Chapter 2 Return Of The Beast King

I walked down the stairs of the throne room, carefully lifting my dress as I took each step at a time.

My heart fluttered nervously under the weight of so many watchful eyes.

I was unsure how to feel beneath their gazes, but I tried to hold my head high like a proper lady should.

Except, I was not a princess nor someone of noble blood, at least as far as I could tell from the family I came from.

My father was a businessman who sold flowers, and my mother was a baker.

I was just a simple flower seller from the public market, and yet... somehow, I was lucky to be here.

King Aidan had said, "Your beauty is rare. Come with me, and you won't need to sell flowers on this street anymore. Instead, you'd be my queen who stands by the side of a very powerful king."

His words had left me breathless; my face warmed with embarrassment as I blushed at the image of them.

It felt like a dream-a jest too cruel to believe. But why would the King of Vynsera play a trick on someone like me? But it wasn't a trick. It was truly happening, and I was to become his bride. Today.

"She looks so lovely in that golden dress," a woman whispered, and I finally reached the end of the stairs, obviously without stumbling on my face with the heels I have on.

"It's not just the dress. She is truly a beauty," another voice, belonging to a nobleman, remarked. My cheek grew warm at the compliment.

Stepping onto the plush red carpet leading to the throne, I found Aidan's gaze fixed on me. His blue eyes held an intensity that made my breath catch.

"Here comes my bride," he announced, rising from his throne with a proud smile.

The nobles whispered among themselves, their voices filled with curiosity and admiration.

"I wish I had found her first." One murmured that he seemed like a king, possibly from a different kingdom. Aidan must have invited him to the wedding.

"How could a beauty like hers go unnoticed in the marketplace?" Aidan held my hand gently, leading me to the seat beside his. I sat carefully, unsure of how to carry myself in such a grand setting.

Then, he raised a golden chalice. "From this day forward, she will be my queen." The hall erupted in cheers.

I quickly lifted my glass, mimicking the gestures of those around me. My heart pounded, so many eyes, so many expectations.

I had never experienced anything like this before, yet something about it felt strangely familiar.

I felt as though I had experienced this life in the past, but it could only be a figment of my imagination, as it was evidently my first experience as a member of the royal family.

Music swelled, dancers took to the floor, and the celebration continued late into the evening. I smiled when spoken to and nodded politely when addressed, but my heart remained restless, as though I had a vague memory of this place.

Finally, the moment arrived. Aidan turned to me, his voice warm. "Violet, step forward." I hesitated before rising, my hands trembling slightly as I approached him.

The crown bearer stepped forward, offering the ornate piece to Aidan. "From this moment forth, she shall be known as Queen Violet," he declared.

He placed the crown upon my head with enormous care. Aidan smiles, then, without warning, presses a kiss to my lips. A soft gasp escaped me, my eyes widening.

My first instinct was to pull away, but as the room erupted in cheers, I closed my eyes, willing myself to accept it.

The night stretched on with music and laughter. until exhaustion set in and I wanted to retire to my chambers.

Wait, my chamber? I didn't have a room yet because Aidan hadn't spoken about it. Why did I claim I would retire to my room when I didn't actually have one?

My brain must be playing pranks on me again. But why did it feel as if I already knew these halls?

Shaking off the strange thoughts, I stood up and lifted my dress with one hand as I went to find the restroom.

A woman in tattered clothes stepped into my path. Her eyes held quite a warning. "I assume you're a stranger here." She said softly.

"If you were not, you would know the kind of man King Aidan truly is before choosing to marry him."

My lips parted, but before I could ask what she meant, she turned and disappeared into the shadows.

I stood frozen. Her words settled in my mind, unsettling me.

What kind of king was he? I frowned, thinking about how kind he had been with me. I couldn't stress myself over it. A maid found me and guided me to the rest chamber.

When I returned, the celebration had ended, and Aidan greeted me with a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Violet, Raya, and Sriza will take you to your chambers. They will serve as your handmaids." He said.

"Oh... Thank you," I say softly. "Will you... be joining me?" I hesitated, my fingers twisting together.

I wanted to ask about the woman's warning, but Aidan looked preoccupied, as if his mind was elsewhere.

"I will be with you soon. There is something urgent I need to attend to, and I'd be seeing King Ronivar off as well." He promised, bringing my hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss on my fingers before turning away.

King Ronivar? I frowned slightly. He must be the king who said in whispers, wishing he had met me first. The thought of him didn't sit well with me, though.

His white robe flew behind him as he strode into the dimly lit corridor.

•

Standing on the balcony of my chambers, the air felt cold and eerie. The sky was darker than before, and the wind blew faster.

The thick clouds, filled with storm and shadow, swirled like smoke above the castle's towers. What was it about the woman's words that kept occupying my thoughts?

It kept ringing in my head as if she had spells in her words.

I began to hear loud footsteps, as if people were running. I turned just as armored guards rushed down the corridors, their swords drawn. My heart was pounding heavily. Something was wrong.

"My lady!" Sriza appeared, breathless. I barely heard her. I noticed a shift in the sky. The clouds churned angrily, the air growing heavy. "We must take you somewhere safe!" Sriza cried, reaching for me.

A guard stepped forward. "By order of the king, you must come with us."

"There is no time to waste, Queen Violet!" Raya urged, her grip firm.

"What is happening?" My voice was small, barely more than a whisper.

Sriza hesitated before speaking, "They say... the king's dead brother has returned!" My breath tightens in my throat.

"He is not just a dead brother!" Raya corrected Sriza, her face pale as though she knew so much about him, her expression fearful and hopeful.

"He is Rhydian. The true heir to the throne." Rhydian?

The name stirred something deep within me. I should feel only fear, but instead... my heart ached.

Did they mean he was once dead and now he has returned?

There was no time to ask questions. The guards pulled me away, and the palace erupted into chaos around me.