CHAPTER 8

[Light]

Oh, for God's sake! It was done. The decision had been made and I had said yes to the proposal that will change everything from now on.

What had I done? I think of panic as I realize the greatness and magnitude of my last acts.

However, as much as my heart is fearful about the consequences that will have on my life by willingly agreeing to participate in this incredible secret plot, my conscience remains at peace with itself, for I would never be able to refuse help to a desperate cry for help like this.

Especially a distress call from royalty, royalty that has always been so dignified and benevolent to the people.

It would be impossible and even selfish of me to ignore the truth and turn my back when i was asked for a small contribution to that story.

-We will only have a few days to get everything ready by the weekend, which will take place the official announcement dance of the engagement between Felipe and Luz. -Princess Francesca says breaking the state of torpor in which I find myself, forcing me to turn my attention to her.

But so fast? -the words escape from my mouth before I can even control them, and I put a hand on my lips somewhat embarrassed.

Yes, Miss Luz. Time is an indispensable thing in this case.

King Ferdinando is the one who takes the lead and responds to me with practicality.

-How soon if you resolve these bureaucratic issues and you are able before society to take on marriage to my son Philip, the less likely the chances of this secret being discovered by someone, thus allowing you two to marry in a timely manner.

He pauses studying my reactions before continuing.

Besides, the... Francesca's belly one hour will begin to give indications of a pregnancy, and for that reason the lady should already be married to Philip, for it is in this period when the two will retire to one of the properties of our family, the farthest there is, where they will remain until the end of pregnancy, and only then, both may return with the child being considered as the fruit of the union between the lady and my son.

- But what about the difference in gestation time? I believe people will question that detail, Your Majesty. The child will be born ahead of schedule. -I ask the obvious question that permeates my mind.

-In this case, we will say that there was a complication during pregnancy and that the delivery had to be advanced in so as not to endanger the life of the lady and the child. In any case, the baby will have been born premature. -he scores firmly and I feel positively understanding the explanation that makes a lot of sense.

I get that. - I answer it even if it's not necessary in this situation.

If everything is in agreement and all the explanations have already been made, it is time to take her with me, Luz, to choose the rooms in the castle where you will be installed until the day of the wedding ceremony. Of course, after the same, you will later move into my brother's chambers, but until then we must choose a room for you while you are still a single woman.

My eyes almost come out of orbit and my heart resoundscandalously inside my chest as I listen to the princess's phrase.

With so many problems in my head I had forgotten to complement this important detail: that very soon I will have to share a room with someone else, the bed with another individual... but it won't be with any person, it's going to be with a man... with Philip, the second prince of the nation, a tall, strong, imposing and very powerful man.

I swallow in dry to realize this frightening reality. I need a time alone in solitude that only the normality of my home, and that my simple little house can offer me at this time.

- Princess Francesca, I... ...

Call me Francesca or Fran when we're in private, sister. -she asks holding me affectionately by the hands to which I outline a nervous and strange smile in response.

It's all right.

I'll put my head down and move on.

I don't want to delay any of your plans to... for all these things. - I say gesturing your hands in the air without knowing for sure what words to use to define this crazy plan. But I have to go back to my place today.

Why is that? Is there something or someone very important waiting for you there, Luz? So important that you can't wait for just a few days?

Prince Frederick interrupts by asking me sharply and finally begin to feel the pressure of his words whispered in my ear a few minutes ago, predicting that man will not make my life in the castle any easier.

After all, what does prince have against me if we've never met before today? I wonder why and why he didn't sympathize with me early on when I set foot in this place, and I'm here just to help his family and the kingdom. What's wrong with this man, anyway?

- I believe this matter is not your responsibility, Frederick. -Prince Philip is faster than I am in answering his brother, leaving me deeply grateful that I do not have to establish a clash with the crown prince right in front of the king and princess.

But he protests, but he's cut off by his father in the same second without the right to a retort.

Shut up, Frederick. That's enough of that. -King Ferdinand says closing the countenance in a serious, threatening manner and I shudder. -The lady can return to her home for today to do what she wishes and say goodbye to her family, but must return to the castle in a maximum of one day to prepare in time for the engagement ball. -he turns to me with his eyes firmly and I feel it.

Of course, Your Majesty. -I agree twisting my fingers with nervousness, crazy to leave this office that every minute that passes becomes claustrophobic.

You're dismissed. You can go home, a guard will escort you to the exit of... -he barely finishes the sentence and I soon hasten my steps towards freedom.

That's not necessary. - I open the door and practically jump out, wanting to impose as much distance as possible between me and those people.

I need to breathe, I need to...

Light, wait! - I hear Philip's voice calling me right behind, but I don't stop to answer him.

I just want to get out of here.

-Light!

He manages to stop me when his hands reach my arm turning me facing him, causing my chest to collide with his due to abrupt movement.

What did Frederick tell you, Luz? -your blue eyes sweep the entire length of my face for answers. What did my brother say in his ear moments ago that made her retreat like that? Felipe insists on putting me in a never-out.

What am I supposed to say? Should I tell the words spoken by the crown prince to his younger brother? What if this is some kind of test? And if it is...

Light, tell me the truth, please. - Philip's hands cling to my shoulders keeping me in place. Tell me what he told you! I'm asking you.