Chapter 52
The next morning, after the physician completed his examination, Aurora immediately sent word to the duchy to prepare a carriage. More than anything, she wanted to go home.
An hour later, Turner arrived at the palace accompanied by a large group of knights. After the attack, Duke Owen had made one thing abundantly clear—his daughter would never travel unprotected again.
The King and Queen personally came to see Aurora off.
As Aurora descended the palace steps, Lucian stood hidden behind a curtain in the upper corridor, watching her leave.
He watched as Turner carefully helped her into the carriage. He watched the concern in the knight's eyes. He watched Aurora smile softly at something Emily said.
And for reasons he could not understand, an uncomfortable ache settled in his chest.
The carriage rolled away.
Lucian remained standing there long after it had disappeared.
At the far end of the corridor, Bella had just arrived.
The moment she saw Lucian staring after Aurora's departing carriage, uncertainty twisted painfully inside her heart.
Something was changing. And she did not like it.
"Lucian," she called softly as she approached.
Lucian turned.
The troubled look on his face disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a familiar smile.
"Bella."
Relief flooded through her. At least he was still smiling at her.
Bella curtsied gracefully.
Lucian offered his arm, and together they walked toward the palace gardens.
Neither spoke for several moments.
The silence felt strange. Uncomfortable.
Bella could not stop wondering what was going through his mind.
Had Aurora's rejection affected him more than he admitted?
When they reached the garden pavilion, servants quickly poured tea and withdrew.
"It's been a while since we've had a moment alone," Bella said softly.
Lucian nodded, "It has."
"How have you been?"
"Busy with palace matters," he replied. "What about you?"
Bella smiled gently, "I've attended a few social teas and charity gatherings."
Lucian nodded absentmindedly.
Bella noticed immediately.
His attention was elsewhere.
"I heard what happened to Lady Aurora," she said carefully.
Lucian's fingers paused against his teacup.
"Mmm.", His response was short. Far too short.
Bella forced herself to remain calm.
"It's terrible," she continued softly. "I was shocked when I heard she had been attacked."
Lucian stared down at his tea, "She's recovering."
Again.
Short.
Distant.
Bella's grip tightened beneath the table. She hated hearing the concern hidden in his voice.
"I felt awful when I heard the news," Bella whispered.
She lowered her gaze, "And then I felt even worse remembering the last time we spoke."
A single tear slipped down her cheek, "I never wanted us to end on bad terms."
Her voice trembled, "I think she misunderstood me."
The tear was not entirely fake. Bella truly hated Aurora. But she also genuinely feared losing Lucian.
Lucian's expression softened.
He reached across the table and patted her hand reassuringly.
"Bella, you're too kind."
Bella looked up.
"You have such a good heart. Even after everything, you're still worried about Aurora."
A small smile appeared on her lips. Inside, however, jealousy clawed at her chest.
If only Lucian knew what she truly thought.
"Oh, Lucian..." she said softly.
"You've been working so hard lately and fighting those bandits."
She gently touched his sleeve, "You look exhausted."
Lucian chuckled, "Do I look that bad?"
"A little."
"That's reassuring."
Bella laughed softly.
For a brief, moment, the tension eased.
"When I become king," Lucian said, leaning back in his chair, "I'll probably have twice as many responsibilities."
Bella smiled, "And I'll be there supporting you."
The words were simple. Carefully chosen.
A reminder.
A promise.
A subtle claim.
Lucian smiled back.
Yet Bella noticed that it did not quite reach his eyes.
The sight made her stomach twist. Carefully, she decided to test the waters.
"I know this may not be the right time..." she began hesitantly.
Lucian looked at her, "What is it?"
Bella lowered her gaze.
"I heard rumours that your engagement has officially been broken."
For a moment, Lucian's expression darkened, "It has."
Bella's heart skipped, "It has?"
Lucian nodded, "We agreed to go our separate ways."
The words sounded calm....Too calm.
As though he were trying to convince himself.
Bella studied him carefully, "Are you alright?"
He looked away, "I'm fine."
"You must be hurt."
A small laugh escaped him, "Why would I be hurt?"
Bella tilted her head, "Because despite everything, you grew up together since your engagement."
Lucian remained silent. The silence itself was an answer.
Bella felt a flicker of fear, "Lucian..."
He looked at her, "Aurora and I were never meant to be together."
His voice was firm.
Final.
Yet for some reason, Bella felt no relief.
Because when he said it, he sounded like a man trying to convince himself of something he no longer fully believed.
The two of them sat quietly in each other's company.
Bella smiled.
Lucian smiled.
But neither of them felt at peace.
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