A Heart Shattered

The heavy door of the throne room opened, and Kaleb marched Ariana inside, holding her firmly by the arm. Her heart raced heavily. The chamber was as she remembered.

Huge stone pillars, velvet draperies, and the raised dais where the ivory throne stood.

Sitting on it was King Myde, her father, alive, with a solemn face, his crown glittering in the light. Beside him stood the woman not her but called Princess Ariana.

It was still weirdly scary seeing someone else wearing her face.

But her father... he’s really alive.

Tears filled her eyes. She wanted to rush over, wrap her arms around him, and cry. She took a step, ready to shout. But before she could speak, the grip on her shoulder tightened painfully.

Kaleb looked at her, and he was downright threatening. "I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut if you know what’s better for you," he whispered harshly. "If you say you’re royal in front of the King, you’ll see that the Princess's punishment is nothing."

Ariana went stiff as she recalled the rather austere punishment she had received.

Dread settled hot and heavy in her stomach.

Kaleb pushed her forward, forcing her to kneel on the cold stone floor before the dais.

King Myde looked at her with a blank expression. Next to him, Princess Ariana shot a glare of irritation at the filthy servant girl.

“So, you are the servant girl who’s in the center of chaos in my palace, even claiming to be my beloved daughter. I don’t know if you’re foolish or just plain suicidal," King Myde said, his deep voice echoing through the tense room.

A wave of shock crashed over Ariana. She realizes with a choking clarity that she’s nothing but a stranger to her father.

Perhaps there’s hope, she thought desperately. Maybe Lucien might remember her.

“The king asked you a question?" Kaleb said, touching her shoulder to nudge her focus.

Head bent, Ariana wiped her tears and looked up, trying to control her emotions. “Your Majesty, I didn’t mean to do that. It—it’s just that I don’t understand what’s happening to me. I woke up days ago, and the only memories I recall are of being Princess Ariana. I swear, My Liege, I have no recollection of being Elena.”

King Myde creased a brow. "You really don’t remember anything of your life as a servant?”

“Yes, sire." Ariana gazed at him, almost pleadingly, as if hoping he’d sense the truth. "I woke up in a body that feels wrong in every way. I—I—do not know... I cannot explain it."

The Princess gave Kaleb a pointed look. “So what do you think? Is she crazy, or is she just playing a game?”

"I can’t say, Your Highness," Kaleb answered, bowing slightly. "I think the cloaked shadow that just attacked her might be tied to the missing seal. It can go through walls, and—”

Princess Ariana scoffed and crossed her arms. "Again with the magic in our palace? Pardon me, Captain, but I don’t believe it.”

“I know what I saw with my own eyes, Your Highness," Kaleb replied firmly. "Why is it that the only suspect in the royal missing seal case, a shadow appeared, trying to strangle her? It’s a bit suspicious, isn’t it?"

King Myde leaned back. "Hm, that’s true. Then what do you propose?"

"Holding her here might not be safe because I won’t be able to watch her properly,” Kaleb stated. "That’s why I’m asking to transfer her to my estate outside the palace walls." I will keep her under heavy guard and figure out her connection to the missing seal."

Princess Ariana stepped forward, upset. "Father, you c—can’t possibly believe this! I mean, she wished death on you and claimed to be me. She should be in a deep cell, not staying in the Captain's house."

"Silence," King Myde said flatly. "I must say, I’m not really comfortable with this, but she’s our only suspect, so she must be kept safe. You have my permission."

"I won’t let you down, sire." Kaleb bowed.

“And keep this conversation between us. No one should know why she’s living with you; do you understand?”

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Then Kaleb pulled Ariana to her feet. She just allowed herself to be dragged toward the door. The look on her face was forlorn.

Just as they reached the entrance, the grand doors opened. A handsome nobleman entered. He wore fine clothes, and his dark hair was neatly styled.

Prince Lucien! 

Ariana's heart jumped in her chest. Lucien! He was her childhood friend, her fiancé, and a man who knew her better than anyone.

Hope surged in her. She thought, If anyone can recognize her, it’s him. She nodded and stared at the man coming closer.

Yet as Lucien passed, he didn’t even spare her a glance. It was like her presence didn’t matter in his eyes. Like she was nothing.

"Lucien," she whispered, stretching a shaking hand toward him.

The Prince sidestepped her, pulling his cloak closer to himself so her hand wouldn’t touch him. He gave Kaleb a quick nod and went straight to the king. He gave a respectful bow and received a small but pleased smile from him.

What happened next was like someone had cruelly ripped out her heart.

Princess Ariana, beaming like the sun, rushed and hugged him. Worse, Lucien reciprocated. He placed a kiss on her cheek, then whispered something that made the one wearing her face laugh softly.

It was a loving routine he always shared with Ariana. Now, he was doing it with another woman!

Ariana quietly sobbed as Kaleb brought her out of the throne room. The Captain merely glanced at the tears running down but said nothing.

As the cold wind in the courtyard hit her face, something deep within her shifted. The stubborn spark of hope she'd been nursing died out.

Nobody is truly coming to help her.

Her life as Princess Ariana Ophelia truly was over.

What is she going to do now?