I run through the dimly lit hallways, my heart hammering against my ribs. I need to get out. I need to get home.
Just as I reach the entrance, I see Cassian strolling in with a girl clinging to his arm. I ignore him, focused on the urgent need clawing at my chest, but his sharp gaze catches my distress.
He halts. "Where are you going?" His tone is firm. "Is there a problem?"
I barely slow down. "I need to get home right now. Something's wrong with my father."
His expression shifts, a flicker of concern breaking through his usual indifference. "What happened?"
"I don't know yet," I snap, frustrated. "I tried calling back my mother, but the line is dead."
Cassian frowns. "You can't just run off on your own at this time of the night. How about a phone call?"
The girl at his side steps back slightly, watching us with quiet interest, but I don't care about her. My chest is tight with panic.
"I told you, my phone…"
"Try with mine." He pulls out his phone and holds it out.
My fingers shake as I take it. I call my mom's number from memory. The line rings. Once. Twice. Then it connects.
I press the phone to my ear. "Mom?"
Her voice is strained but steady. "Your father slumped, but he's conscious now. We're taking him to the hospital."
I exhale sharply, gripping the phone tighter. "Is he okay? Is he…"
"He's awake, Celeste. Just come in the morning, okay?"
I swallow hard. "Okay, Mom. Take care of him."
"See you soon, my love."
The call ends. I close my eyes for a second, grounding myself. Then, I turn back to Cassian and hand him the phone. "Thank you."
He nods. No sarcasm. No smugness. Just a simple nod.
Then, without another word, he takes the girl's hand and walks past me, disappearing into the palace.
I stand there for a moment, my mind still racing, before I turn and head back to my quarters.
I wake up early, my mind still foggy from the restless night. The palace driver is already waiting when I step outside. Without a word, I slip into the back seat, my fingers trembling in my lap.
The hospital air is thick with antiseptics and worry. My mother is pacing when I arrive, her eyes red-rimmed. The sight of her makes my heart ache.
"The doctor wants to see you," she says.
I nod and follow.
Inside his office, the doctor doesn't waste time. "Your father suffered a hypertensive crisis. He's stable for now, but his condition is serious. He needs to stay under close monitoring, and we have to begin intensive treatment immediately."
I swallow the lump in my throat. "What do we need to do?"
He exhales. "We need an initial deposit for his treatment and continued care."
The words hit me like a blow. I glance at my mother, who looks away, her hands wringing her wrapper. She's hoping I have a solution.
I nod stiffly. "I'll get the money."
***
The moment I step into the palace, I don't stop. I head straight to the queen's quarters. My heart pounds as I push open the doors without waiting to be announced.
She is sitting leisurely, sipping tea as if my world isn't crumbling. Her eyes flicker up, calm and unreadable.
I don't bother with pleasantries. "My father is in the hospital," I say, my voice sharp. "He collapsed last night. He needs immediate treatment, and I need money to pay for it."
She watches me, unfazed. Then, slowly, she sets down her teacup.
"Your monthly allowance can only be approved when you fulfill your duty as the crown prince's wife."
I frown, not understanding. "What does that mean?"
She leans back, fingers tapping the armrest. "You must conceive an heir for the royal family."
Silence crashes between us.
For a moment, I can't breathe. Did I just hear her correctly?
"What?" My voice is barely a whisper.
"You heard me," she says smoothly. "A child ensures your place. It ensures your family's welfare."
Something inside me snaps.
I slam my hands on the table. "How do you expect me to get pregnant when my so-called husband hasn't touched me since the wedding? When he spends every night parading different women through this palace? Am I supposed to conceive by magic?"
The queen remains calm, unaffected.
I lose control. My voice shakes with fury. "What kind of people are you? Do you have no hearts? My father is fighting for his life, and you're here talking about pregnancy?" My breath is ragged, my vision blurred with tears.
And then, I break down.
I don't even care anymore. Tears stream down my face as I sink onto the chair, shaking. Desperate. Defeated.
The queen just watches me. Unmoved.
A presence shifts nearby. I turn my head and my breath catches.
Cassian is standing at the doorway.
He's been there. Listening. Watching me fall apart.
Our eyes lock for a fleeting second, but I can't bear it. I shove past him and run.
I don't stop until I reach my chambers. I throw myself onto the bed and cry harder, my body shaking.
No one comes to comfort me.
No one says a word.
The palace remains eerily silent, as if my pain means nothing to them.
After minutes of crying, my body feels weak, but my mind sharpens. Crying won't save my father. I wipe my tears with the back of my hand and sit up. I need to act. I need to do something… something crazy.
A reckless idea sparks in my mind, igniting a fire in my chest.
I can't afford to let my father die.
My breathing steadies as I swing my legs off the bed. My bare feet hit the cold floor, grounding me. Determination replaces despair. I will find a way.
Standing up, I stride toward my wardrobe, yanking the doors open. The golden handles glint under the dim light, but my focus is elsewhere. My eyes scan through the luxurious gowns, the expensive jewelry the queen gifted me; the chains she thought would bind me.
No. I'm not a prisoner. Not anymore.
I dig deeper, shoving aside silk and velvet until my fingers brush against something familiar. My heart pounds.
This… this is it. My way out. My solution.
I clutch it tightly, adrenaline surging through me.
Tomorrow, everything will change.
One way or another.