like a dagger, leaving her breathless and shattered.
"Of course, she will be executed, but not now. I just found my mate. I can't kill her until I'm done with her." The king's voice rang through the air.
Each word filled with cruel intent, echoing in her mind like a death knell. Genevieve's eyes welled up with tears as the truth hit her like a tidal wave: she was nothing more than a pawn to the king, a mere plaything to be used and discarded.
She knew he didn't love her and it was all the mate bond but she thought he cared.
Of course, how could a heartless man care about her? Alaric was right. She hated that he was right, she hated her life.
Her legs buckled beneath her, and she crumpled to the floor, her body wracked with sobs. The pain was suffocating, like something as heavy as a hammer crushing her chest. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to escape. There was no going back.
As she wept, Genevieve's mind replayed every moment she'd shared with the king, every tender touch, every tender kiss. It had all been a lie, a clever ruse to manipulate her into submission.
The sound of the king's voice, cold and detached, cut through her anguish. "After tonight, we can get rid of her as per your wish, and that is the last request I would accept from the court."
Genevieve's heart shattered into a million pieces. She finally managed to pull herself up, her eyes blinded by tears, her soul forever scarred by his betrayal.
She was tired of always being the one who gets betrayed.
Genevieve stumbled back to her room, her shattered heart threatening to consume her. Alice was nowhere to be found, but Genevieve didn't notice. She pushed open the doors, and her legs buckled beneath her. She collapsed to the floor, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.
She wept for what felt like an eternity, her tears flowing like a river of despair. Her heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces, each one cutting deeper into her soul.
Just as she thought she couldn't cry anymore, the king appeared in the doorway. His presence reminded her of her cruel fate, but Genevieve couldn't help herself. She wanted to push him away, to scream at him for his deception, but her body betrayed her.
She crawled to him, her arms outstretched, and he swept her into his embrace. Genevieve buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking through his shirt. She knew it was a lie, that he didn't truly care for her, but at that moment, she didn't care.
All she wanted was to feel loved, to feel like she was worth something to someone. And so she clung to him, her lips brushing against his, her heart aching with a desperate longing.
It was a kiss born of despair, of desperation, of a deep-seated need to be loved. Genevieve knew it was fleeting, that it would all be taken away from her soon, but in that moment, she didn't care.
All that mattered was the feel of his arms around her, the taste of his lips on hers, she wanted to feel the illusion of love that she knew would soon be shattered in the morning.
"What happened?" He pulled away and asked but she could not say a thing.
"This should probably be the last time we see each other." She managed to pull away.
"What are you saying? Are you angry with me, my lady? I was sent away and that is the reason I was late." She tried to bring her back into his arms but she moved away.
"Can we talk tomorrow? Please?" She tried to hold her sobs as she forced out a smile.
"Are you alright Genevieve?" He tried to get closer but she backed away.
"Please tomorrow!" She held out her hands, "okay?" She muttered.
"Genevieve I do not know what is in your mind but I would not let anything happen to you. I promise." She could tell she saw something in his eyes but he was quick to mask it.
She really wanted to believe him, but knew better than to believe him.
King edric nodded after he did not get a response from her and turned around to leave.
"My king," He turned around, "goodbye." She smiled.
After a while he nodded and walked out of her room.
~~~~
Genevieve didn't have much sleep, she did not want to die but this was not her choice. For a million different reasons she felt between the heavens and 6 feet.
"Dad, mother." She knew she couldn't see them and it hurt so bad.
Just then some guys rushed into her room.
"Lady Genevieve, the king has requested your presence in the judgment room."
"Would you hold out your hands?" She did as they said and she chained her and dragged her along.
So this was it?
"Lady Genevieve today finally you shall pay for your crimes." The executioner said as soon as she got to the judgment room. Guess they did not have much time.
"And according to the books your dying method has been changed and you shall now die by hanging."
She looked at edric, tilted her head to the side she mouthed, "please spare my family." She closed her eyes as she walked towards her death. She at least hopes to be buried after her death.
Just as she climbed the stool and was able to tie the rope she felt someone pulling her away.
"I changed my mind, Genevieve is my mate and with that alone she is permitted to get a second chance.
"Edric, what in the goddess name are you doing?" The queen dowager asked but he did feel like he owed her an explanation.
He picked Genevieve up into his arms and carried her out of the judgment room.
"What is going through your mind?" She asked immediately after they left the room.
"Why are you doing this?" She struggled to get off him but he did not let go until they were in his room. It was the first time she got into her room.
"What is your problem!"
"Come with me."
"Come with me."