10. Chapter 10

JULIETTE

"She's where?" I yell, stomping after Queen Helvania and my father. They thought it best to bring news that Ophelia was going to fight for my hand, leaving my door wide open as if knowing that my soldier is trapped, I won't try to leave. I thought it was a joke at first; now I'm terrified that she'll end up dead for a cause that's not worth it. I'd rather her stay alive than try to prove something to my father. He'll never listen. "Wait, father! Why-"

I stop abruptly when Queen Helvania whips around, pointing into my face. My father does nothing to stop her. "Your soldier knew the rules and she broke them. This is to teach a lesson to all those who believe they are allowed to touch without permission. Kusovania has their rules, yes, but they are lax and flimsy and should be tightened. Had they been, Seraphina would not have been at the queen's side."

My hands fly to my mouth, covering my gasp. Only Queen Helvania would say something so bold. "She's a great companion to Queen Daniela. I don't-" I swallow my next words, remembering that Queen Helvania had once dated Queen Daniela, that there had been a small chance they would have been ruling Kusovania together.

Correction, that Queen Helvania would have been.

My father steps forward, tsking at my pitiful state as tears begin to fall down my cheeks. "You got her into this mess but unfortunately she'll have to dig herself out. She mentioned that the only thing she has to give is her sword, so I hope that it will protect her. As for you, Juliette, you will remain in your room until the gala tomorrow night. Food will be delivered to you."

"But-" I cut myself off again, wondering why Queen Helvania is here. Is it because she brought Ophelia to my father? Or is it because my father has already chosen her?

"No buts. You've proven that you can't listen to direction and that you have no intention of respecting our country while in Kusovania."

I'm ushered back to my room and I twist around just in time to ask my last question. "And if Ophelia makes it?" I don't want to hope for something that's impossible. My father has played these games before, never with one of my lovers, but these individuals never come out alive. I clasp my hands together, hoping that he'll uphold his deal. If Ophelia makes it, she can ask for my hand.

"I'll make sure that she doesn't," my father spits out, Queen Helvania grinning at that admission. The door swings shut, the thud echoing through my room. Once again, I'm locked inside this small space. For good measure, I check the window but it's locked and something is covering the outside, barring me any sunshine left in the day.

Ophelia, I believe in you.

There's no way that she'll survive but if she's going to such lengths to fight for me, I can only do the same. I need to stay strong. In less than 24 hours, I will be given away to Queen Helvania or Ophelia will pull some miracle.

I'm praying for a miracle.