Chapter 2
Xavier said, "Ten thousand ounces of gold, and one sq mile of fertile land, or even a nominal princess title. Wherever you wish to go, I'll send someone to escort you."
He sounded generous, almost as if he didn't care at all.
It was like he was dismissing someone who didn't matter.
I had to laugh to myself.
He sounded like the Haley family, loyal and wealthy for generations, would care about such scraps from the throne.
But I didn't refuse.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said, giving a polite curtsy. "I have only one request."
"Go ahead," he replied.
"Your Majesty, I wish to return to Celestiville, my hometown, if you would allow it," I said.
Celestiville was the place I longed for.
It was where my mother came from.
It was the only place I could remember ever feeling any warmth.
Xavier's gaze wavered for a second.
"Alright." He didn't even hesitate.
"Allyson will enter the palace in ten days. You can leave after that," he said.
He didn't even bother to pretend in front of me.
He openly mentioned Allyson, as if he was afraid I wouldn't know who all this was for.
"Alright," I said.
Still, there was just a single word from me.
Even saying one more word would have disgusted me.
He stared at me, clearly unsettled by how compliant I was acting.
"Cadence Haley," he called out my full name all of a sudden.
"It wasn't my intention for things to turn out like this between us," he said. "Your father's influence overshadowed the throne, and your brother commanded the army. I had to guard against it."
Listen to that. What a convenient excuse.
In my previous life, I believed him.
I even wrote letters to my father and brother, urging them to rein in their power and keep their ambitions in check.
And what did I get in return?
It was the wrongful deaths of my whole family.
This time, watching Xavier put on his act, I couldn't help but find it ridiculous.
I lowered my eyes, concealing the sarcasm in my gaze.
"You're the King. I'm sure you have your reasons for everything you do," I said. "I wouldn't dare to comment."
My words left him speechless.
He gave me a long, hard look before leaving without another word.
"Suit yourself," he said coldly.
The door shut, leaving the palace hall in silence once more.
I walked to the window and watched his back as he disappeared into the night.
Under the moonlight, his shadow stretched long and lonely.
But my heart would never ache for him again.
If he wanted his throne secure, I would give it to him.
If he wanted his beloved woman, I would step aside and let him have her.
All I wanted was to break free from this cage and live my own life.
From now on, we owed each other nothing.
I lowered my gaze to the lily on the windowsill.
After being trimmed, it looked much more vibrant.
I bet it would bloom beautifully next year.
Ten days later, the Queen's grand wedding arrived.
The entire city was dressed in fancy decorations.
A ceremonial procession stretched for miles, from the palace gates all the way to the Tillman family.
Red carpets, a lavish palanquin, and the lively sounds of celebration filled the air.
It was a spectacle, making it clear to everyone just how much unmatched favor the King was showing his new queen.
I lived in a side chamber of the Sapphire Hall, far from the palace gates.
But the blaring drums and gongs could still be heard loud and clear.
My personal maid, Lola Saunders, came in, her eyes swollen and red from crying.
"Your Grace..." Lola's voice trembled as she spoke.
Lola had come with me from the Haley family when I entered the palace.
She'd witnessed all my glory, from being the crown princess to becoming the queen.
She'd also stayed by my side through all those long years when Xavier neglected me.
"Why are you crying?" I asked.
I was packing up my small bundle when I heard her voice and glanced back at her.
"It's supposed to be a joyful day," I said.
Lola's tears streamed down her face.
"Your Grace, they're being outrageous!" she cried.
"You're still the Queen. How could they treat you..." she choked out.
"The royaldecree has already been issued. I'm no longer the Queen." I cut Lola off.
"Lola, remember this. From today on, there's no Queen Cadence in this world. There's only Cadence Haley," I said, making sure she understood.
My bundle held no gold, no silver, no fancy silks or jewels.
There were just a few keepsakes my mother left behind for me—a peachwood hairpin, a yellowed poetry book, and a small sachet filled with soil from Celestiville.
These were my real riches.
Lola glanced at my little bundle, then at all the gifts from the King, still untouched in the storeroom.
She couldn't understand.
"Your Grace, are you really leaving with nothing?" she asked. "His Majesty gave you so many rewards. They're enough to set you up for life."
I shook my head.
"His things disgust me. I wouldn't touch them," I replied.
Lola was stunned, standing there in shock.
She'd never heard me say anything so bold before.
I tied up my bundle and set it aside.
"Lola, do you want to come with me?" I asked.