Chapter 22
The garden felt colder now.
Like something had been taken from it.
From her.
—
"…Who is she?" she asked after a long silence.
Her voice was quieter now.
Not desperate.
Just… tired.
The seventh prince looked at her.
A long pause.
Then—
"That information is not for you."
Her fingers curled tightly at her sides.
Not for you.
The words echoed bitterly.
"So I don't even deserve to know?" she asked.
"You are not in a position to question it."
Something inside her snapped.
A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips.
"Of course," she murmured. "Why would I be?"
—
She stepped back slowly.
Looking at him like she was seeing him for the first time.
"You said I belong to you," she repeated softly.
"Yes."
"But you don't belong to me," she added.
Silence.
He didn't deny it.
Didn't argue.
Because it was true.
—
Tears burned her eyes, but she held them back.
"I thought… even just a little… I mattered."
"You do."
The answer came quickly.
Too quickly.
"And yet you're marrying someone else," she said.
A pause.
Then—
"That does not change your place."
Her heart dropped.
"My place…" she whispered.
"Yes."
Not a partner.
Not a choice.
A place.
Something kept.
Controlled.
Owned.
—
She shook her head slowly.
"I don't want a place," she said quietly. "I wanted… you."
For the first time—
Something flickered in his eyes.
But it was gone just as quickly.
"You should not want what cannot be yours."
Her chest tightened painfully.
"And you shouldn't claim what you won't protect," she shot back.
Silence fell.
Heavy.
Sharp.
—
For a moment—
Just a moment—
It felt like he might say something.
Do something.
Stop her.
—
But he didn't.
—
She took another step back.
Then another.
"If you won't fight for me…" she said softly, "then don't expect me to stay."
He said nothing.
Did nothing.
Just watched.
As always.
—
She turned.
And walked away.
Not running this time.
Not rushing.
Just… leaving.
—
At the edge of the garden, Sky stood waiting.
His eyes searched her face immediately. "What happened?"
She didn't answer right away.
Just shook her head.
"It's over," she said quietly.
His jaw tightened. "I won't let this happen—"
"You can't stop it," she interrupted softly. "No one can."
Brian stepped forward from the shadows.
His voice calm.
But firm.
"Are you sure about that?"
They both looked at him.
"There are always ways," he continued. "It simply depends on what one is willing to sacrifice."
She frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
But he only smiled faintly.
"Nothing… yet."
—
From a distance—
Selene watched them.
Her hands clasped in front of her.
Her expression soft.
Gentle.
Perfect.
—
The perfect bride.
—
And in the palace—
Silks were being chosen.
Jewels prepared.
Invitations sent.
—
The Queen's decision stood firm.
Unchanging.
Unbreakable.
—
And somewhere deep inside—
Her heart finally understood.
This was not a love story.
It was a war.