The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 342

The royal castle loomed before them, its ancient stone walls gleaming in the afternoon sun. Towers stretched toward the sky, their banners snapping in the breeze. The grandeur of it all

made Meriem’s breath catch in her throat.

She had seen the castle before-from a distance, in photographs, in the stories her mother used to tell her. But she had never imagined stepping through its gates. Never imagined being welcomed by royalty.

The SUV rolled to a stop in the courtyard. Servants rushed forward to open the doors, their movements efficient and practiced.

Attia stepped out first, his hand reaching back to help Lori. Then he turned to Meriem, his expression gentle.

“Ready?” he asked.

Meriem’s hands were trembling.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve never-I never imagined-”

“You’re safe,” Lori said softly, taking her hand. “That’s all that matters.”

Meriem nodded, taking a shaky breath.

They walked through the massive doors, into a world of marble and gold and centuries of history. The entrance hall was vast, its ceilings painted with scenes of ancient battles and royal triumphs. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting rainbows across the polished floor.

And standing in the center of it all, her arms open wide, was the Crown Princess.

Iva rushed forward before Meriem could process what was happening. Her arms wrapped

around Meriem in a warm, fierce embrace.

“Welcome,” Iva said, her voice thick with emotion. “Welcome to your new home.”

Meriem stood frozen, her eyes wide, her body stiff with shock.

“I-I don’t-” she stammered.

Iva pulled back, her hands still resting on Meriem’s shoulders.

“You’re safe now,” she said firmly. “No one is going to hurt you. You’re part of our family now.”

Meriem’s jaw dropped.

13

The Betrayal 1

Clam

Family? She had no family. She had been alone for so long, locked away, forgotten by everyone who had once loved her. The word felt foreign on her tongue, like a language she had forgotten how to speak.

“I don’t understand,” she whispered. “Why would you-why would anyone-”

Iva’s expression softened.

“Because you deserve kindness,” she said simply. “Because no one should have to go through what you went through. Because you are not alone anymore.”

Meriem’s eyes filled with tears.

Before she could respond, Lori appeared at her side, her face bright with excitement.

“Iva!” she squealed, throwing her arms around her best friend. “I’ve missed you so much!”

Iva laughed, hugging her back just as fiercely.

“I’ve missed you too! There’s so much to catch up on-Caleb is going to be so annoyed that I’m abandoning him, but I don’t care.”

Lori pulled back, her eyes shining.

“You have a baby growing inside you. You could abandon him for an entire year and he’d still be grateful.”

Iva laughed again, the sound warm and carefree.

“Come on,” she said, taking Lori’s hand. “Let’s go to my chambers. We have so much to talk

about.”

She turned to Meriem, her smile widening.

“You too. There are no secrets in this family.”

Before Meriem could protest, she was being dragged along with Lori and Iva toward the grand staircase.

Attia and Caleb watched them go, both wearing amused expressions.

“Poor Meriem,” Caleb said, shaking his head. “Do you think she’ll survive those two?”

Attia chuckled, his eyes following the trio as they disappeared around the corner.

“I believe this is exactly what she needs,” he said. “She’s been locked away for too long. Alone. Isolated. She’s had no friendship, no warmth, no human connection.” He paused, his expression softening. “This is the beginning of her healing.”

23

Betava

Caleb nodded slowly.

“Sh’s lucky she found you,” he said.

Attia’s smile faded.

Clam

“She’s lucky she found *us*,” he corrected. “None of this would have been possible without you and Iva.”

Caleb clasped his shoulder.

“That’s what family is for,” he said simply.

Attia looked at him, his eyes glistening.

“Thank you,” he said. “For everything.”

Caleb smiled.

“Always.”

–

Upstairs, Iva’s chambers were a whirlwind of laughter and tears.

Lori had taken the seat beside her on the chaise lounge, their hands clasped, their faces lit with joy. Meriem sat across from them, still looking overwhelmed, but slowly beginning to

relax.

Comments

LUCK DRAW >

Vote

563

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify