Married To Darkness
Chapter 263: Morning & Confessions.

Chapter 263: Morning & Confessions.

Morning broke, painting the castle in soft hues of gold and gray, as the remnants of last night’s rain lingered in the cold, crisp air.

Alaric stirred first, his natural discipline urging him awake before the rest of the castle.

Without waking Salviana, he dressed in simple training attire, his dark hair slightly tousled, and made his way to the castle’s training hall.

The hall was dimly lit, the only sounds coming from the rhythmic dripping of water outside and the faint hum of the wind.

’Good morning, your highness,’ ’Good morning your grace,’ rang in the area as Alaric arrived. He shook his head and told them to resume training.

His eyes fell on his cousin, the second prince, Spencer but he ignored him. If he had nothing to say he didn’t like bringing up conversation with the man as salviana had told him about how he ignored her the day he hadn’t come back early form the war.

He couldn’t forgive him.

Alaric began his routine, his breaths controlled as he worked through stretches, sword drills, and sparring dummies.

The cold air prickled against his skin as he jogged laps around the hall, his muscles warming with every stride.

"Should’ve brought a cloak," he muttered to himself, shaking off the chill with a roll of his shoulders. As a vampire he got cold easily.

Despite the weather, there was something invigorating about the solitude of early mornings—a brief moment to clear his mind before the chaos of the day began.

Elsewhere in the castle, The seventh princess chambers, Emma had just arrived at the royal chambers, her arms full of cleaning supplies.

She had come later than usual, her mind plagued by restless thoughts throughout the night.

As she worked alongside two other maids, her attention wasn’t fully on the task at hand. Instead, her ears strained at every creak of the floorboards or distant echo of footsteps.

Her mind raced. Is the prince back?

Will he return soon?

She hadn’t been able to him last night as she had slept off but she will this morning.

She stole a glance toward the chamber door, her heart pounding slightly. She had to tell him. Today.

"Emma, are you all right?" one of the other maids, Sarah asked, glancing at her curiously. "You’ve wiped that same spot three times now."

Emma blinked, startled out of her thoughts. "Oh, yes, I’m fine. Just... distracted."

"Distracted?" Thalia smirked. "Thinking of someone special?"

"Nothing like that," Emma replied quickly, her cheeks warming. "Just have something important on my mind."

Thalia sighed knowingly. "Well, whatever it is, best not to dwell too long. The prince isn’t the type to appreciate delays."

Emma nodded, though her stomach churned at the reminder. She cast another glance toward the door, muttering under her breath, "He has to come back soon. He has to."

Back in the training hall, Alaric swung his sword in a sharp arc, the blade slicing through the cold morning air.

He paused, catching his breath, and rested the blade against the ground.

His thoughts wandered briefly to Salviana, still sleeping soundly in their chambers.

He allowed himself a small smile.

"She’s probably already planning the day in her dreams," he murmured.

A clatter of armor from the far end of the hall interrupted his thoughts.

One of Salviana guards entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, the castle staff have begun decoration for the kings birthday, and the chambermaids have started their morning rounds. Emma, the chamber maid, was seen heading to your office earlier."

Alaric frowned slightly. Emma wasn’t one to linger or seek him out unnecessarily. "Emma? Did she say why?"

The knight shook his head. "No, my lord, but she seemed... troubled."

Alaric wondered why the guard was voluntarily talking to him and he decide it must be that he cared about Enma and didn’t like seeing her stressed. Mmmm

Alaric wiped the sweat from his brow and set his sword on the rack. "I’ll see to it," he said, his tone sharp with curiosity and concern.

With a nod to the guard, he strode out of the hall, while the guard followed after him, the cold air following him as he made his way back to his chambers.

In the royal chambers, Emma paused her cleaning as a shadow crossed the threshold.

She turned sharply, her heart leaping when she saw Alaric standing in the doorway.

His presence filled the room, his gaze sharp and attentive as he took in her tense demeanor.

"Emma," Alaric said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You’ve been waiting for me?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Emma replied, her hands wringing nervously. "There’s something I need to tell you. Something... urgent."

Alaric stepped further into the room, his brows furrowing. "Go on."

Emma hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage. "It’s about Jaefel, my lord, he’s a knight."

"Yes, I know him,"

"Ok, your highness, I’ve seen something... suspicious. I fear he may have harmed Mire, the maid who disappeared."

Alaric’s expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening. "What did you see?"

Emma swallowed hard, her voice trembling slightly. "When Jaefel returned the other day, I noticed something on his horsepack—a veil. It looked like one Mire used to wear. I didn’t think much of it at first, but the more I thought about it..."

Alaric’s eyes narrowed, his mind already piecing together the implications. "You believe he’s responsible for Mire’s disappearance."

"Yes, my lord and many other evil doings," Emma said quietly. "I didn’t have proof, so I thought it best to tell you first."

Alaric nodded, his mind racing. "You did the right thing. Leave this with me. I’ll see to it."

Emma let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Alaric placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You’ve shown courage, Emma. Now, go about your duties as usual. I’ll handle Jaefel."

Emma nodded, stepping back as Alaric turned and left the chambers, his expression dark with resolve.

The weight of her confession lingered in the room, but for the first time, Emma felt a glimmer of hope. She had placed her trust in the right hands.

She loved Jaefel but sh loves justice and eradication of evil more.

She’s only sorry she never asked him or gave Hi a chance to explain because of her fear.

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