Chapter Five: Ghosts of Crowns Past
No. It can't be him.
Annelise stared.
Prince Rodrick?
Her mind reeled. He had vanished from public life years ago. Left the royal family—or was he disowned? No one really knew. Not officially, anyway. In this era ruled by media, scandals, and algorithms, the kingdoms still somehow managed to guard their secrets. The royals of Alandra, Viremont, Espion and Adier were especially skilled at it. Controlled. Private. Intentionally silent.
Even she, a princess, had rarely made an appearance. She wasn't a son, after all. Barely worth the headlines unless it involved marriage rumors or diplomatic dinners. In the eyes of the world, she was little more than a placeholder. A pawn. A potential bride. A bargaining chip. Breeding stock for wealth and alliances, she thought bitterly.
Ugh. Focus. You're here for a reason.
She glanced at Rodrick again. He was nothing like the version of him the gossip columns used to speculate about—no golden crown, no velvet robes. Just a tired man in pajamas, a little older than she remembered, rubbing his eyes and half-smiling.
He was supposed to be king once. I remember that. I was so young... Then he vanished. No coronation. No explanation. His younger brother took the throne, he was already married to a princess from the East, and had a son—my supposed-to-be groom.
Her stomach turned.
I wonder why Rodrick left. Maybe the crown was too heavy for him too.
A strange thought rose in her—something like empathy. I hope he's happy, wherever he is—or was. Maybe he understands what it's like, to want out.
She bit her lip. Should I tell them who I am?
"Excuse me?" Finian's voice broke into her spiraling thoughts.
She blinked and looked up.
"Earth to Miss?" he said with a half-smile, waving a hand. "What's your name? Why are you out here in the middle of a storm?"
Annelise stiffened slightly.
Should I tell them?
Every instinct in her said no. She wasn't ready. She didn't want the weight of her title to reattach itself. She didn't want pity or panic. She just wanted to be... someone.
So she looked up at them, straightened her spine ever so slightly, and said—