ONE DAY BEFORE WEDDING:-
In her white wedding dress, off-shoulder style, she looked absolutely stunning. The delicate lace cascaded down her arms, accentuating her elegance and grace. The off-shoulder design revealed a hint of her collarbone, adding a touch of allure to her bridal ensemble.
The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, emphasizing her beauty and radiance on her special day. It was a perfect choice, showcasing her black hair and enhancing her ocean blue eyes.
“Your dress is perfect now, tomorrow you will be the most beautiful bride, my lady,” the designer said as he fussed over Carol.
“Yes, even I can't believe it's really me. You really did wonders, Madam,” She showed her gratitude to the designer.
“You should sleep now, it's quite late. Furthermore, you have to wake up at 4 am tomorrow morning to get ready for the wedding. The Emperor is so busy today, I don't think he will visit you, my lady,” The head maid said while helping her change into her nightgown.
“No need for him to visit me,” she said as she blushed.
Over the past week, whenever he had the chance, whenever he saw me, he made a move on me. Touching me here and there, it would be good if he didn't show up today.
But tomorrow is our wedding, he should at least show his face… No, no, it's not like I am waiting for him or something. She was panicking and getting embarrassed on her own.
Her pristine white wedding gown and shimmering glass shoes were delicately arranged before her, serving as a poignant reminder that tomorrow held her long-awaited special day.
Despite being assured that Ragnarök would not make an appearance today, Carol couldn't help but steal glances towards the door, eagerly anticipating his arrival.
A rustling sound approached her, and Carol thought it was Ragnarök and ran towards the door to open it. Suddenly, a person in a black cloak covered her mouth and pushed her inside her room. She struggled and pushed the person away in fear and couldn't understand why someone would cover her mouth?
She tried to speak, but her words came out muffled and incoherent. Panic started to rise within her as she desperately tried to communicate her confusion and fear.
She wondered who this person was and what their intentions were?
“ Who are you?” She shouts.
“ Carol, it's me….” As the person slowly lifted their veil, Carol's heart began to race with anticipation. With each passing moment, her curiosity grew stronger, and she couldn't help but wonder who could be hiding behind the mysterious mask.
Finally, the veil was lifted, and Carol's eyes widened in surprise. Before her stood a woman of striking beauty, with piercing blue eyes and a radiant smile that lit up the room, it was her sister, Chloe.
“Chloe? What are you doing here at night?
With a cloak on??”
“Carol, please hear me out. Ragnarök may not be the person he claims to be." Desperately, Chloe starts explaining.”
“What do you mean?”
“Carol, I have reason to believe that Ragnarök may not be entirely truthful about his identity. I don't have much time to explain, Carol. I apologize for the urgency, Carol, but time is limited. It is crucial that you understand the gravity of the situation.
Grey, undoubtedly aware of my absence, may have dispatched individuals to locate me. Please lend me your ear…Ragnarok orchestrated our father's act of betrayal.”
As Chloe speaks, Carol's jaw tightens, and she fixes her with a piercing gaze.
“Quiet, Chloe. Understand that defending our father's actions does not give us the right to place blame on Rubis. It was Rubis who nearly lost his life due to their involvement.
Let us not forget the immense pain and suffering Rubis endured as a result. The scars left behind are not just physical but emotional as well. The weight of his struggle cannot be understated…He nearly died because of them.”
“I am not justifying anything, listen to me, he can't die, Ragnarök cannot die. I I…I had a chance to meet with my father, and he revealed something so heart-wrenching.
Ragnarök, he planned it all. He knew… he knew that the nobles were plotting a treason against him. And in his desperation to achieve what he wanted, he devised a plan to lure them in, to confront them, to… to eliminate each one of them.”
“Why would he do that?”
Carol's voice trembled with a mix of confusion and anguish.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend the unthinkable.
“He is the sole heir to the throne, Chloe. He didn't need to do that.”
The pain cut deep, leaving her feeling lost and abandoned. As Carol stood up, her trembling hands reached out to touch the cold glass of the window. The raindrops outside mirrored the storm raging within her.
Each droplet seemed to echo the tears streaming down her face, a poignant reminder of the emotional tempest that consumed her. Her gaze fixated on the rain-soaked streets below, her mind racing with unanswered questions.
“Indeed, he is the sole heir, but not a single soul held any affection for him, not one noble who stood by the king's side.
Duke Leon, oh how he longed to ascend the throne, to claim the title of king, if only fate had dealt a different hand. If only Ragnarök were dead.
But alas, dear Carol, the truth reveals itself in all its cruel and twisted glory. It was you, yes, you who became the catalyst for this treacherous plot.
It was your existence that fueled his dark desires, that ignited the flames of betrayal within his heart.He lure our beloved father into the clutches of treason. How could he manipulate and deceive, all for the sake of his insatiable thirst for power? The answer lies within his twisted obsession with you, Carol.
He desires you, not out of love or admiration, but as a mere pawn in his wicked game. Carol, the betrayal cuts deep into our souls. How could you have been so blind to the darkness that lurked within his heart?”
“ I shall graciously overlook what I just heard. If you have concluded your business, kindly proceed on your way, Baroness Hemsworth."
“Haa .....are you really my sister? What has that monster done to you in just a few months? It breaks my heart to see you like this.”
" Chloe! Don't call him a monster?'
“ Then what should I call him?
The catalyst, the unfortunate circumstance that caused our family to be in this situation.”
“Monsters are those who scheme behind the backs of others, just like my father. By covering up his misdeeds, you are only adding to the chaos and pain that his victim is experiencing,” Carol exclaimed passionately
“If you find it difficult to believe that Ragnarök is immortal, father must have been mistaken. I think it's important that we clarify this with the emperor and put an end to any rumors that may harm our king's reputation. Don't you agree, sister?"
Carol was aware that if Ragnarök were to discover Chloe's encounter with her father, it would undoubtedly put her in grave peril.
“ No, Chloe, you must never reveal that you encountered my father. Even I won't be able to protect you, and my father is not someone who deceives. He is not… a liar.!!”
“ Why, Carol, do you doubt the sincerity of my words? Throughout your entire life, you have selflessly dedicated yourself to our family, always placing us as your top priority.
However, it perplexes me that you now choose to turn a blind eye to the undeniable truth. I implore you, please enlighten me. Could it be that love has clouded your judgment? Is it possible that you have developed feelings for that monstrous individual?”
“He is far from being a monster, Chloe! He genuinely cares for me, and Rubis holds a deep affection for me.”
“ Oh, I see. It's not that you don't see, you refuse to see. I understand that you may have difficulty seeing past your anger and pain, but if you truly believe he is not a monster, then I cannot change your mind. Here, take this dagger, even if you were to stab him in the heart, he will still stand before you unscathed, then you'll know the truth.”
In a dimly lit room, filled with tension and despair, Chloe's words hung heavy in the air. The weight of her pain and desperation was palpable, as she pleaded for her sister's return.
With a determined yet trembling hand, she reached out and handed over a gleaming dagger, its blade reflecting the flickering candlelight.
As Chloe slowly turned away, her heart heavy with a mix of hope and doubt, the room seemed to hold its breath. The silence was broken only by the soft sound of her footsteps fading into the distance.
The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, as if time itself had slowed down to witness the unfolding of this desperate,
Carol found herself alone in the room, tears streaming down her cheeks as the harsh reality of her situation sank in.
All her hard work and efforts had been in vain, leaving her with nothing. Overwhelmed by the weight of the world, she felt utterly crushed and utterly alone.
As she sat on the cold ground, clutching a dagger in her trembling hand, her tears continued to flow. At that moment of despair, she heard the distinct sound of heavy boots approaching. Panic surged through her, and she hastily wiped away her tears, rising to her feet while concealing the dagger behind her back.
“Why do your beautiful eyes appear to be a bit red, Carol?” As he enters the room, he notices her eyes are swollen and red. He approaches her with a gentle touch, hoping to soothe her discomfort.
“ Nothing, just missing my family.
Chloe asked, stepping back slightly while discreetly concealing the dagger behind her.
“What brings you here? I was under the impression that you had a busy day ahead.”
“ I am, but I missed you, so I came to see you,” he whispered softly, his voice filled with longing.
She looked at him, In the dimly lit room, her nervousness was evident, casting a subtle tension between them.
He couldn't help but ask, “Is everything okay?” His eyes searched hers, hoping to find solace in her response. She nodded, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions.
“Yes, everything is fine. I just needed a moment to collect my thoughts. Tomorrow is a big day,” she explained, a shy smile gracing her lips.
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. “Take all the time you need.” He said.
His gaze fell upon her wedding dress, delicately suspended on the wall, and a faint smile graced his lips.
“ I should go now.”
As he reaches the exit, he pauses for a moment, contemplating what lies ahead. He takes one final look back, a bittersweet smile forming on his face.
“ You are avoiding looking at me, Carol.”
She stayed there silently, without answering.
“ I waited, Carol, I waited for you to take that dagger and stab me.
Why didn't you do that?”
Carol flinches and the dagger fall down from her hands.
He came close to her and pick up the dagger.
“ Rubis....it's not true, right?
Please tell me, it's all a lie.”
“ Carol.....
I don't want to lie to you.”he took the dagger and stabbed his heart.
“ RUBIS!!” She shouted.
Black blood just like the monster came out, after a few seconds, the wound started to heal as if it were never there, leaving his white shirt with blood stains. He places the dagger in her hands, which were drenched in BLOOD.
Carol's heart sank as she realized that every word of Chloe was true and the person she trusted the most had been deceiving her all along. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the betrayal, she lost her everything.
“ Why did you do this, Ragnarök?”
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