Conquests within Forfeits. The Hemerwig Series

Braeden's POV

"What is it?" I ask calmly. I haven't slept a wink and I believe the night is over. I've been staring into my fireplace for what seems like hours. When I started to feel frustrated I would stare at the wall. I don't feel tired now but at the same time I feel exhausted.

"A letter from the Water Elementals, my prince," a maid says and she places a small envelope on the arm of my chair. She leaves without another word or any command from me. I'm past the point of being angry. I just feel like a hollow shell.

I glance at the letter before releasing a dry chuckle. Could the Water Elementals be trying to humiliate me further? Those people never knew when to quit. I tap my fingers against the envelope and wonder what else could be inside. I wonder if Melrose wrote this letter as a personal, heartfelt one. It could be an apology letter. Maybe Melrose left her favorite dress or something in my palace and wants it back immediately. Maybe it's an invitation to her wedding. I heard someone mention it as they walked by my door. I can't handle anymore guessing games so I rip the letter open with ease.

Prince Braeden,

I write to you in extreme urgency as a brother who loves his little sister. Melrose has been grieving since the departure from your kingdom. Please understand that Melrose often puts other's well-being over her own. It's unhealthy in my eyes but I never thought it could damage someone as much as it's destroying Melrose now. Her duty to her people is what she holds closest to her heart, but I dare to think differently now even if she won't.

I beg you as a brother and a man to come to our kingdom immediately. You are the only one who can heal her. Melrose has turned cold towards our parents and most alarming, herself.

Please Prince Braeden. You are my only hope and without your help I fear that my sister's days will be numbered.

-Colin Visico

I re-read the letter before shock fills my veins. What have I done?

Melrose's POV

"I'm fine!" I snap before puking in the toilet for the millionth time. I woke up last night from a terrible dream. It was my life as nothing more than a trophy wife. My husband didn't care about me or my people. The people revolted against my family and my husband was too stubborn to see the warning signs. I was shunned by everyone, my court, mother, father, and Colin. When I woke up from the terrible dream, I was drenched in sweat.

"Just pre-marriage nerves," I hear my mother assuring the maids. Can mother really believe that?

I pull myself to the mirror and I look as terrible as I feel. My hair is tangled, my skin is pale, and a bit of puke is on my chin. I wash my face quickly as mother continues to beat on the door. I hear her speaking but the words don't register. I wish everyone would just leave me alone.

I want to scream my lungs out. I want to rip out my hair. I need to get rid of this frustration. I wish I had a friend at the palace. I'm sure Catherine would listen to me right now. A tear slips down my face and I wipe it away quickly. Tears won't help me now.

I walk out of my bathroom and that's when my real torture begins. The clucking of married life and the cackling of motherhood brings me to tears again. I'm able to disguise these tears as happy ones though. Then again, maybe my maids know these tears contain my grief and are simply choosing to be silent. I can't be too sure of anything anymore.

"Oh my goodness the time just flies! It seems like just yesterday I taught you how to make your first wave," mother mentions and I smile at her words. The memory's a bit fuzzy but I remember the proud looks mother and father gave me then. I wonder if back then they suspected me to be such a failure.