The Consequence: Sequel to The Choice

62

I took a deep breath, staring at myself in the mirror as Imogen attempted to tame my hair. I had lost a considerable amount of weight given the fact that I refused to eat even though I was practically dying of hunger. My cheekbones were almost as sunken as Isadora's. The thought of Isadora sent a pang of pain through my heart and the image of her dead body beside Lord Ballard's flashed before my eyes. I quickly blinked the memory away- and the tears that threatened to come with it.

"Are you ready?" Imogen whispered, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror.

I looked away, scoffing, "Will I ever be?"

***

I walked at a decent distance away from Brutus. Along with the fact that he smelled, I didn't want to be anywhere near him considering the way he treated Carlos and I- plus how violent he was.

He whistled a random tune under his foul breath and I made sure to inform him that I was not entertained with the scowl that resided on my face.

"I don't know what King Amancio sees in you," Brutus scoffed. "You don't smile enough."

"I could care less," I muttered.

At that point, we had arrived at the garden. Feeling the warm morning breeze against my skin somehow made me feel more relaxed.

But, as soon as I saw the breakfast table all traces of tranquility in me vanished. Amancio's father -Duke Law, Amelia and Amancio sat at the table, their eyes fixated on me. Duke Law watched me intently as if trying to figure me out. Instead of her usual emotionless expression, Amelia's eyes sparkled with amusement. She somehow managed to find my situation...funny. Amancio however, had no evident expression on his face. He remained blank.

"Lady Madeline, how nice of you to join us for breakfast," Duke Law smiled, his smile never reaching his eyes.

I didn't reply as I sat, trying to avoid eye contact with the new 'royal family'.

"What is it, Madeline? Cat got your tongue?" Amelia smirked.

"Spare her, mother," Amancio raised his hand and Amelia rolled her eyes.

"Amancio, I find myself wondering if Madeline's...presence will be a problem," Duke Law gave me a pointed look. They spoke of me like I wasn't there, like I wasn't truly human enough to comprehend their conversations. However, I couldn't help but wonder what he was insinuating? Did he want Amancio to kill me?

"No, father. Madeline's presence here will not be a problem. As a matter of fact, Madeline and I will be married in less a few days," Amancio replied sternly, turning his attention back to me.

I began to protest but Amancio interrupted me, his lips curling up in a devious smirk. "You do remember our agreement, don't you?"

I closed my eyes and let out a small breath. I hadn't even touched the plate of eggs, bacon and toast in front of me, for even the food looked like it had been overcome by a dark cloud. The same dark cloud that hung over Aridia.

I clenched my fists and refused to look up from my food, which seemed to satisfy Amancio and his parents. They soon ignored me and delved into wedding planning and logistics.

***

After breakfast, I returned to my room- my stomach grumbling loudly as I hadn't eaten a bite. I fell backwards against my bed and stared at the gold lined ceiling, the same questions running laps in my head.

Where was Carlos? Was he OK? Did he miss me or think about me as much as I thought about him? Did he know that I was being forced to marry Amancio?

I let out a small sigh. Where had The Dark Lords taken the citizens of Aridia that didn't pledge their loyalty? Where had they taken the nobles? Where were my parents and sister?

A single tear plopped from my eye onto the bed beneath me. I tried to be strong, I honestly tried. I tried not to let the dark thoughts consume me, not to let them make me someone I wasn't.

I shook my head, as if clearing my thoughts. At one side of my room was a bookshelf I hadn't bothered to check out. No one but Amancio must have put it there.

It gave me hope, maybe the Amancio I knew and developed feelings for was still somewhere inside. Maybe I could find a way to get him out.

Hi guys, here's chapter 62 (AKA chapter 2). I hope you liked it- and I hope you're ready for what's in store. Please don't forget to vote, comment and add this to your library to get notified when I post as I don't have a posting schedule currently.

I wanted to post the first few chapters so you kind of get a feel of what's in store. But, I might not post soon because I want to write to some extent so I have chapters left over and can develop a good posting schedule. I might also be going back to school physically soon 😣- which means I won't be able to write as much. Which is why I want to write more now so I can save up chapters.

I also discovered that I felt kind of rushed to post and I want the chapters and writing to be of the best quality for you guys, so I'll take my time and plan elaborately. So please please please don't give up on this book- new chapters will come really soon, just give me some time.

Also, I kind of entered The Choice into the Wattys so wish me luck 😝

Don't forget to vote, comment, share and add to your library. Wear your masks as well.

See you soon,

Dawn.