Chapter 2 SACRIFICE

Gwendolyn's voice sounded sad but firm. "I will marry! If it saves your life. I will do whatever it takes to preserve our family."

Gwendolyn's words shocked Guinevere. She had not expected her sister to offer herself in her place. This provoked even greater anger in Guinevere now that Gwendolyn would become the family's savior. Every day, Guinevere hated her more.

Their father held Gwendolyn's hand and said, "Daughter, you are betrothed!" This angered Guinevere even more. Gwendolyn shook her head, trying to hide her tears.

"He broke up with me," the tears streamed down Gwendolyn's face. Her father looked at her, not understanding at all. "How? Who does he think he is to do that? I'll talk to him!" he exclaimed indignantly, throwing his napkin on the table.

Gwendolyn wiped away her tears and said, "There's no need, Dad."

"But what has happened in this house in my absence?" her father said thoughtfully, looking at her.

"Gwen was cheating on him with a soldier, and he saw. Shame on you," Guinevere said, looking mockingly at her sister. Gwendolyn preferred to remain silent.

"I'll be ready to leave soon." Gwendolyn stood up, determined, and went to her room to pack her things. The truth was, she couldn't live near him with so much love in her heart. She thought as she walked towards her room, followed by her father.

"Explain this, Gwen," her father said, entering the room and sitting on the small sofa. Gwendolyn interrupted what she was doing.

"A soldier kissed me, and he saw, so he rejected me. But Dad, it's not my fault!" she explained.

"What soldier is that? I will have him arrested. How dare he lay a hand on you?" he growled. He would not accept his daughter's honor being tarnished without consequences.

"Father, I don't want to talk about it anymore. Besides, I'm going to the castle," Gwendolyn said, giving a shy smile. She was willing to do anything to help her father. Now it was her turn to repay him for what he had done for her all her life.

"Are you sure you want to do this, my child?" her father asked.

"Yes, it will be better for me. Maybe I can forget him away from here," she replied, returning to packing her things.

"I'll write to the King's Counselor," her father said, getting up and leaving the room. Gwendolyn finished tidying her room. She went downstairs; her father was waiting for her; he gave her a letter to deliver to the King's Counselor.

A carriage awaited her, and the servants guarded her luggage. She said goodbye to him, entered the carriage, and set off for a new life. Perhaps, who knows, she would find happiness.

Iron Crow Castle rose with grandeur, its dark, gothic architecture standing against the sky. Surrounded by an imposing wall, it looked like an impenetrable fortress. Gwen admired every detail, from the tall, pointed towers to the vine-covered windows that gave the place a mysterious air. As she watched, the vast causeway moved slowly, lowering slowly to allow the carriage to pass. Gwen felt a shiver run down her spine as the carriage crossed the bridge, entering the massive castle gates. She could hardly believe the turn her life had taken.

Gwen followed in the guide's footsteps, marveling at the colorful stained glass windows depicting ancient stories and noble figures. She was led to a waiting room just beyond the entrance gates, a spacious area lit by chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were paneled in dark wood, giving the room an imposing and austere appearance.

"Wait here, miss," the man said as he put her luggage down, leaving her alone. She walked over, observing everything with curiosity. A massive door opened, and a tall man entered the room.

"Guinevere Windsor," the man said with a severe expression.

"Gwendolyn Windsor, here is a letter from my lord explaining everything," she said, handing him the trembling paper. The man's eyes fixed on the report before looking back at her.

"Come, be ready to meet the king and her future husband," he said, leading her down a corridor that stretched in several directions. He opened a massive door and stepped to the side.

"This is your room. Be prepared and only come out when you are called. Do we understand each other?" he asked, looking at her.

"Yes, sir. I will wait here," Gwendolyn replied, watching him close the door. The room enchanted her, a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance. The high ceiling, richly adorned with golden frames and intricate frescoes, gave a sense of nobility. Gwen took a deep breath, confident that it wasn't what she had planned, but she was sure her life would be different. If she were patient, perhaps she could even be happy and, who knows, forget Galahad.

The door opened, and a maid entered.

"Good afternoon, Miss Windsor. I will serve you," the girl said, standing by the door.

"You can call me Gwendolyn," Gwendolyn requested, smiling at the maid, who appeared younger than her sister.

"I will unpack your bags and prepare your bath," the maid said, walking over to the luggage and unpacking them. Gwendolyn was amazed by the enormous bed in the center of the room, adorned with velvet curtains. Fine wooden furniture stood out, and an elaborate vanity with an oval mirror and drawers adorned with golden handles housed delicate perfume bottles and sparkling jewelry.

"Allow me to help," Gwendolyn spoke, approaching the young woman, who looked at her with disbelief as if she had offended her.

"Miss, please, this is my job," the maid replied. Gwen cautiously approached the girl, not wanting to cause any inconvenience.

"I don't want to disrupt your work, I just wanted to help, and maybe we could be friends," Gwendolyn said. The young woman looked at her as if she had said something strange and returned to her work. After arranging things in the enormous wardrobe, the maid prepared a bath for Gwendolyn. Then she helped her choose an outfit.

"Be ready at any moment; the king may arrive and want to see you," the maid warned before leaving, leaving Gwendolyn alone again. She walked over to the window and looked out at the vast gardens. She sighed, knowing that her life would be different there, but she was confident everything would work out on her new journey.

Gwendolyn headed to the bed and lay down for a while to relax. The mattress seemed to envelop her in its softness. Her mind wandered to her past relationship, and tears streamed down her face. If only he had listened to her, she could have explained everything, but he rejected her and left. She drifted to sleep with that thought, dreaming of the future's possibilities. Soon she would meet the Prince.