Chapter 14

Pinakabagong kabanata

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 42

  Emily’s POVI must look for answers. That mark on the prince’s chest — the exact same birthmark as mine — is no coincidence. I’ve stared at it in the mirror since I was a child, always wondering what it meant. Now, I’ve seen it again… on someone else. A prince, no less. And Ethan, trying to brush it off as a mere tattoo, only deepened my suspicion.No… I can’t let this go. I need to speak to my parents. Only they can tell me the truth.I paced back and forth in my room, my fingers nervously tapping against my thighs. The gown I wore still smelled faintly of roses from the party. My hair was loose, falling in soft waves, and my cheeks were flushed from both the excitement and the strange tension that had followed the discovery.Ethan said it was nothing. But why would he lie?I grabbed the small ring box from the table, opening it to stare at the engagement ring once again. It was stunning. A silver band, encrusted with a single sapphire that shimmered like water under moonlight. But r

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 41

  Emily’s POVToday was Ethan’s birthday.The palace had been buzzing with activity since the break of dawn. Servants ran about with trays and decorations, golden drapes fluttered in the soft breeze, and musicians tuned their instruments near the grand courtyard. I stood by the window, watching the scene unfold like a play — beautiful, vibrant, and oddly distant. I had never imagined myself amidst royalty, much less being the fiancée of a prince.Ethan had told me that morning, “Today’s about joy, Emily. Dress well, feel good, and smile for me.”I did. For him.He sent me a gown — emerald green, silk, hugging my figure just right and making my skin glow. My stomach hadn’t yet shown much from the pregnancy, just a little softness. But my curves had become more defined, and with the right dress, I felt... confident. Even beautiful.When I stepped into the party, I was overwhelmed. Gold chandeliers glistened above, royal guests filled the hall in luxurious robes and dresses, and laughter r

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 40

  Emily's POVHe came back in a few minutes. I was still curled on the edge of the bed, my back pressed to the headboard, eyes puffy from crying. I wiped my tears quickly, but it was too late — he had already seen me.He came closer and gently held both my hands, sitting at the edge of the bed, his brows creased with concern."So you’re still crying because of a minor thing?" he said softly, almost teasingly but with care. “Well… there’s nothing between me and Anna. She’s just a friend.”He paused, as though searching for the right words.“I was only telling her that I’m engaged now, and she asked who it was. I told her it’s you, Emily. That’s when she started regretting how she treated you. She said she never thought I’d fall for you. She didn’t know I’d want to marry you. She even apologized… said she was sorry.”He gave a small laugh, shaking his head. “She didn’t see it coming. Honestly, neither did I.”I opened my mouth to speak, to ask more, to push… but then, he leaned in suddenl

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 39

  Emily’s POVToday makes my pregnancy three months. I still don’t have a big belly like I expected, but my body has changed. I’ve become fatter, yes, but somehow, more shapely — even sexy. Sometimes I catch my reflection in the mirror and wonder how I look this different. I try not to think about it too much. All I know is that I feel… heavier in every way.At least now, I can go around the palace freely.People no longer look at me like I don’t belong. Some nod, some greet me politely. I don’t know if they do it because Ethan propose to me and will become his wife soon. Either way, I don’t care. I’ve earned the right to breathe fresh air without hiding.But today… I feel bored. Restless.The room feels too quiet, too empty. I’ve watched enough TV for one morning. My body is full of energy, and my mind won’t stop thinking.So I decide to go to the garden and enjoy the breeze. Maybe the flowers will help lift my mood.On my way, I pass by a room I’ve never paid attention to before. But

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 38

  Ethan's POVThe throne room was quieter than usual. No servants lingered near the pillars, no advisors shuffled their scrolls. Just me and my father— the King of blackmoon — seated on the golden chair that once felt untouchable, unapproachable.But now I stood before it, steady and calm, holding a secret in my chest and a decision in my heart.He looked at me, brows furrowed beneath the weight of his crown. "I heard the rumors before I heard it from your mouth," he said sharply. “You proposed?”I nodded.“To her?” he added, his tone sharpened by disbelief.“Yes. To Emily.”He stood slowly, a tall figure cloaked in royal red, his voice no longer that of a father but a ruler. “And what of your duties to this kingdom? What of tradition? You are to marry nobility, Ethan. Not —” He cut himself off, rubbing his forehead.“What about An—?”“Don’t,” I interrupted, knowing where that sentence was going.He didn’t say her name, but I knew he meant Anna.“Dad,” I said, forcing calm into my tone,

• From Chains To Crown   Chapter 37

  After the dance, he took the red cloth and covered my eyes with it. Then, to my surprise again, he led me by the hand to a room. He said, “Enter,” and I entered.The red cloth still covered my eyes as I heard faint footsteps approaching. Then silence. My heart raced — something was about to happen, but I couldn’t predict what.“Emily,” Ethan's voice whispered close to my ear, making me flinch slightly. “Take off the blindfold.”I slowly untied the cloth. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I blinked at the sight before me.Petals — roses, lilies, and orchids — carpeted the room. Candles floated magically mid-air, flickering soft gold against the white marble. A velvet path stretched from where I stood to the far end of the room, where Ethan was now on one knee, holding a small black box open.I froze.“Emily,” he began, voice trembling slightly, “You walked into my life as a prisoner, but you've captured my heart as a queen. I’ve seen strength in your silence, beauty in your pain, and l