Chương 18: The Healer.

~Katrina~

I thought about pretending to be too sick to go through with it, but somehow, I found myself bathed and sitting in front of the mirror, letting the maids prepare me.

It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. My wedding. But instead, it felt like a funeral.

The maids worked quietly, avoiding my eyes, knowing better than to disturb me.

I silently begged for some miracle to stop this, but nothing happened. I even asked if I could see Prince Elvin before the ceremony, but that wasn't allowed. Time was running out, and they needed to get me ready.

As the makeup artist worked, I wanted to go to the altar with a plain face, to show the truth of how I felt. Marissa suggested I hide my sadness, though; no one needed to see it.

Somewhere, Queen Fortuna was likely celebrating my downfall, pleased that I wouldn't be with the king. I wondered if it was because of the argument we'd had or if there was something else behind it.

Then there was a knock, and the queen mother entered. She paused, taking in the wedding gown and the scene. Her face was full of confusion as she looked at me.

"You haven't heard?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

"What news, mother?" I asked, rising from my seat. I curtsied out of respect.

"The king has called off the wedding," she said simply.

I froze. Called off? Was this real? I glanced at Marissa, who looked just as shocked. I felt like I'd collapse if it turned out to be a misunderstanding.

"It was canceled this morning. I thought you'd been told," the queen mother continued.

I shook my head. "I had no idea, mother. Are you sure?"

"Yes, dear. I wouldn't lie to you," she said, and I tried hard to hide the rush of joy that rose inside me. The maids stopped their work, waiting for my next instructions.

"Take away the wedding dress," I said, barely able to keep the excitement from my voice. "Why did he cancel it?"

"We don't know yet. Only the council members have details. Why don't you go ask him yourself?" she suggested with a small smile.

"Now?" I asked, not sure if I'd be allowed.

"Yes, go. He'll be out soon," she reassured me. Then, turning to Marissa, she asked her to escort me.

I wiped the makeup from my face before leaving, telling the maids to clear everything wedding-related from my room. I wanted no reminder of this day.

Quickly, I slipped on a blue silk dress and hurried out with Marissa.

My heart raced with excitement as I left the quarters, not quite sure which way led to the throne room, but not caring.

As we passed through the main halls, I felt everyone's eyes on me, heard their murmurs.

Fear tightened in my chest, and I forced myself to stop grinning like a fool. My wedding had just been called off, and here I was smiling.

I slowed my steps, walking calmly into the main quarters where Marissa led me to a tall, isolated building—the place where palace politics happened.

"That's the throne room," Marissa pointed.

I nodded, nervous but curious about where the king was. "Can't we get closer?"

"No, but I know a spot where we can see inside," she whispered.

We slipped over to a small opening near the entrance. From there, I could see the room, though I couldn't hear a word.

The king sat on his throne, listening intently, wearing a black robe with red designs. From where I was, he looked like the most handsome—and youngest—man in the room.

My heart raced as my mind drifted back to last night. Had he called off the wedding because of us?

The thought made me smile, but I quickly looked away, hoping no one would catch the blush on my cheeks.

I glanced back, and to my shock, the king's gaze was locked on me. His eyes widened just slightly, looking caught off guard.

I bit back a grin, seeing him flustered. Who would've thought that King Karl would be distracted by me?

"Excuse me, young lady," an annoyed voice cut in, jolting me back to reality.

I turned to find a man in his fifties, dressed in fine robes, glaring at me. I tried to step aside and apologize, but he huffed and walked right past me as if I didn't exist. I sighed, insulted.

"Who was that?" I asked Marissa.

"Xylonia's Prime Minister," she whispered. "He's the king's uncle and Prince Elvin's father."

Of course. His anger made sense now.

Before I could recover, Prince Elvin himself stepped out of the throne room, his face tense. I forced a polite bow. "Greetings, Your Highness," I said softly, trying to look as subdued as possible.

"Princess Katrina," he replied, barely glancing at me before walking off, cold and distant.

I bit my lip, hugging my arms across my chest. Just being with the king had already earned me so much hatred. I could only wonder what the future would hold if I continued down this path.

As the council members left, the king came out with Rowland. Even with his mask on, I could see the smile hidden there.

Our eyes met, and it felt like our hearts were speaking, even if our voices were silent. He walked right to me, ignoring the curious stares of the guards, and gently held my hand.

"I did it," he whispered, kissing my knuckles before releasing me.

My mind spun with questions. "How… how did you come up with a plan?" I asked, needing to know what reason he gave Prince Elvin.

"You are the reason, Katrina," he said with a wink that left me breathless.

I stared at the ground, not daring to meet his eyes. "How… am I the reason?"

"Do you remember our first meeting?" he asked, leading me as we walked toward the palace gardens.

I nodded, and he continued, "You mentioned something about… massaging."

I blinked, wondering how that detail could relate to my wedding being called off.

"My mother told me about you, about your… gifts. But I wasn't convinced," he explained. "I wanted something of value in exchange, even though you were the king's only daughter."

A chill ran through me. Not this. Not my past, my secrets. I clasped my trembling hands behind me, too afraid to speak, terrified I'd reveal too much.

"So, your father wrote to me, claiming you have a rare power—the ability to heal. He swore it, and now that you're here, I'm starting to believe him."

I froze. Fear gripped me as his words sank in. Healing powers? What was he talking about? How many lies had my father spun to save himself? How could I explain that I was no healer, no miracle worker? That I wasn't even truly a princess but rather the disgraced daughter of a whore?

The weight of his expectations pressed down on me. Should I tell him the truth? But this was King Karl—the man who was as feared as he was powerful.

If I revealed everything, he'd think I was a liar, a traitor. Everything would fall apart. He might kill me without a second thought… just like Queen Fortuna had done to that maid who had crossed her.