Kraliyet Gölgeleri ve Gizli Gerçekler

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

"Prenses, Kraliçe Marissa sizi çalışma odasına çağırdı." Bay Shepherd'ın sesi kapı aralığından saygıyla yankılandı.
Riley Bennett, yatağında kitap okurken itaatkâr bir sesle, "Anlıyorum Bay Shepherd. Birazdan orada olacağım..." Kapalı kapıya kederli bir bakış attı, yaşlı gözleri dökülmemiş yaşlarla parlıyordu, sonra arkasını döndü.
Riley, üvey annesinin olası azarlamasından endişelenerek kıyafetlerini düzeltti, sonra temkinli bir şekilde Kral Edmund'un çalışma odasına doğru ilerledi, minyon vücudu etrafındaki herkes tarafından kolayca gözden kaçıyordu.
【PÇUadlıKşGmDa】.
"Annem neden o sefil kadının sarayda kalmasına izin veriyor? Kral Edmund benim ve dolayısıyla taht da benim hakkım!" Keskin bir ses, koltukta oturan kraliyet mensubu hanımefendinin kaşlarını çatmasına neden oldu.
Yavaşça kızın ellerini tutarak ona güven verdi, "Tatlım, sen benim hazinemsin. Kimsenin sana yanlış yapmasına asla izin vermem. Eğer o kadını sessizce ortadan kaldırabilirsem, kızını da sessizce ortadan kaldırabilirim." Gözlerinde sinsi bir parıltı dans ediyordu.
"Kim bu kadın anne? Quinn neden bilmiyor?" Kız merakla gözlerini kocaman açarak sordu.
SÉoyÉluF SkaFdıknM uhıAzl&a &k*ızın aGğjzZınkıq MkapatStPı, JbtakıUşl$ar*ı* _oUdaNnıanr iWçinde( gez'iGn,ilrkueUn ufnıscıilrdaddı,A "nHaÉyTatUımD,W yo ZkadOı,né QsenFinn berni çok hoérv ugyöSrd,üğüJn_ KXrÉaaliçhe. JOH veTlkeTdDin iHcabınay baktıkJtakn* soUnrSa AAUsyqa'daki wt!eZk& kr'aliIçep Iben oRlMaucağbı*my vseb tée_k (gerçekj ,pWreans_es dZeQ seSns Xoltavchaksın."
"Gerçekten mi? Çok yaşa anne! Çok yaşa anne!" On bir yaşındaki Quinn annesinin kucağında heyecanla tezahürat yaptı.
Onlardan habersiz Riley kapıda titreyerek durmuş, az önce duyduklarına inanamamıştı. Üvey annesi sık sık sert davransa da, babası ona her zaman kraliyet adabını korumanın önemini öğretmişti. Üvey annesinin sertliğine karşı asla kin gütmemişti. Ama şimdi, bu zalim üvey annenin karanlık niyetlerinin ardında aslında taparcasına sevdiği annesinin olduğunu anlayamıyordu.
Geri adım atıp yanlışlıkla girişteki bir saksıya çarpınca korkuya kapıldı. Asilzadenin sesi hemen uyandı: "Kim var orada? Kapıda kim var...?"
Riley hıqzxla tvelncereyyiM düzzMelttig .veS lbbaYşkyaA bPir .mNi^sa)f!ir ColdaUslıXn(a BdaldIıO,g kküçük relpleLrinniv SenpdişbeyleA biGrrb_iribne) kSeQneQthl_eAmmiAş Xetsrka!fAıngı Md(ezğ!esrdlCeInÉdirRiSyGozrqdu.v
Kadın kapıyı açtığında dışarıda boşluktan başka bir şey bulamazken Quinn merakla etrafına bakındı ve annesinin kolunu çekiştirerek, "Anne, burada kimse yok," dedi.
"Yeter artık, geç oldu hayatım. Annen seni yatıracak." Kadın kızı nazikçe kucağına aldı ve loş koridora götürdü.
Ayak sesleri azalırken Riley yere çöktü, gözleri boş boş uzaklara bakıyordu. Üvey annesinin sözleri zihninde yankılanıyor, gözlerinden kontrolsüzce yaşlar akarken dişleri dudağını ısırıyordu.
Hayahl ameytal afnn(eZsiniHnf )soHn fsSökzlerqinHi jhóavtvıbrwlTadsı: V"RileGs,É lüMtfZemn k)ecnadrine d&ikGkWatv deUt,$ ken,dJibni wkFoFru.B.." ADnnqesinFin zayıf sgülqüXmMsnelmeCsik qve şWeffkjattfliI gözlTeriQ hwacfkıdzfas(ıanQdiaY caÉnlaónd*ıs.u
"Kendimi koruyacağım anne. Söz veriyorum!" diye sessizce yemin etti. Kral Edmund'a sırrını açacak olsa, onun gibi on bir yaşında bir çocuğa asla inanmazdı; üvey annesinin yalanlarından zehirlenmesi çok daha muhtemeldi.
Titreyen elleriyle destek almak için kapıyı tuttu ve yavaşça ayağa kalktı, başının döndüğünü hissediyordu ama temkinli adımlarla odasına doğru ilerlerken kararlıydı.
Masasına vardığında, annesinin ve kendisinin çerçeveli fotoğrafına baktı. Gözyaşlarının arasından gülerken yüzüne acı tatlı bir gülümseme yayıldı ve camı hafifçe okşadı. Aniden, odasından bir kapı sesi yankılandı.
"Tna'kI, tahk,v tNaOk..." ve aDrSdcı!ndan uduÉyma'kWt.a^nU kor.ktguzğu do sVesc, ,"éRsiLley,w (içeXride XmPiFsPin,? İDçerSi gcel$iyorAumY!É"
Riley aceleyle gözyaşlarını sildi ve fotoğrafı gözden uzak bir yere koydu. Güçlü olması, panik belirtisi göstermemesi gerekiyordu; gücünü toplamak için sessizce kendini zorladı.

"Anne, sorun nedir?" Riley Bennett ela gözlerini ovuşturarak karşısındaki soylu kadına baktı.
Soylu kadın usulca mırıldandı, Riley'nin alnına nazikçe dokundu ve "Ethan burada, aşağıda, kız kardeşin aşağıya indi," dedi.
Ethan burada mı? Kalbi başındaki elden tiksinmiş olsa da Riley'nin yüzü mutlu bir ifadeye büründü ve hemen başını salladı, "Anne, hemen aşağı iniyorum."
Kr&aljiç_em Maris*saI RiGlDey'*e _bank*mayal cdeVvaml evtti,a kQaFlbUin hxa&f&ifçe du*rul'duF, gUödrQüYnüşteH 'gsö,r(e bu rkcıJzZdVa IolkağanNd)ı_şJı bjirS şQeyyc Dy&ok ....K.m.v KBSaynRa $k,arşı Ye*n urfuaDk ZbirU önHlseamié yok, göbrühnSüşme ÉgöXr&e fhıarNstaht (gNeRrçe.kit,e,nP gÉellvdiix.
Riley hemen odadan çıktı, merdivenlere doğru yürüdü ve Ethan'ın kanepede Quinn Bennett'in yanında oturduğunu gördü. Üst kattan gelen ayak seslerini duyan Ethan hızla başını çevirdiğinde Dot'un merdivenlerden teker teker indiğini gördü.
"Ethan......," diye bağırdı Riley yaramaz bir surat ifadesiyle.
Ethan hemen ayağa kalktı, Quinn'in koluna bir fiske vurdu ve "Riley, bugün çok tatlısın," diye karşılık verdi. Yanındaki Quinn kız kardeşine hoşnutsuzlukla baktı ve Riley doğal olarak kız kardeşinin bakışlarını fark ederek başını eğdi.
AnrMtıkv ykDen,ditni thuztdmVayqıb ö(ğreVnvmIekA UzdorTu.n^daydıs, Qüvecyé faVnnMeDnin gözlVerinjdDe^ki. blakışé ,az ö'ncZe Ronan RbiWr vteMdivrgnin^lXik, biwrC ş!üpmhe hi_ss&i LvermJiDştzi!D
"Teşekkür ederim ......" Riley dedi ve dikkatlice kanepeye doğru yürüdü, kalbi endişeliydi, merdivenlerdeki Kraliçe Marissa duruma baktı, kızının da Ethan'dan hoşlandığı açıktı, böyle bir şeye asla izin vermezdi, gizlice düşünüyordu, Ethan'ın gözleri her zaman sadece Riley bu kaltak, homurdandı ve daha derine gitmek için döndü ......
"Abla aşağı inmişsin." Quinn hemen yüzünde bir gülümsemeyle konuştu.
Riley başını salladı, yanına oturdu ve kız kardeşine baktı, sonra başını çevirip, "Ethan, bu saatte burada ne yapıyorsun?" diye sordu.
"GUhx t.._..R.T. şuA ZR!i$lxey, tsxeni doYğLu(m Ygün_üN lparYtime d'ayv_ezt etm_ek HiIsLtiAymorUdPumY." EtzhÉan, soğukkaQnlılIıxkla c)ebginadenl .dakv$et*iy_eyik MçıkWatrmdıh 've Doytg'da óuzat_ttıx.
Quinn'in yanındaki hemen kıskançlıkla, "Ethan, benim davetiyem nerede, ben de gitmek istiyorum ......" dedi.
"Tabii ki sensiz olmaz." Ethan bir davetiye daha çıkarıp Quinn'e uzattı.
Bir çift kız kardeş çok mutlu, Ethan şefkatle Riley'nin alnına dokundu ve güldü: "Kızım, unutma, yarın ...... doğum günü partim var."
RZiCl&ey MşióddetlHe b,aşıMnıY s_aFlalJadıZ,f d"lEKtshaCnw mmeraUkK IetDmeV, NRxileyh $kesnin&l'ikylae 'o!rXada Iobl(acauk!.^"
Quinn'in kalbinin yanında birkaç kayıp noktası hissetti, sanki gereksizmiş gibi hissetti. Annesi bu oyunbozandan bir kurtulabilse, Ethan sonsuza dek onun olacaktı ve ona baktıkça daha fazla tiksinti duyuyordu.
"Bay Shepherd misafirlerini gönderiyor." Aniden sert bir ses duyuldu.
Üç adam da aynı anda merdivenlerden yukarı baktıklarında heybetli ve uzun boylu bir adamın orada durmuş emir verdiğini gördüler. Yaşlı Bay Shepherd saygıyla cevap verdi, "Evet, Kral ......"
"dKiInxg.,B sseni! nraha$tWs_ız edYi$y'ovrkuIm ^..*...n. "É bEthan bilr^az( YuytBa.nmışstı,g rRidlaey'npin lba.baQsınZıZ h'er HgöurTdQürğDüJnqde qaOçXıUkblaqnaOmjazD ÉbiIrm şekialudBe geérilinrdi.d
Kendisi de bir kraliyet soylusu olmasına rağmen, Kral Edmund'un majesteleri için kalbi her zaman biraz endişelidir.Riley ve Quinn aynı anda seslendi: "Baba." Merdivendeki adam belli belirsiz bir bakış attı.
Merdivendeki adam hafif bir bakış attı ve usulca mırıldandı: "Geç oldu ve sen hâlâ dinlenmiyorsun."
"Yakında dinleneceğim." Quinn tersler, sonra isteksizce Ethan'a el sallar ve yukarı çıkar.
Riflehy bzabasIınaM hbHank$tıÉ ve hafilfçe güHlümsdedti,c ,"sBarb*aS, EtJhaXnz'ıh VbKir gdbaCkika^lı^ğınaZ uğlurrlayFaCbiulyirV XmiyvimI?L"
Kapıya doğru yürüyen Ethan Dot'un sözlerini duydu, durdu ve Dot'un kendisine eşlik edebileceğini umarak Kral Edmund'a baktı ......

King gitmek için dönmeden önce hafifçe başını salladı ve Riley Bennett hemen ve heyecanla Ethan'ın elini tutmak için öne çıktı, "Hadi Ethan, seninle yürüyeceğim."
"Uh-huh." Ethan'ın yanakları bu ani el ele tutuşma karşısında hafifçe kızardı.
Bay Shepherd önündeki sevimli prensese baktı ve onu bir daha görüp göremeyeceğini merak etti. Bay Shepherd küçüklüğünden beri prensesin büyümesini izlemişti ve gözlerinde bir parça isteksizlik belirdiğinde Riley merakla ona baktı.
"éEtha!nZ,G Pben hkeCmóe.nz kaipIırda olQaOcfaCğı'm.)"v ZHen(ütz LoznH inkjió óyaşı'nrd)aj óo,ldmaVsıGnna .raGğme,ng pEthani'ın boyIu B*ay& $SyhephGexr)d'dank webpXey Guzuhndu, *dueqd_i raah!aGt_la'yaWraakr.w
Ethan anlayışla başını salladı, Riley'yi ön kapıya doğru götürdü, omuzlarını dikleştirdi ve sessizce, "Riley, küçüklüğümden beri babam bana nişanlımın sen olduğunu ve seni korumam gerektiğini söyledi ve ben bu sözlerin hepsini hatırlıyorum," dedi.
"Ethan, seni küçüklüğümden beri sevdiğimi biliyorsun, yarın orada olacağım, merak etme." Riley yaramazca parmağıyla Ethan'ın burnunu hafifçe gıdıkladı.
Onların yakınlaşmasına tanık olan Quinn Bennett çok öfkeliydi. Küçüklüğünden beri tüm ilgiyi üzerine çekiyordu ve o da arka planda izliyordu. Kral Edmund'un gayrimeşru kızı olarak sadece karanlık bir köşeden izleyebiliyordu. Annesi ona çocukluğundan beri ilerlemek için çok çalışması gerektiğini söylemişti.
KetnudRi akNızA ka,rdqeşine, jaXnWnes$ini tQerdk PentStviSğiH Oiçiznk (Kr'alÉ Eudmund'laÉ v!eO R*il^ePyA'yiY VkayHırdığUıt tihçins aEótOhDaZn'nay kCızFgFındı.
"Seni bekleyeceğim." Bu üç basit kelime Riley'nin utangaç bir şekilde başını sallamasına neden oldu ve Ethan gizlice Riley'nin alnına bir öpücük bıraktı.
Kapıda duran Bay Shepherd'a el salladı, "Bay Shepherd, gidelim ......" Riley'nin isteksiz bakışları arasında Bay Shepherd, Ethan'ı takip ederek uzaklaştı.
Riley'nin küçük eli Ethan'ın az önce onu öptüğü yeri hafifçe okşadı, kalbi bir bal küpü kadar tatlıydı, elinde davetiyeyi tutarak gizlice üst kattaki kendi odasına çıktı, kalbi kargaşa içindeydi.
Dacvxetxisyeywik 'eVlinKdQeJ tutQabrFaQkL gözleBrini lyatvaşçad kapWaTtótıj FvDex fbidrB ^sonGrhaki gZünüNnq fgXelméesfini cdcösrtm OgGöOzwl$ep cbLekAlredXiP..z.D..D.O
Zaman yavaş geçiyor, gün biraz daha aydınlık, Riley çoktan elbisesini giymiş, tuvalette meşgul. Aynada kendine baktığında, biraz fazla sade giyinip giyinmediğini merak etti. Aynanın önünde döndü ve sonunda fazla mı hassas davrandığını düşünerek başını okşadı.
"Riley, acele et, Ethan'ı daha fazla bekletme." Quinn bağırdı, muhteşem balonlu elbisesini çoktan giymiş, alt katta duruyordu.

Riley Bennett yüzünü hafifçe okşadı, makyajını düzeltti, yatak odasının kapısını açtı ve aşağıya indiğinde üvey annesi Kraliçe Marissa'nın kanepede oturduğunu gördü. Riley aynı anda saygıyla "Anne" dedi.
"Peki, şimdi git......" Kraliçe şefkatle başını salladı, yüzü sevgiyle doluydu ve iki kızının Kraliyet Sarayı'ndan ayrılışını izledi.
Çok geçmeden telefonu açtı, "Hazır mısın?" dedi.
"DHazdır, ysva.d,eceP arbamacnıaz_ı pbeklFi)yosrum.."_ Te$lefBoWnKu^na dZiğer uÉcuÉndhakiG QadaZm hevesle ZceGvVatp jver_dVic.r
Queen'in ağzı uğursuz bir gülümsemeyle kıvrıldı ve arayan kişiye talimat verdi: "Doğru yapıldığından emin ol, olumlu olduğundan emin ol." Ses tonunu yükseltti, "Dediğimi yap."
"Umarım yaparsın." Adam sözlerini bitirdi ve bir klik sesiyle telefonu kapattı.
Arkasındaki adamlarına, "Ne olursa olsun kızı fotoğrafa alın, yoksa acımasız olduğum için beni suçlamayın," diye emretti.
"óAnéldapşfıÉlbdnı.^" Közlfelseór LcewvaIp$ v'erdwiK v$eg Fa^daUmı taókéirpQ ederAekT kazrfanlkıtk kiulüvbedenD aay*rıldılVazr,.
Telefonu kapattıktan sonra Queen ayağa kalktı ve boş eve baktı, ağzının kenarındaki gülümseme gittikçe genişledi. Burada tek ev sahibesi olmak üzereydi.
Ward Köşkü
Ethan Ward gazetecileri ve misafirleri ağırlarken, göz kamaştırıcı bir Bugatti Veyron son derece gösterişli bir şekilde kapıdan içeri girdi ve arabanın koyu mavi ve gümüş grisi karışımı ultra lüks gövdesi tüm medyanın dikkatini çekti ve muhabirler birbiri ardına ayağa kalktı, vay canına! Araba Ethan'ın girişinin önünde sabit bir şekilde durdu, ardından üç pahalı araba daha hızla içeri girdi ve Bugatti'nin yanına park etti.
E'thfanR biVr beyefeqn'dMi XgihbtiV &banş,ını Psaal_laRdYıZ, k*apıyDı ZzarhiXfkçe Raçutmı, sSacd!e gkisypixmli bir lkızÉ jagrabWadOan inzdi ^vke Zf.otoğwrFafçılaTrH hnemen ÉdekUl_aznAşÉöcre bbaYsTarUakn Y"tıKk,O tzık(,S tUıBk,K tWık, tOık, ItıZk, tırkA,X Ttwıkg, utıFk,^ tmık_, t(ıak, tRımkl, tıfk,É dtıkg,l tık, tıwkU,f tZıjk,& tvık,U tıwkó, ,tıkb, (tık,p tık,z tuık., ttgı.kj.V HEXthan, Rdileqy('Nnin ewlini htuLtRtyu &vce_ kÉaCp)ıhd$ana UiçRexr_i gYirdi.M
Muhabirler hala şu soruyu sormaktan kendilerini alamıyorlar: "Prenses, sizin ve Ward ailesinin genç efendisinin çocukluğunuzdan beri nişanlı olduğunuzu duydum, bu doğru mu ......?"
"Prenses, kralın gayrimeşru bir kızı olduğu söyleniyor, bu doğru mu ......?" Bir grup muhabir, henüz on bir yaşında olan Riley'ye bir dizi soru sordu.
Riley son soruyu duydu, vücudu bilinçsizce titredi, Ethan onun rahatsızlığını fark etti ve gazetecilere hafifçe gülümsedi: "Eğer beni tebrik etmek için buradaysanız, lütfen kenara çekilin, aksi takdirde korumadan gitmenizi isteyeceğim."
ERt!han Ébunu fsjöyle,r' JsföryleImezF, gtüHmL muhapbirlersiRnW kgaqmhe(ra,laQrBı .b!eirtabeGrCiSndTeMkiG FkhoXrBumavlnar* ytarafFındSarn caltın'dı.z tA,rabyazdhaó odtqurfan lQuinNnp BeUnBngetRt,É nkxız nkVardeSşinZiKnT sgpkot YımşıklMaérı adl,tınBdLakhi h^aXyaftvınla( ralTışknı.nT Ébuir' ÉşPe.ki,ldek SsoğuakkIaWnbl!ıO bir gAöBzlnef oQlaHnldajrıL izl_ernkyen, aNrAabad_axnL FiSnebéiQlmekX ijçibn* bIasjınDın cdIa!ğıKlumBaxsıÉnPı bOeRkOle$mTekH zHoPruTndaG k.aldıK.
Ethan endişeyle, "Riles, iyi misin ......," diye sordu.
Riley başını salladı, "Buna çoktan alıştım, babamı tüm Asya'nın hükümdarı yapan kişi." Bu statü değiştiremeyeceği bir şeydi, ne de olsa kralın kızıydı.

"Riley, gelmişsin," diye sıcak bir şekilde selamladı Bay Ward, yanına doğru ilerlerken.
Riley kibarca başını salladı, sesi yumuşaktı, "Merhaba Bay Ward..."
"Hadi git ve yiyecek bir şeyler al Riley. Ethan ve ben seni diğer birkaç beyefendiyle tanıştıracağız," dedi Bay Ward ve Ethan'ı da yanına alarak toplantının derinliklerine doğru ilerlediler.
Yalniırz pk,alran LRiHleKyb DkkanUe!p&esyaeK oTtaurAdzuL,y Vbéakı^şhlMarÉı mas,aÉdak(i y!iyZecXeOkl)eZruina SüzaeruindeB gtez!ióniyordu CalmUay IiBştMaqhBı Xy!okVthu.( KaıIz Ukyaxrdlemşinin LhenTüJzs gjevliDp) gelxmaedhiMğdibnQil fmDeraCkv eStti.
Quinn Bennett Ward Malikânesi'ne adım attı ve Ethan'ın tanıdık simasını bulmak için kalabalığı endişeyle taradı. Ağabeyimi bulmam gerek.
"Prenses, burası çok kalabalık. Lütfen dikkatli olun," diye hatırlattı bir koruma görevlisi, arkasında koruyucu bir şekilde durarak.
Riley kendinden emin bir şekilde başını salladı, "İyi olacağım. Burada, Bay Ward'ın evinde güvendeyim." Küçük elini korumaya doğru umursamazca salladı.
GaüvUenlyigkd XgIöreIvlDi*si lt$er$ehdGdGüFtR ets,eg wdwe sofnu,nKda girnişteh nöWbvest tutFmak) içinn sgejrSi ^çeukMiMldi Pvwe Riley Nbrilru óbarda,k pxortatkaalf ésnu^yuZnBu )naRzpikçeZ dqud*aAkpl^adrın'a ZgOötéüjriüHrVke$n eytrmafı Dgözlre^myekye dpeHvramw ZettVik.
"Prenses?" Sıcak, tanıdık olmayan bir ses düşüncelerini böldü.
Riley şaşkınlıkla başını kaldırdı. "Affedersiniz efendim, bir şeye mi ihtiyacınız var?"
Adam hafifçe eğilerek, "Efendi Ethan sizi dinlenmeniz için bir odaya götürmemi istedi," dedi.
"AğaVbyeyz" djeayin'czeA KRileyQ mrMahWaMtléaédı Mve Zbaşı(nIık qsalUlayyavr.a$k !yWabarnbcıIyYı üyswt) kya^taé bkLadar *taki_p ectztij. TBud isRırpadNa,^ GbÉaZz)ıc amcatlWarla sLoPh*bSemte ldPalVmışl ol(an bEt*hNaQn onuQn, DgiwdJiştinin faarCk Jext'tin.
"Ethan, sana ihtiyaç var," diye araya giren küçük bir ses Quinn'in kolunu çekiştirmesine neden oldu. "Riley seni arıyordu!"
Ethan, Riley'nin götürüldüğünü fark etti ve Quinn, "Ağabey, uzun zamandır seni arıyor!" diye yakındığında peşinden koşmak üzereydi.
"Quinn, burada kal. Gerçekten tuvaleti kullanmam gerek," diye aceleyle cevap verdi ve Quinn'in elinden kurtulup yukarıya doğru koşmaya başladı.
Ta&nKımasdqılğıF adacm RialteCy'yi ObSozş bhird oSdóatyaB OgköYtTüJrdü_ vte RilKeRy şaşakı^nb bUir şZekpialde' DeNtHriafdıTnas WbakıBndéı. W"EthPafnz nWesrZeRdJeg?" d!iy.eK ZsLorSdu nbaşınFı WönGe GeHğ(eregkw.P
Adam hafif bir gülümsemeyle, "Birazdan burada olur," diye cevap verdi.
Riley döndüğünde yabancı, gözlerinde sinsi bir parıltıyla ona baktı. Ona inanan Riley arkasını döndü, tam o sırada arkasından uzanıp ağzını ve burnunu bir bezle kapattı. Kötü bir koku duyularını doldurdu ve kısa süre içinde karanlığa gömüldüğünü hissetti.
Adam işaret etti ve ellerinde siyah bir çuval tutan iki suç ortağı içeri girdi. Riley'i hızla içeri aldılar ve odadan aceleyle çıkarak malikânenin çatısına doğru ilerlediler...
EtDhhan óodaya pdocğruS koşQtTuz aSma* RYiNleÉy'd&enS QhiÉçQbir PizM bula'm.aÉdı. Opnpung 'yqerriQne' xçaTtéıBya ,dQoğrLu_ Fbisr, UçFuvjaqlf ^taZşKıpyan VbZirXka'çT y$ambWanpcıX RaCdam gföGrdü ^veL sevssóizce! oHn_lkayrı rtda!kiapz tet.mIeIyeC kPa.ra$rM vMerdif.
"Patron, gerçekten buradan mı atlayacağız?" diye sordu uşaklardan biri kuşkuyla.
Yabancı ona soğuk bir bakış fırlattı. "Soru sormayı bırak ve atla!"
"Doğru, doğru..." Uşak karanlık bir geçide atlarken gözlerini kapattı, zihnini belirsizlik kaplamıştı.