The Great Hall
1075 Words
Two days later…
I found myself sitting in the Great Hall one morning, my breakfast untouched as I tried to swallow my nerves. Liam strode in, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. As always, his gray eyes were cold and calculating, scanning the space as though searching for hidden threats.
He didn’t even glance in my direction.
Victoria was already there, lounging near the head of the table. She lit up at his arrival, her smile radiant as she stood and crossed the room to meet him.
“Good morning, Liam,” she said sweetly, her voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the other nobles.
He gave her a small nod. “Victoria.”
Their exchange was effortless and natural. Like two people who had known each other their entire lives.
Well, not like it was false. They had known each other their entire lives and I was just a passing obstruction.
I felt invisible, sitting there in the shadow of their connection.
“Will you be attending the training grounds today?” Victoria asked her tone light and teasing.
Liam’s lips quivered in a faint smile. “Perhaps. I’ll need someone to spar with, though. Think you’re up for it?”
She laughed, a soft, musical sound. “I’ll try not to embarrass you too badly.”
The other nobles chuckled, clearly entertained by the banter.
I forced myself to stand, ignoring the tightening in my chest as I excused myself from the table.
By midday, I was wandering the gardens. It was one of the few places where I could breathe without feeling the suffocating weight of judgment.
The roses were in full bloom, their fragrance thick in the air. I stopped by a bench, running my fingers over the petals of a crimson rose.
“Running away again?”
Liam’s voice startled me. I turned to find him standing a few feet away, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat.
“I wasn’t running,” I said softly.
“Really?” He arched his brow. “It seems that’s all you’re good at—avoiding things.”
His words stung, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. “And what would you have me do, Your Highness? Throw myself at your feet like the others?”
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes. Surprise, maybe. Or irritation.
“You’re not like the others,” he said, his tone unreadable.
“No,” I said bitterly. “I’m the girl from the Crimson Moon pack. The unwanted daughter. The perfect match for a useless prince, isn’t that what they say?”
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
I turned away, my hands trembling. “If you hate me so much, Liam, why don’t you just send me back? I’m sure my father would welcome me with open arms.”
Suddenly, he let out a humorless laugh. “Don’t be naive, Brielle. Your father didn’t send you here out of kindness. You’re as much a pawn in his game as I am in my uncle’s.”
The truth in his words was like a slap to the face.
Meanwhile, that evening, I resolved to keep my distance. If Liam wanted to treat me like an annoyance, so be it. I wouldn’t waste my energy trying to win his favor.
But fate had other plans.
A royal function was held the next night—a grand ball to celebrate the upcoming harvest festival. I didn’t want to go, but Edna insisted, saying it was my duty as Liam’s wife to be present.
I wore a gown of deep green, the color chosen to complement Liam’s attire. My hair was styled simply, but the effect was elegant. I felt almost… confident.
Until I entered the ballroom.
The moment I stepped through the doors, the whispers started.
“Look at her. She doesn’t belong here.”
“She thinks a dress will make her royalty?”
I kept my head high, forcing myself not to react.
Liam was already in the room, surrounded by a group of elite men and women. Victoria was by his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm as she whispered something in his ear.
At that, he turned slightly, his gaze flicking to me. For a split second, I thought I saw something like surprise in his eyes. But then his expression hardened, and he looked away.
Victoria, noticing his shift in focus, turned to see what he was looking at. When she saw me, her smile turned sharp.
“Well, if it isn’t the lady of the hour,” she said loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around her.
I froze every eye in the room turning to me.
Victoria approached, her steps slow and deliberate. “You look… lovely,” she said, her tone dripping with condescension. “Such a shame your manners don’t match your dress.”
The crowd chuckled softly, their amusement at my expense clear.
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. “Thank you, Lady Victoria,” I said evenly. “Your kindness is as radiant as ever.”
Her smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. “Enjoy the evening, dear. If you need help navigating, don’t hesitate to ask. I know these events can be… overwhelming for someone like you.”
With that, she turned and walked back to Liam’s side.
Later that night, after the ball had ended, I found myself alone in the garden again. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere of the ballroom.
“You handled her well.”
Liam’s voice startled me, and I turned to see him standing a few feet away.
“I didn’t realize you were watching,” I said quietly.
He shrugged. “You surprised me. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
There was no malice in his tone, just quiet observation.
“People like Victoria thrive on weakness,” I said. “I’ve learned not to give them the satisfaction.”
For a moment, he said nothing. Then he stepped closer, his expression softening slightly. “You’re stronger than I thought, Brielle.”
The words were simple, but they felt like a lifeline in the storm as his shadow looked over me.
And for the first time, I thought that maybe—just maybe—this marriage wouldn’t be the death of me.
- Writer
