(SHEILA'S POV)I sprinted after Orion and his entourage, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked around and realized the familiar scenery around me. How did I end up here again? The farm where I sought refuge loomed ahead."Orion, please, just a moment!" I called out, desperation lacing my voice. I needed to talk to him, to try and make sense of the sudden and drastic shift in his behavior—or perhaps even to understand why he seemed so distant.As Orion's men spurred their horses forward, one of them, the one in the deep blue tunic, halted at my plea. His horse snorted softly as he turned to face me, his expression unreadable."Alright, stay vigilant, make sure His Royal Highness stays safe," he directed the guards, his tone firm but composed. Then, he guided his horse towards me, stopping at a distance that felt safe.I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards this man, for pausing to acknowledge my presence. Gathering my courage, I stepped closer, meeting his gaze with a m
(SHEILA'S POV)Feeling utterly drained, both physically and mentally, I quietly made my way up to the second floor of the barn, a familiar retreat where I sought solace in the past few days. Nestled on a pile of hay beneath a makeshift cover out of jute sack, I found a semblance of comfort. The familiar sounds of cows lowing and sheep bleating acted as a balm to my troubled spirit.Unexpectedly, amidst the symphony of animal noises, I detected the rustle of footsteps. Initially, I assumed it was the old farmer and his nephew going about their evening chores. But as the sound drew nearer, I realized that wasn't the case."I'll tell you again, Emberlyn, you're completely out of your mind." Echoing through the air with a tone heavy with resignation, it was the familiar voice of my stepmother, Vespera. I knew her well enough to recognize the sincerity behind her words, particularly when directed at Emberlyn.Emberlyn remarked, her tone hinting pride. "But this plan turned out even better
(ORION'S POV)As the woman in the rugged cloak and auburn hair stepped forward, her gentle demeanor took me by surprise. "My name is Sheila," she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of familiarity that made me pause. "I know this might sound strange, and I understand if you doubt my words... but I've actually known you for quite some time, Orion."Her revelation caused my skepticism to surge. How could this stranger claim to know me? My eyebrows twitched at the casual use of my name by someone I'd never met before. Yet, despite my reservations, there was something about Sheila that intrigued me. There was an authenticity in her mannerisms, a sincerity that I rarely encountered in my dealings with nobles or tricksters.Despite my instincts urging caution, I couldn't shake the feeling that Sheila meant me no harm. Perhaps it was the earnestness in her eyes or the way her words carried a weight of truth. Whatever it was, I found myself leaning in, curious to hear more.My guard bega
(SHEILA'S POV)Standing in the pathway to the hidden garden's pavilion, I can't help but feel the weight of Orion's recent rejection pressing down on me. His words echo in my mind, telling me to leave and never return. The pain of his dismissal pierces through me, leaving my heart heavy with sadness.But even in the midst of this despair, a glimmer of hope flickers within me. As I wipe away my tears and gaze at the humble stone structure next to the pavilion, I find solace in what I've confirmed. One, was the fact that Orion truly has lost his memory of me. And second, despite his amnesia, he still reached out to wipe away the tears that spilled from my eyes.Recollections flood my mind, memories of a time when we lived together in the former Silverthorn. Orion always had a way of comforting me, of drying my tears no matter the cause. Whether it was a petty argument or a heartfelt conversation shared under the moonlight, he was always there, his jet-black hair brushing against my sk
(SHEILA'S POV)Peering from where I hid, I observed Emberlyn, my sister, and Prince Orion engaging in conversation."Shall we go to the dining hall, Prince Orion?" Emberlyn's voice oozed with honeyed charm as she invited the prince to return to the main area of the royal residence. At that, Orion, ever the gentleman, acquiesced with a smile. They started to stroll toward the hidden garden entrance from the modest stone structure behind them.Summoning every ounce of courage within me, I knew I couldn't let this charade continue unchecked. Thus, I stepped out from my hiding spot, I positioned myself squarely in their path, blocking their way with a firm hand. "Sister, please, stop this," I implored, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. With a calm demeanor, I raised my palm, a silent plea for them to halt their progress.Recognition flashed in Emberlyn's eyes, the intensity of her gaze locking onto mine with a jolt of realization. Her complexion paled as if she had seen a gh
(ORION'S POV)In the dimly lit dining room of the royal residence, I sat, savoring the last bite of my meal. Across from me, Emberlyn and Vespera chatted animatedly, their laughter echoing softly against the walls. They held glasses of wine, the ruby liquid catching the light in delicate swirls.Setting down my utensils with a soft clink, I signaled the end of my dinner. "That was quite a feast," I remarked, addressing my companions. "I hope you both found it as enjoyable as I did. The chefs truly outdid themselves tonight.""Prince Orion, these delicacies are positively divine," Vespera said as she smile softly, she seemed impressed. "It's truly generous of you to extend such a gracious invitation to folks like us. We're thoroughly enjoying ourselves, aren't we, Emberlyn?"Emberlyn seemed positively thrilled, practically glowing as she shared her thoughts. "Absolutely spot on, Prince Orion. That meal was simply divine! Thanks a ton for having us!"With a soft laugh, I observed Emberl
(SHEILA'S POV)As I stood before Orion, trying to quell the rising tide of fear threatening to consume me, I forced a smile to my lips and summoned every ounce of courage I could muster. But beneath the facade of bravery, my heart pounded in my chest, a constant reminder of the stakes at hand.I listened intently to Orion's words, his warning resonating within me. He was right—any misstep on my part could lead to dire consequences, perhaps even capital punishment. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as I grappled with the reality of what I was about to undertake.Yet, despite the fear gnawing at my insides, I remained steadfast in my resolve to uncover the truth. With a determined shake of my head, I lightly slapped my cheeks, a physical gesture to steel my nerves. Then, meeting Orion's gaze, I took a step forward, my resolve unwavering. As I reached out to adjust the loosened ties of his cloak, a quiet sense of defiance settled within me."I heard the royal palace is l
(ORION'S POV)As I stood there, facing Gunter in my office in the royal residence, I knew I was about to ignite a storm. Declaring Sheila as my personal attendant was a move I anticipated to receive resistance from Gunter, my loyal steward and advisor. And indeed, he did as I have anticipated. His objections were like waves crashing against a rocky shore, relentless and forceful.What if Sheila's intentions weren't pure? What if she posed a threat to the palace, or worse, to you me? And there were many more of Gunter’s questions that went past my ears.With a wry smile and a sharp wit, I countered his arguments, laying out my reasoning like pieces on a chessboard. I told Gunter that making Sheila stayed within our immediate presence would mean an easier way for us to uncover the truth behind her actions. I did that especially because Gunter was struggling to get the truth out of her too.Gunter sighed, I could see he wanted to rebut, but digging out information from Sheila was indeed