Chapter 27: A Letter
Visheia's POV
His words shocked me like a sudden storm stopping me in my tracks. But then, the weight of his betrayal sank in, and I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Damn, that's funny," I managed to say. His plea for us to reconcile felt empty. I had given him all my loyalty and love, yet it was never enough. I felt like I couldn't meet his standards.
He was the last person I thought would hurt me. I trusted him completely, believing he would never betray me. But he did, leaving me feeling foolish and deceived. I had no clue he was hiding something behind my back.
"Don't lie to me," I told him, my voice filled with pain. "I'm not Vishiea. If the rumours are true, then maybe being alone is what you deserve. Own up to your actions. You hurt her, didn't you? Then deal with the consequences," I said firmly, staring at him with a mix of hurt and determination.
He deserves to feel the pain he caused. Every time he reached out, I was there, no questions asked. But when I needed him most, he left me behind. I thought he'd stick with me through thick and thin, but I was wrong. Trusting him so blindly was a big mistake.
After I spoke, he stayed silent, head bowed in acknowledgement of his mistakes. "I know I hurt you badly. You were my best friend, and I hurt you deeply," he admitted, his voice filled with regret. It was something, at least, to hear him own up to it.
When he looked me in the eyes again, determination shone through. "You might not ever admit you're Vishiea. But I won't stop until the truth comes out," he vowed, his gaze steady.
"But I'm sorry for what happened today." With a simple apology, he turned and walked away. I stood there, emotions swirling inside me, still trying to make sense of his betrayal. Time hadn't changed him; he was still the same, trapped in his own flaws.
With a sigh, I walked back into the Arena. Cassie, Liliane, and Nathan were chatting in the middle. I approached them, trying to smile.
"Congrats, Nathan," I said. They all looked at me, curious. "You're back. What did His Majesty say?" Cassie asked eagerly.
"Did the King talk to you?" Nathan added. I nodded, "Yeah," I said shortly. Cassie stepped closer, curious.
"What'd he say?" she asked. I shook my head, "Can't say," I replied firmly. I didn't want to share. They understood and didn't ask for more.
"I'm having a party later. You're invited. But no pressure if you can't make it," I said. "I'll come," I added quickly. Nathan smiled wider.
"I'll be waiting. And Cassie, I hope you'll come too," he said, looking at her. Cassie nodded eagerly. "Sure, Anastasia and I will be there," she said happily.
"Good to hear. Well then, I'll be off now. Six in the evening. I'll be waiting for your arrival," he said before taking his leave. Cassie and Liliane waved goodbye as he walked away. Once Nathan disappeared from view, they both turned to me.
"We should head back to the Palace. I'm starting to feel hungry," Cassie suggested. Liliane smiled warmly, "As much as I'd love to join you guys, I need to head home now to assist with Nathan's celebration preparations," she explained.
Cassie nodded and gently placed her hand on Liliane's shoulder. "No worries. We'll catch up with you later. Feel free to go ahead," Cassie said, giving her permission.
"Thank you." With those words, Liliane departed. So it was just Cassie and me who made our way back to the Palace. Upon our arrival, I noticed Darius and his Beta, Jaxon, standing at the front door.
It seems like they're having a serious conversation about something with a Knight. They stopped talking when they saw Cassie and me approaching.
We exchanged brief greetings before heading straight to the palace. While walking, I excused myself to Cassie, explaining that I had something to attend to and she could eat alone in the kitchen for now.
"I'd love to join you, but I forgot something I need to take care of. I'm really sorry, Cassie," I apologized. She nodded understandingly.
"It's okay. Thank you for accepting my invitation to watch the Arena together. I'll come to your room at six-thirty later. We'll go to Nathan's house together," she said with a warm smile.
I nodded back, "No worries. I had a great time. Sure, I'll wait for you later," I said. She nodded and waved before turning away. We went our separate ways, and I headed to my room.
I needed to write a message to Mother Kiara. I miss her. I wonder what she's doing now? I hope she's okay. How about Dylan? Despite his antics, he's important to me too.
"Dear Mother Kiara,
I hope you're doing well. I know you're worried about me right now, but don't fret. I'm doing fine here. People have been treating me kindly so far, but there are some who don't treat me right because they suspect something about me. But don't worry, I can handle it. What concerns me now is your health. I left when you weren't feeling well. I hope when you read this, you'll be able to write back. I miss you, Mother Kiara. Stay safe always, and let me know if anything happens. I'll come back immediately. I love you, Mother.
-Love, Anastasia."
I carefully folded the letter and placed it in an envelope. I approached the window and called for a bird to deliver the letter to my mother. A deep sigh escaped me as I watched it fly away, carrying my message.
I hope my letter reaches you, Mother.
"I see you're sending a letter to someone. Your lover, perhaps?" I turned my gaze towards the door upon hearing Darius's voice. My forehead furrowed as I saw him leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed on me.
How did he manage to enter my room? Oh, I forgot, he owns this palace. I regarded him with a cold stare, "What are you doing here?"
My brows furrowed as I questioned him. Why does he always appear out of nowhere by my side, like a mushroom? It's getting creepy. I wouldn't be surprised if next time, he's there even when I'm in the bathroom.
"Why? Can't I be in my own Palace?" He asked with a smirk. I gave him an incredulous look. "Haha, funny," I said sarcastically.
He straightened up, "Alright. Sorry for the sudden appearance. I'm here to ask you--"
"Shhh. I don't want to hear about it," I cut him off immediately. If he's here to make me admit that I'm Vishiea, he's just wasting his time.
He chuckled, causing me to glance at him again. "Calm down. I'm here to ask you to eat. You haven't had lunch yet," he said. Oh... I thought it was about my identity again.
"No thanks. I'm not hungry. You should ask your fiancée, not me," I said distantly. He shrugged, "I want to be with you."
I raised an eyebrow, "No. I'm busy, Your Majesty."