Scarlett (Second Edition) by Karima Saad Usman novel Chapter 220

Chapter 72 Chapter 72: After the storm

Verbena

“Then Sire is…

“He’s in the healers’ wing under maximum supervision. All know is that the prince is doing well and recovering quickly. The healers are very knowledgeable and have great abilities. They’re taking good care of him,” Briar explained.

“Ah, so that’s why he hasn’t come…

I felt foolish admitting how much I wanted news of him. I wanted to know if he was truly well and if he needed or missed me. When he was hurt before, he called for me. I had sensed his need for my presence. But one morning, I woke up, and he was gone. He never returned. I stared at the bed for a long while, feeling lost and unsure of what had happened or where he had gone.

“These are the king’s decisions, and not even the prince can defy them,” she sighed, taking my hand. “But believe me, he would rather be here than

anywhere else.”

“Can’t I visit him either?”

“No, Im so sorry. Unfortunately, the king has forbidden visitors. Only Leaf has managed to sneak in at night.”

“He really is a talented child.”

“He is…” She smiled. “But I know he wanted you to stay here. We’re investigating what happened outside the castle. For now, everyone is a suspect. After what happened to the prince, you must remain here.”

“I’m sorry for what happened,” I said, feeling a knot tighten in my throat as tears threatened to spill over. “I only wanted to look for Little Leaf. If I hadn’t gone out that night, none of this would have happened, and the prince would be fine.”

“Hey, hey, it wasn’t your fault. The prince’s brothers would have found any reason or excuse. The prince’s situation is unfortunate, but he’s alive and well. He’s strong. I think all of this has revealed several hidden plots, Moss is working on it, and I need to help him. But first, I need to know you’ll stay here.”

‘I will. I promise…” I nodded and stroked Poppy behind her ears.

“There will be a celebration tonight. Supposedly, it’s to celebrate the prince’s recovery. It’s all a lie and an excuse, of course. He sent word that you wouldn’t

ľ be attending due to health issues. It’s a card we can play, but not forever.”

‘I’ll stay here. I’ll pretend I don’t exist, and that no one knows me,” i said.

Just as I had done in the human world. I must have been crazy, but I wanted to go to the celebration. I knew he would be there

What would I even do? What would I say to him? I felt guilty about what I had said and done. I was so used to not causing trouble in the human world and being told by my family to stay quiet to make things easier for everyone.

Here, despite everything that had happened, I felt seen, acknowledged, and appreciated, even if only because of some absurd prophecy. Though deep down, I knew it wasn’t only that. I liked Briar, Moss, and Leaf. I even liked the seamstress. The prince’s warriors treated me with respect Heaven help me, but Dorts, has even become more bearable lately.

Was I losing my mind?

9:24 am P P P P

Chapter 72 Chapter 72: After the storm

was his unwanted bride. He accepted me against his with. Then he left me, and I faced so many dangers. I should hate him, despite everything. And I thought I did. But now my feelings were different. I was enchanted by him. There is no other explanation. Or that I was stupid or mentally ill.

“Do you miss him, too? Sometimes Hish he would straply walk in and tell you he okay.” I sighed as I spoke to my little dog, who curled into my lap.

I spent the whole afternoon thinking, pacing back and forth, and staring out the window. I tried reading several interesting books, but they failed to hold my attention. The seamstress was the only person allowed in, and she Titted me for new dresses.

“It’s such a shame you can’t attend the celebration. These are some of my finest works,” she said proudly.

I’m just not feeling well, and the prince…”

‘I know, I know. One can’t argue too much with one’s husband,” she said with a smile as she added more lace to the skirt. “Though I must say, you look much better. You have more curves, your cheeks are rosier, and if you’ll allow me, I think you look even prettier.

This was never meant to be my world or my place, yet with all the care I had received, I felt better than I ever had in the human world. The great treatment they promised me hadn’t even begun, but I had already noticed so many improvements, I wondered if one day I might truly become like everyone else.

When the seamstress left, Doris entered. Apparently, I was never meant to be alone.

24

“Are you all right?” I asked my unusually quiet cousin a few minutes later.

“Yes, why?” she replied, glancing toward the door as if expecting someone to walk in. She seemed lost.

“Because you haven’t talked about plans, or how terrible the elves are. In fact, you haven’t said anything at all.”

Since arriving at the castle, she had changed, especially after we were imprisoned, couldn’t forget how she stood up to the warriors, who then struck her. After that, she became more paranoid and would sneak off some afternoons to investigate while I waited for the prince. But ever since he returned, she had been acting strangely. Quiet.

“I just… fine,” she said, her cheeks flushing.

Was Doris blushing?

“You’re not even wearing your veil anymore.”

“Oh…” she said, as though she had just realized it.

1 had tried for a long time to draw her into conversation, but something in her had shifted. Eventually, we sat in silence, reading, until it grew late.

“I’ll be in the room next door,” she said and left.

From farther away, I could hear the sounds of the celebration, laughter, clinking glasses, music, and dancing. I hugged my knees, feeling abandoned all over again.

Wasn’t that ridiculous? My family had left me; my sister had abandoned me to my fate. The prince was even worse; he had left me for years. And now Emiss

him? How broken did I have to be for that to happen?

And yet, it was true.

I realized that feeling discarded was a wound that was difficult to heal. It stung even when untouched.

9:24 am P PPP.

Chapter 72 Chapter 72: After the storm

was early asleep when the bedroom door opened, and 4 heard footsteps approaching. The prince appeared in the doorway.

‘Sire?” I said, startled.

He was dressed in formal attire, and his blue eyes were fixed on me.

“Are you… all right? What’s happening?” I asked, trembling, as the energy in the roof shifted.

Today is Wednesday, my wife…” he murmured.

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