Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-nine

Celeste spent the next few days preparing for her visit, carefully selecting a dress that was elegant but not ostentatious.

When the day arrived, Victoria accompanied her to the palace gates. The golden sunlight bathed the stone walls, giving the castle an almost ethereal glow.

"You'll be fine," Victoria said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Celeste's face.

Celeste took a deep breath, her heart beating faster. "I know... thank you for coming with me. It means a lot."

Victoria smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "Always."

Together, they walked through the grand halls of the palace.

"I remember when I used to come here, back when I was still... engaged to the crown prince," Celeste said with a small, wistful smile.

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me."

Celeste chuckled. "Why, are you jealous?"

"No, he's insufferable," Victoria replied, smirking.

"Yes, he really is," Celeste agreed, and the two of them shared a quiet laugh.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the hall. "You know, I could have both of you beheaded for speaking about me like that," the crown prince said, stepping forward. "What are you doing in the palace? "

The two of them turned to face him, unfazed. Celeste's gaze was steady as she replied, "The Queen summoned me."

"The Queen..." Cassius's frown deepened. "I didn't know you were still in contact with her."

"We were very close," Celeste said calmly, her tone carrying an unshakeable confidence.

The prince's jaw clenched, and he stormed away without another word, leaving a heavy silence behind.

Victoria let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "Some things never change."

Celeste's eyes followed the retreating figure for a moment before she turned to Victoria. "Let's keep moving," she said, her voice steady.

The Queen's residence was a warm contrast to the cold formality of the palace corridors. Soft sunlight filtered through tall, arched windows, illuminating the delicate floral arrangements that lined the hallways. A gentle scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, calming and welcoming.

When Celeste and Victoria were announced, the Queen rose from her seat, her expression lighting up with genuine warmth. "Celeste, my dear! It has been far too long."

They both inclined respectfully. "Your Majesty, it's truly an honour to see you again," Celeste said.

The Queen smiled warmly and gestured to the chairs. "Please, sit. Make yourselves comfortable."

As they settled, Celeste added softly, "I hope you don't mind that I brought someone with me."

The Queen's eyes sparkled with warmth. "Not at all, my dear."

Victoria inclined gracefully. "Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Victoria Valenford."

The Queen's eyes brightened with recognition, a fond smile spreading across her face. "So you're the Victoria! The one who managed to capture our Celeste's heart. Her mother told me all about you."

Celeste's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Yes, Your Majesty... Victoria and I are together."

The Queen clasped her hands together, a look of genuine joy on her face. "That's wonderful news. I'm truly happy for you both."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," they said in unison.

The Queen's expression softened, though a shadow crossed her features. "I heard about your father's arrest."

Celeste lowered her gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty. It's true."

"Serves him right," the Queen muttered under her breath before sighing. "I never liked that man—not once. To this day, I still don't understand why your mother endured him for so long."

Celeste's eyes dimmed. "He terrified her, manipulated her... she thought leaving would make things worse."

The Queen nodded solemnly. "I know. Your mother and I were close once. But he forced her to cut ties with me. It broke my heart to lose her."

Her tone grew heavy with memory. "Then, when you were born, he grew angry again—he wanted a son, an heir to parade around. Out of desperation, your mother came back to me. She begged for a way to protect you, to make sure you'd have a place in court where he couldn't touch you. That's why I arranged your betrothal to Cassius."

Celeste blinked, stunned. "So that's how it happened..."

The Queen nodded, her gaze distant. "It wasn't meant to trap you, my dear. It was meant to keep you safe. But it seems fate had other plans—and perhaps, far kinder ones than ours."

Celeste hesitated before speaking. "Your Majesty... Have you told Prince Cassius about this?"

The Queen's smile faltered slightly, her posture straightening. "Cassius..." she murmured, her tone growing heavier. "He's much like his father—proud, arrogant and far too stubborn for his own good. I doubt he would take it well."

Celeste met her gaze steadily. "Maybe so, but he still deserves to know. He's your son, Your Majesty. He'll understand if you speak to him sincerely. You might be surprised."

For a long moment, the Queen said nothing. Then, with a weary sigh, she looked out the window where the sun spilt through the curtains.

"Perhaps you're right," the Queen said after a long pause, her voice soft but steady. "I owe him the truth—about everything."

Celeste's smile was gentle, her tone hopeful. "That would be the best thing to do, Your Majesty."

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A/n: Anyone have any idea of where this is going?