A Bride for Two Princes

mitless passageways of marble and gold, which had first left her in wonder, now felt suffocati

en them that she couldn't manage to break through. Even while he spoke politely to her, there was a chill in his tone th

rival did Zoe start to comprehend the intr

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ttending classes on courtroom etiquette, and enduring various fittings for dresses she loathed and d

e writing desk near the window held a rumpled piece of parchment. Her heart

en in elegant but

st no one. Meet me in the

s were racing. Was that a warning? A snare? Or was it a nasty jest from

egard it and remain safely in her quarters. A braver, more inquisitive part of her, howe

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e eastern garden. She was tense due to the lengthy shadows formed on the walls by the

ght area. Beautiful flowers, well-kept hedges, and a fountain in the middle that g

oice called softly

ark hair and angular features emerged from behind a tall he

demanded, her voi

d. "My name is Rowan. I'

er throat. "Prince Rowan

"That's what they wi

twin sibling, Rowan, here, alive and well, as she had

her fingers, she asked, "

perilous game, Miss Harper, one that you fail to comprehend." Alaric may see

hould I trust you?

ver, it's important for you to understand this: the king selected you not for your beau

down on her, enveloping her in a

ophecy," he stated at last. "One that speaks of a union that will bring either salvat

, disbelief evident in h

choose a common girl from a remote village to marry the crown

ce had bewildered her, yet she had brushed it off as a

s Harper. Alaric will attempt to shape you into an ideal queen, a marionette to fulfil his a

you do

vor. "This realm is nearing failure, and Alaric's leadership will

ust. Rowan's words were compelling, but they were also dangerous. Aligning

to think," sh

per. The palace is teeming with spies, and not everyo

o the darkness, leaving Zo

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er quarters feeling more confused and vulnerable than ever. Was Rowan telling the truth? Cou

bserved her lack of focus and reprimanded her, yet Zoe hardly listened to the

him more intently. He remained as calm and courteous as usual, yet there was a watchfuln

iss Harper?" he enquired, obs

Highness. I'm just... a

coming a bit gentler. "I'm cert

's claims were accurate, then Alaric was not the kind prince he seemed to be. But

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ing the image of the compliant fiancée, participating in classes and social gatherings under the vigilant gaz

anges with the king, the hushed discussions among nobles that ceased suddenly when she neare

lies and no visible escape, and as she observed, she realised it was

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heard a gentle tap on the door. Her heart raced, and she sw

tense demeanor. "Miss Harper," she murmured, her voice j

ned. "Wh

d on. "Some individuals within the palace would prefer to witness

stions, the maid quickly left, leaving her w

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afford to remain passive. To survive in the palace and discover the tru

t would enable her to defend herself and her lo

ing to make would have an impact on the futur