Devoted and Foolishly Paid Love

The grand hall was filled to the brim, every seat occupied. Today was Julius Lander’s great day of celebration – his appointment as Chancellor.

Compliments and cheers buzzed in my ears.

I raised my goblet, smiling gracefully, and downed my drink in one go. A drop of wine slipped from the corner of my mouth.

My half-sister, Charlotte, reached out to wipe it away with an ingratiating smile. “Congratulations, sister. It seems you’ve finally reached the end of your long hardships.”

I picked up my goblet once more and, without hesitation, threw the entire cup of wine into her face, washing away the layers of makeup she had so carefully applied.

My smile didn’t falter. “I never forget, dear sister, how you schemed against my mother during my coming-of-age ceremony.”

Charlotte’s face turned pale, then red, but just as she was about to retaliate, her eyes caught sight of Julius approaching. She bit back her anger, swallowing the humiliation.

“Sister, I have no idea what you’re talking about. If I’ve done anything to upset you, please accept my apologies,” she said, her voice trembling.

I looked at her with disdain and hurled the goblet at her forehead. Blood began to trickle down from the cut, staining her perfect face.

Behind me, I heard hurried footsteps. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, anticipating Charlotte’s downfall.

Everyone knew Julius adored me, respected me, even. A mere scholar, he had once taken up a blade to cut off the hands of a noble who dared lay a finger on me.

But what happened next was beyond anyone’s expectation. Julius grabbed Charlotte and pulled her into his arms, then slapped me across the face with such force that I fell to the ground, half of my face swelling almost instantly.

“How could you be so cruel, Cleo? Charlotte is your sister!” Julius spat out, his voice full of anger.

The hall fell silent, gasps echoing in the stunned silence. No one knew how to react to this sudden turn of events.

Charlotte’s sobs filled the hall, mingling with Julius’s soothing whispers.

“It’s alright, Charlotte. I’m here. You’re safe with me.”

I lowered my gaze, saying nothing.

How laughable. The man I had painstakingly raised to greatness – the man I called my husband – had always been hopelessly in love with another.