This morning is supposed to be peaceful.
I don't have lectures, so I take my time, a long shower, my skincare routine, a quiet breakfast. Then, I head to the library, eager to lose myself in my studies.
But the moment I try to open the door, it won't budge.
I frown. What the hell?
I jiggle the key in the lock again. Nothing.
Confused, I try once more, but it's still stuck.
Then a guard appears.
"The Prince changed the lock," he informs me, his voice neutral but his eyes sharp.
I freeze. Cassian?
He changed the lock?
Why?
Something burns in my chest; anger, confusion, disbelief.
I don't waste time questioning the guard. I turn on my heels and march straight to Cassian's chamber.
And lucky me, he's inside.
I push the door open without knocking.
"You changed the lock to the library?" My voice is sharp, controlled.
Cassian barely spares me a glance before answering. "Yes."
No explanation. Just that.
My hands ball into fists. "Why?"
He finally looks at me, his expression unreadable but his eyes simmering with something dark. "Because you don't have access to it anymore."
The words slam into me like a slap.
"What?" I step forward. "That's my library. I study there. You can't just.."
Cassian cuts me off. "You'll get it back when you answer me and clarify yourself."
Something shifts in his tone; sharp, accusing.
I narrow my eyes. "Clarify myself?"
His jaw clenches. "Why do you act like you're too big?" He steps closer. "I asked you to see me yesterday when you came home, but you didn't."
Ah. So that's what this is about.
I forgot.
Simple. Honest. But it doesn't satisfy him.
Cassian glares at me, something fierce flickering in his gaze. "Are you seeing someone, Celeste?"
My stomach drops.
"What?" My voice is sharp with disbelief.
"I don't need to repeat myself."
I stare at him, heart pounding. Is he serious right now?
I scoff. "Are you seriously listening to Liliana's gossip?"
His gaze darkens. "I asked a simple question."
"And I'm giving you a simple answer; I'm not seeing anybody."
He watches me closely, as if weighing my words. Then, he switches tactics.
"Then explain how you got the money to buy your car. And pay your law tuition."
I freeze.
The anger that has been simmering inside me ignites into something fierce.
I glare at him. "Excuse me?"
Cassian folds his arms, his expression deadly calm. "Your salary for one year can't cover that car. Not to mention law school."
My breath hitches. "And how do you know that?"
His lips curl. "Because I made inquiries. I spoke to the firm you worked at."
A chill races down my spine.
He investigated me?
My own husband went behind my back to dig into my finances?
I exhale sharply, a bitter laugh escaping me. "Wow. You really don't trust me."
Cassian doesn't blink. "Explain, Celeste!"
I square my shoulders, voice cold as ice. "I saved up my money."
He scoffs, stepping closer, eyes filled with suspicion. "That's a lie. Your savings weren't enough."
Enough.
I lift my chin, staring him dead in the eye. "Since you've already started investigating me, why stop now? Go on, Cassian. Figure it out yourself."
His face tightens. "Celeste…"
I turn and walk away.
"Come back here!" he yells behind me. "We're not done talking!"
But I don't stop.
I don't look back.
I keep walking.
And this time, he's the one left behind.
***
I don't need Esther to tell me anything.
I can feel it.
The air in the palace is different. The whispers behind my back have grown louder. I see the smirks on the faces of the maids, the knowing glances between the guards. The gossip has exploded.
And Cassian, my own husband, has made his move.
First, he bans me from the library.
Now, the one place that gave me peace is off-limits.
Then, this morning, I try to leave for class.
The guards don't open the gate.
At first, I thought it's a mistake. I lower my window, staring at them. "What's the problem?"
The guard hesitates, shifting uncomfortably. "We have orders, Your Highness."
My blood runs cold. "Orders?"
He nods stiffly. "You're not allowed to leave the palace."
Imprisoned.
In my own home.
I feel something snap inside me.
I step out of my car, slamming the door shut, my heels clicking against the pavement as I storm back inside.
I don't even make it far before I hear them.
Liliana's laughter.
The Queen's amused chuckle.
They are celebrating.
I stop just before entering the hallway, pressing myself against the cold marble wall, listening.
"She's finally been put in her place," Liliana sneers.
"The Prince is learning," the Queen says in a satisfied tone. "A wife should know her boundaries."
My stomach twists with rage, but I don't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.
I turn and head straight to my chamber.
Then the next blow comes.
Esther is stopped from serving me.
When the door opens, a different maid steps in, carrying a tray of food. Someone I don't recognize. Someone I don't trust.
She sets it down without looking me in the eye.
I glance at the plate. Something churns in my gut.
I don't touch it.
I won't.
And so, the days pass.
Two days.
Two days of silence.
Two days of emptiness.
No food. No classes. No escape.
I sit on my bed, staring at the walls, my mind a chaotic mess.
I feel like my world is crumbling.
But one thought keeps me grounded.
Cassian.
This isn't over.