My Husband Chose Her Over Me Novel – Chapter 15
Gone was the simple girl from Verloren who preferred comfortable clothes and practical footwear. In my place stood a princess—no, the Crown Princess of Verdana—draped in a gown of midnight blue silk that flowed like water when I moved, embellished with thousands of tiny crystals that caught the light with every breath.
“Your Highness, the final touch.” One of the maids—Lina, I think—approached with a delicate silver tiara nestled on a velvet cushion. Her eyes sparkled with reverence as she carefully positioned it atop my carefully styled hair.
“I… I don’t recognize myself,” I whispered, lifting my hand to touch my cheek as if to confirm this elegant creature was indeed me.
They both smiled at my statement. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies swarming in my stomach. “I’m ready.”
“Not quite.” Mira approached with a crystal vial. “Your father insisted on this particular perfume. It was your mother’s favorite.”
The scent of jasmine and something undefinably exotic filled my senses as she dabbed it at my wrists and neck. For a moment, I closed my eyes, wondering if my mother had felt this same nervous anticipation before attending royal functions.
“Now you’re ready,” Lina said with a satisfied nod. “Remember, Your Highness, shoulders back, chin up.”
I did that and walked out with the two of them trailing behind me.
The grand ballroom of Verdana Palace took my breath away. Massive crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the marble floors, and the walls were adorned with ancient tapestries depicting the founding of our kingdom. I hesitated at the entrance, momentarily overwhelmed by the sea of unfamiliar faces turned toward me.
“Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Elara of Verdana,” the herald announced, his voice echoing across the suddenly silent room.
All eyes fixed on me as I descended the grand staircase, desperately trying to remember every lesson in deportment I’d received since returning home. The crowd parted like water as I made my way across the floor, whispers following in my wake.
“Is that truly her? After all these years?” “The spitting image of Queen Lyra…”
“I heard she was married to the Verloren prince…”
“Wasn’t she living as a commoner?”
“Elara.” My father’s voice cut through the din as he approached, resplendent in formal regalia. “You look magnificent, daughter.”
I curtsied, as protocol demanded. “Thank you, Father.”
He took my hand and faced the crowd. “Friends, allies, honored guests, tonight we celebrate not just the return of my daughter, but the future of our kingdom. For too long, Verdana has been without its rightful heir. Now, Princess Elara has returned to take her place by my side.”
The crowd erupted in polite applause, though I noticed more than a few skeptical glances. I couldn’t blame them, what did they know of me? A princess raised elsewhere, married to a foreign prince, suddenly returned after years of absence.
“Your Majesty,” a voice called. “Might I have the honor of being introduced to the princess?”
A young man stepped forward, his bearing unmistakably royal. Tall and lean, with dark hair and piercing green eyes, he moved with the confidence of someone born to command attention.
My father’s expression brightened. “Of course! Princess Elara, may I present Prince Sebastian of Alden. Our kingdoms have long been allies.”
Prince Sebastian took my hand and bowed over it, his lips barely brushing my knuckles. “The rumors of your beauty fall woefully short of reality, Princess Elara.”
“How unfortunate that you’ve been listening to rumors, Your Highness,” I replied, withdrawing my hand perhaps a touch too quickly. “I find they rarely capture the full truth of any situation.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened slightly before a slow smile spread across his face. “Intelligent as well as beautiful. A rare combination.”
My father cleared his throat. “Prince Sebastian has been instrumental in strengthening the alliance between our kingdoms. Perhaps you might honor him with a dance, Elara?”
It wasn’t really a request. I inclined my head. “Of course.”
Sebastian offered his arm, and I allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. As the orchestra began playing a graceful waltz, he placed his hand lightly on my waist.
“I understand you were married to Prince Caden of Verloren,” he said as we began to move in time with the music.
I missed a step, quickly recovering. “News travels fast.”
“In our world, it always does.” His hand pressed slightly more firmly against my back. “I also hear the marriage was… less than ideal.”
“Do you always discuss a lady’s personal affairs within minutes of meeting her?” I asked sharply.
Sebastian laughed.
I fought to keep my expression neutral, though the mention of Caden sent an unwelcome pang through my chest. “You seem very interested in my marital situation, Prince Sebastian.”
“I’m interested in you, Princess Elara.” His directness caught me off guard. “A woman who has lived in two worlds, royal by birth, yet experienced in life beyond palace walls. Such perspective is… invaluable.”
“Invaluable to whom?” I challenged.
He smiled enigmatically. “To anyone wise enough to recognize it.”
The music ended, and Sebastian bowed. “Can we continue this conversation. Perhaps during the garden tour tomorrow? I’d value your insights on the eastern alliance proposal.”
Before I could formulate a response, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to find Lord Dani, his expression grave.
“Forgive the interruption, Your Highness, but there’s an urgent matter requiring your attention.” His eyes flicked meaningfully toward a side door.
“Of course,” I said, turning back to Sebastian. “If you’ll excuse me, Prince Sebastian.”
He bowed. “Until later, Princess.”
I followed Lord Dani through the side door and down a dimly lit corridor, my mind racing. “What’s happened?”
“Not here,” he murmured, leading me to a small antechamber where, to my surprise, my father was already waiting, his expression grim.
“Father? What’s wrong?”
He gestured for me to sit. “We’ve received word from our spies in Dondel. Queen Isobel has learned of your true identity. She’s your uncle’s wife.”
My blood ran cold, even though I have no idea who it was
My father nodded grimly. “You need to leave Verdana.”
“Leave?” I stood abruptly. “I just returned! The reception—”
“Is a perfect distraction,” my father interrupted. “No one will question your early departure; they’ll assume you’re overwhelmed by your first royal function in years.”
“Where would I go?”
Lord Dani and my father exchanged glances. “Back to Verloren,” Dani said quietly.
“What?” I stared at them in disbelief. “That’s madness. If Queen Isobel knows—”
“She knows you’re Verdanan royalty,” my father clarified. “But she doesn’t know you’re aware of your heritage. As far as she’s concerned, you still believe yourself to be the orphaned ward we created as your cover.”
I sank back into my chair, my mind whirling.
“You need to leave tonight,” Dani stressed. “Tomorrow morning might be too late.”
I rose and paced the small room, the weight of the tiara suddenly heavy on my head. “For how long?”
“A week,” my father said. “Long enough for us to assess the situation and make arrangements for your permanent return.”
I stopped and faced them. “Fine,” I said at last. “I’ll go back.”
Relief flooded my father’s face. “Thank you, Elara. Will you consider giving Prince Caden another chance?”
The question caught me completely off guard. I remembered the cold indifference, the public humiliations, the whispers that I wasn’t enough.
I stood, smoothing my exquisite gown. “In one week, I’ll decide if he’s going to be worth giving another chance.”