PROLOGUE
TAYLOR
"IT HAS come to my attention that you seek for divorce, princess?" Vladimir's voice carried a tone of indifference as he continued poring over the documents spread before him. His gaze remained fixed on the papers, not bothering to lift his head to meet my eyes. Seated across the long table, several feet away, I hesitated for a moment before gathering the courage to respond.
"Yes, Your Highness. That is correct," I replied, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. I watched as Vladimir's hand paused, his quill hovering momentarily over the documents before he placed it down with calculated precision. His eyes finally lifted, meeting mine with a glimmer of curiosity.
"What seems to be the reason for your sudden desire for freedom?" His question was delivered with a detached air, as if my desire to dissolve our marriage held little consequence to him. I fought back the urge to scoff, aware of the delicateness of our situation. Vladimir, the Duke of Wingate and second in line to the throne, held a position of power and influence, and I, as his estranged wife, had learned to navigate the intricacies of our sham marriage.
Summoning my inner strength, I spoke, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within me. "It has been three years, Your Highness," I began, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "And according to royal custom, either party may seek a divorce if they find themselves unsatisfied in their marriage within those years."
I noticed a flicker of surprise in his eyes, quickly masked behind his composed façade. For three long years, he had not visited my residence nor bothered to inquire about my well-being. Our marriage existed only on paper, a pawn in the game of politics to weaken his claim to the throne. It was an open secret that his heart belonged to another, and the people of the town were well aware of our loveless union. It has always been the favourite topic among the people inside my residence.
Vladimir leaned back in his chair, his features betraying a hint of contemplation. He seemed intrigued by my request, perhaps caught off guard by my newfound courage to speak before him, more than that, to ask for divorce. It was time to assert myself, reclaim my voice, and pursue the happiness that had eluded me for far too long.
"I understand the political implications of our union, Your Highness," I continued, my voice laced with quiet strength. "But a marriage built on duty alone can not withstand the test of time. I seek a divorce so that we may both find the love and happiness we deserve."
Silence enveloped the room as Vladimir absorbed my words. It was a pivotal moment, one in which the fate of our union would be decided. The weight of our shared history and the burdensome expectations placed upon us lingered in the air as I stood there waiting for his response.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Vladimir spoke, his voice softer this time, tinged with a trace of vulnerability. "You make me sound like a horrible husband, my princess," he chuckles.
"I didn't mean it that way, Your Highness."
He smirked, "Haven't you heard the news? They are trying to dethrone my brother and appoint me as the new crown prince. That means you're going to be the new crown princess. Shouldn't you be excited about it, yet, here you are brazenly seeking for divorce."
His words echoed my own sentiments, confirming what I had suspected all along—that we were merely pawns in a political game. Yet, in that moment, a glimmer of hope emerged. Perhaps, in the face of our shared truth, we could find a resolution that would allow us both to move forward.
"Your Highness, I am well aware of that. My position as the deposed king's daughter will only weaken your influence." I began, my voice filled with a mix of determination and compassion, "I certainly believe that it is time for us to release each other from the bonds of this loveless marriage. Let us find our own paths, pursue our own happiness, and allow the love that was never meant to be to find its rightful place."
As the words hung in the air, the weight of our unspoken desires and unfulfilled dreams seemed to lift. It was a silent revelation—a shared understanding that, in seeking our individual freedoms, we could pave the way for a brighter future, both for ourselves and for our kingdom.
I held my breath, waiting for his answer in this agonizing silence. I stood on the other side of his table while he sat comfortably in his swivel chair, his eyes boring into my soul. If I remember correctly, this was the first time I had seen him this close. I had seen him once when I was young, when his father was crowned as the new king.
We were in that position when someone suddenly burst into his office. I didn't bother turning around as I already had an idea of who it was. There was only one person in the world who could enter His Highness' office without permission.
"Honey, I missed you!" Her loud, shrieking voice echoed around the office. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company," she said, pretending not to notice me as she barged into his office. It was obvious that she didn't mean her apology since she went straight to Vladimir, sat on his lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
I had heard a lot about her. She came from a wealthy and powerful family that has a long history with the royal family. They were in a relationship even before he was forced to marry me. But the council that supported the current crown prince opposed their union, as their marriage would strengthen his influence, and he would be seen as a threat to the crown.
But now, the tables had turned. With the rumours about the crown prince's deteriorating health, his influence was slowly growing once again, and many members of the peerage were aiming to place him on the throne. I wouldn't be surprised if this time they would support Diane and Vladimir's union.
"No worries, my lady. His Highness and I have finished our conversation," I said, forcing a fake smile. "May I be excused, Your Highness?" I asked him.
He glared at me for a moment before finally answering, "Yes, you are excused."
**********
