CHAPTER 8

[Luz]

Oh God! It was done. The decision had been made, and I had said yes to the proposal that would change everything from now on.

What had I done? I panic as I realize the enormity and magnitude of my recent actions.

However, as fearful as my heart is about the consequences that will unfold in my life when I voluntarily agree to be part of this incredible secret plot, my conscience remains at peace with itself, for I could never refuse help to a desperate plea like this, especially a plea from the royalty, royalty that has always been so honorable and benevolent to the people.

It would be impossible and even selfish of me to ignore the truth and turn my back when they asked for a small contribution to this story.

"We have only a few days to get everything ready by the weekend, which is when the official engagement ball between Felipe and Luz will take place," Princess Francesca says, breaking the state of stupor I find myself in, forcing me to focus on her.

"So soon?" The words escape my mouth before I can control them, and I put a hand over my lips, somewhat embarrassed.

"Yes, Miss Luz. Time is of the essence in this case," King Ferdinando takes the lead and responds with practicality.

"The sooner we resolve these bureaucratic matters, and the more ready you are in society to marry my son Felipe, the fewer the chances of this secret being discovered by anyone, allowing you two to get married in a timely manner."

He pauses, studying my reactions before continuing.

"Furthermore, Francesca's... condition will eventually begin to show signs of pregnancy, and for that reason, you must already be married to Felipe because it is during this period that both of you will retreat to one of our family properties, the most distant one available, where you will stay until the end of the pregnancy. Only then can you both return with the child considered the result of the union between you and my son."

"But what about the difference in the timing of the pregnancy? I believe people will question that detail, Your Majesty. The child will be born ahead of schedule," I ask the obvious question that has been lingering in my mind.

Regarding this, we will say that there was a complication during the pregnancy, and the birth had to be expedited to avoid endangering the life of the young lady and the child. In any case, the baby will have been born prematurely," he asserts firmly, and I nod in understanding of the explanation that makes perfect sense.

"I see," I respond, even though it's not necessary in this situation.

"If everything is in order, and all explanations have been given, it's time to take you with me, Luz, to choose the rooms in the castle where you will be staying until the wedding ceremony. Of course, after the ceremony, you will later move to my brother's quarters, but for now, we need to choose a room for you while you are still a single woman."

My eyes almost pop out of my head, and my heart thumps loudly in my chest when I hear the princess's statement.

With so many issues on my mind, I had completely forgotten about this important detail: that I will soon have to share a room with someone else, a bed with another individual... but it won't be just anyone; it will be a man... Felipe, the second prince of the nation, a tall, strong, imposing, and very powerful man.

I swallow hard when I realize this daunting reality. I need some time alone in the solitude that only the familiarity of my home, my simple little house, can offer me right now.

"Princess Francesca, I..." I begin hesitantly, but determined and focused on the words I need to say.

"Call me Francesca or Fran when we're in private, sister," she requests, holding my hands affectionately, and I manage a nervous and strange smile in response.

"Alright."

I nod and continue.

"I don't want to delay any of your plans for... for all of this," I say, gesturing with my hands in the air, not knowing exactly what words to use to describe this crazy plan. "But I need to go back to my home today."

"Why? Is there something or someone very important waiting for you there, Luz? Something so important that it can't wait for just a few days?" Prince Frederick interrupts, asking me sharply, and I finally start to feel the pressure of his whispered words in my ear a few minutes ago, predicting that the man will not make my life any easier in the castle.

After all, what does Prince Frederick have against me when we had never met before today? I wonder why he didn't sympathize with me from the beginning when I set foot in this place, considering I'm here only to help his family and the kingdom. What is this man's problem, after all?

"I believe this matter is not within your jurisdiction, Frederick," Prince Felipe is quicker to respond than I am, leaving me deeply grateful that I don't have to engage in a confrontation with the crown prince right in front of the king and the princess.

"But..." he protests but is cut off by his father in the same second, with no right to reply.

"Quiet, Frederick. That's enough," King Ferdinando says, his face closing with seriousness and threat, and I shudder. "Miss, you can return home for today to do what you wish and say goodbye to your family, but you must return to the castle in no more than one day to prepare in time for the engagement ball," he turns to me with determined eyes, and I nod.

"Of course, Your Majesty," I agree, twisting my fingers nervously, eager to leave this room that becomes increasingly claustrophobic with every passing minute.

"You are dismissed. You can go home. A guard will accompany you to the exit of..." he barely finishes the sentence, and I quickly step out, wanting to impose as much distance as possible between me and those people.

I need to breathe, I need...

"Luz, wait!" I hear Felipe's voice calling me just behind me, but I don't stop to answer him.

I just want to get out of here...

"Luz!"

He manages to stop me when his hands reach my arm, turning me to face him, causing my chest to collide with his due to the abrupt movement.

"What did Frederick say to you, Luz?" His blue eyes sweep my entire face in search of answers. "What did my brother say in your ear moments ago that made you back away like that?" Felipe insists, trapping me in a corner.

What should I say? Should I tell him the words Prince Frederick uttered to his younger brother? What if this is some kind of a test? What if it is...

"Luz, please, tell me the truth," Felipe's hands grip my shoulders, holding me in place. "Tell me what he said to you! I'm asking you."