Chapter 14 - THE KINGDOM THAT WANTED A WEDDING
Canceling the ceremony created political chaos. The northern dukes had pledged grain on the expectation of a royal marriage. The church declared Ella’s uncertain nature a threat. Crowds gathered outside the palace demanding either a wedding or an execution.
Aurelia’s influence traveled through fear rather than spells. Forged letters claimed Ella had enchanted the prince. Another rumor said Adrian planned to abandon the throne for a kitchen maid.
Rowan discovered the forgeries came from the royal press office. Chancellor Vale, Adrian’s chief minister, confessed that Helena ordered him to stabilize the succession at any cost.
Helena defended herself. “A kingdom cannot be governed by your heartbreak.”
“Nor can it survive another royal lie.”
Adrian dissolved the wedding council and formed a public inquiry. For the first time, servants, villagers, and Lady Tremaine’s household testified beside nobles.
Ella appeared without the blue gown. She wore a simple gray dress and told the hall she did not know who she was.
“I may contain memories stolen from Cinderella,” she said. “I may have helped imprison her. But I will not claim her name to make your kingdom comfortable.”
The honesty changed public sentiment. It also weakened the glowing mark over her heart.
That night, an assassin entered her chamber with an iron blade.
Ella disarmed him with movements she had never learned. Her eyes turned gold, and for a breath, a translucent wing struck the wall.
May you like
The assassin whispered, “Forgive me, Your Majesty.”
He was not speaking to Adrian.
