Unveiled

thought, trying to remind herself why she was here. The flowers were in full bloom, and their colors reminded her of the meadows back home. For a moment, sh

her thoughts by a fa

arden with an air of effortless grace. Dressed in silk and jewels that glittered in the sunlight, Elara looked every

y court gathering, every social event. Her presence was a constant reminder of the life Aurora would never fully understand.

ora replied calmly, determined no

must be overwhelming, stepping into such a role. It's only natural to

refusing to show weakness. "Thank you for your c

's composure. But before she could respond, another fi

Aurora felt her heartbeat quicken, wondering if he'd overheard the conversation. His p

but his gaze lingered on aurora. "I

gardens, Alistair. I was telling aurora how o

hint of concern. "I'm sure Aurora is capable of handling whatever challenges s

it quickly. "Of course," she murmured, though there was a

alone with Alistair. The silence that followed felt charge

s the matter Aurora, "nothing", court activities are rather stressfull that's all, mhmm prince Alistair nodded in response,i know this few weeks most have been di

" sorry to intrude your highness", but his Majesty request your presence immediately, " okay tell him i will be there", prince Alistair said for the guard to nod and take his leave, "i need to go now" Alistair said t

invitation form elara to join her for tea, Aurora knew for certain tha

ing soft, warm light over the finely set table. An array of delicate

was already seated, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she chatted animatedly with Elara. Aurora took her

d with a thin smile, p

her fingers gripping th

, and gave Aurora a n

a ... "Aurora has been doing remarkably well. The council respects her kin

t Elara's eyes sharpened, a glint of

o you remember the spring festival, Elizabeth? When we were children, we would

hat. We thought hiding in the rose garden was clever, but he found

that made Aurora feel like an outsider. She sipped her tea

th and I would sneak down to the river and catch fireflies. We'd fill jars with them and pretend we w

algia. "Those were lovely times, Elara. T

harp as glass. "Yes, of course. Though some memorie

unds like you and Elizabeth shared a wonderful childhood," she said, her tone even. "I'

a gentle hand on Aurora's. "And we're

on crossed her face. She covered it quickly with a sip of tea, but

d back through the halls, her mind heavy with Elara's subtle taunts. It was exhausting, trying to navig

ladies-in-waiting, were in a heated discussion. At the center of the commotion stood hazel, one of her mo

rds greeted, his expression troub

of guilt and fear. In her hands, she held a ruby necklace, one Aurora recogn

e?" Aurora asked, he

ed, "Your Highness, I... I'm so sorr

d Lady hazel with this piece of jewelry, hidden in her

ce her arrival. She couldn't believe that someone she trusted could betray her like this. Bu

ntly, stepping closer.

ily is in debt. My father is ill, and we have no money left for his medicine. I know what I did was unforgivable

s chest tightened with empathy, understanding the desperation in hazel's voice. She remembere

She could handle this as the court might expect-disciplining

s. "Thank you, guards, but I'll handle this f

ng back. Aurora led hazel into her chambers, closing the door softly be

ou did this. I don't condone it, but I understand the burde

wanted to betray you, Your Highness. You've been noth

t are valued above everything. Betrayal of any kind is seen as an unforgivable offens

es wide with surprise. "You...

en you're in need. There are ways I can help you and your family without resorting to stealing. Th

vently. "I swear, Your Highness, I'll neve

expect it from those around me. But I also expect honesty. Let this be a lesson-not just t

hed it away. "I'll serve you faithfully, Princess Auror

might raise eyebrows, might even lead to whispers questioning her leniency. But she

n a new way. She was not just Alistair's wife or a newcomer in a strange world. She was a bridge betwee

her back to the present. Elizabet

id, sitting beside her. "You handled it beautifully, A

.. I just wanted to remind her, and maybe myself, that we all have

e. "That's exactly why you belong here, Aurora. Y