BOUND BY FATE: ENTANGLED WITH MR HELL

Chapter 20

: Unspoken Echoes

Rosa's POV

The moment I stepped into my chambers, my thoughts refused to quiet down. Edward's words kept echoing in my mind like a haunting drumbeat:

> "Don't fall in love with Bryant. He's heartless."

"He only married you to save his throne."

"Princess Rosa Blaire."

How did he know my name? My real name.

The only person I had ever told was Bryant… and Bryant didn't speak much, let alone reveal things. He wasn't the type to gossip or make casual conversation, let alone betray me.

But Edward knew.

And that was a problem.

You might be wondering why I'm so worried. The truth? The Red Blossom Pack and the Silver Moon Pack don't mix—rivals, for generations. The kind of bad blood that doesn't fade with time. The kind of grudge passed from parent to child like a cursed heirloom.

If word ever got out that I, the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack, was the surviving princess of Red Blossom—the enemy—I would be executed.

Not exiled.

Executed.

The thought made my knees weak.

My heart pounded as I walked into the bathroom, the weight of too many secrets crashing over me. I shed my clothes and slipped into the cold water, allowing the temperature to bite into my skin and pull me back to the present.

All I've ever wanted was to live without fear.

But fear has become my shadow. The coup destroyed everything. I don't even know who orchestrated it. I don't know who betrayed us. I don't know who killed my family.

And I don't know if I can ever feel safe again.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my spiral.

> "Come in," I said softly.

Paige stepped in with a gentle smile, her eyes curious but respectful. She was always there when I needed her. Always knew when something was wrong… and when not to ask.

> "Your Majesty… His Majesty has summoned you to his chambers."

Her words filled me with a wave of warmth and—Gods, I hate to admit it—happiness. Just hearing he wanted to see me was enough to send butterflies flitting in my chest.

Why was I like this?

Edward's warning buzzed at the back of my brain, but I shook it off. I couldn't control what I felt. And if caring for Bryant was a mistake… it was one I was already making.

I changed into a simple silk gown and stepped out. The palace lights shimmered under the moonlight as I walked toward Bryant's chambers, the echo of my heels oddly comforting.

The guards announced my presence, and I was let in.

Bryant sat casually, dressed in black pants and a loose shirt, unbuttoned down the chest. His muscular frame and sun-kissed skin glowed under the dim lighting. He looked effortlessly… beautiful. Dangerous. Powerful.

And yet, all I saw was the man who carried me into a bathtub and washed me like I was fragile glass.

> "Your Majesty," I greeted with a curtsy.

He didn't look up.

> "Take your seat," he said flatly.

I obeyed, folding my hands in my lap.

There was silence… and then—

> "Have you eaten your dinner?"

> "No," I replied gently.

He picked up a whistle and blew once. Within seconds, the doors opened and servers entered with trays of food. Steam curled from the plates as spices and aromas danced through the air—grilled meat, creamy stew, seasoned vegetables, soft bread with honey glaze.

It was a feast.

We began to eat. I stole glances at him when I thought he wasn't looking. He didn't smile. He barely spoke. But his presence alone… it held weight.

I don't know how, but sitting across from him made me feel something strange.

Seen.

Protected.

Until he spoke again.

> "Stay away from Edward."

His voice was cool, unshaken.

> "I have a meeting to attend. See you later."

And just like that, he stood and left the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence he left behind.

I blinked, still holding my spoon in midair.

What just happened?

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