Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-Five

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓨-𝓕𝓘𝓥𝓔
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╰➢ Chapter 25, let's go!

Y/n couldn't shake the lingering disappointment as they made their way back from the forest. The answers she'd been searching for had eluded her. Despite the ache of unfinished business gnawing at her, she resolved not to turn back tonight. Tomorrow, she thought, brushing away her frustration.

Back at the castle, the trio moved in quiet efficiency, tending to the horses and securing them in the stables before retreating to their chambers to change.

In her room, Y/n stood before the mirror, her gaze fixed on the necklace that hung from her neck. The pendant gleamed faintly in the dim candlelight, a bittersweet reminder of the truths she had uncovered and the ones that still eluded her. She reached up, her fingers brushing against the cool metal before tucking it into her dress, hiding it from view. She wasn't ready for anyone to notice it, let alone ask questions about it.

Prince Ayred might reveal her true identity at any moment, but Y/n knew she had to stay calm. She rehearsed the denial in her mind, hardening her resolve. Even if her secrets came to light, she needed to keep them buried, at least until she was ready.

Her parents had always wanted to bring her to the place they had visited today. Though some questions were answered, one burned brighter than ever in her mind: Who had taken her parents' lives?

The thought left a hollow ache in her chest, but it was soon replaced by a more immediate concern—hunger. The events of the day had left her stomach growling. She made her way to the kitchen, weaving through the quiet castle halls.

When she entered, the rich aromas of herbs and baked bread greeted her. The kitchen staff busied themselves with their tasks, but Y/n ignored the bustle, moving with purpose. She grabbed a small loaf of bread and some cheese, eating quickly to sate her hunger. Once finished, she washed her plate and utensils with brisk efficiency, nodding politely to the staff before leaving the kitchen.

Her next destination was the library. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of blueprints, structures, and the answers she might find hidden in dusty tomes. If the king and queen possessed any books on the construction of grand buildings, she needed to find them.

The library was mostly empty when she arrived, save for a lone servant dusting shelves. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated row after row of books, their spines lined like sentinels of knowledge. Y/n ran her fingers along the shelves as she walked, her fingertips brushing leather and cloth bindings, her eyes scanning the titles.

After what felt like an eternity of searching, she finally found the section she was looking for. Y/n pulled a few promising volumes from the shelves, their weight heavy in her arms, and carried them to a nearby table. Settling into a chair, she opened the first book, her eyes quickly skimming the pages.

The world around her faded as she delved into the intricate illustrations and detailed explanations of architecture. The candlelight danced across the pages, and though the answers weren't immediate, Y/n knew she was one step closer to understanding the truths that had eluded her for so long.

As the evening stretched into night, the castle halls grew quieter, signaling the arrival of dinner time. King Venali and Queen Solana made their way to Y/n's chambers, intending to escort her to the dining hall. Venali knocked firmly on her door, followed by Solana's gentler rap. When no answer came, they exchanged a glance, their expressions tightening.