Chapter 7: The Trap

The marriage grant was withdrawn, but I knew the Queen Mother wouldn’t let us go so easily. Sure enough, a white-gloved driver in a black car—mansion crest gleaming—delivered a summons for me to attend a garden party.

Derek was just a low-level official, and as his wife, I had no right to attend. But I couldn’t set foot in that place again. So I faked an illness—mint rubbed on my cheeks for blotches, just convincing enough for the mansion’s doctors. Rumors spread about my appearance, and I let them. It was easier than risking my life.

When Derek heard, he cupped my face. "A bunch of clueless people. My Natalie is the most beautiful girl in the world!"

His thumb brushed my cheek, and for a moment, I felt safe.

I started to tease him, but he kissed my forehead. "You’re it for me. Let’s get married, properly this time. I’ve saved enough for a big wedding—with all the trimmings!"

His smile was infectious, and I found myself saying yes. I pictured white folding chairs on the courthouse lawn, a cake from May’s Bakery, everyone we cared about gathered for us.

But when Derek went to the mansion to request leave for our wedding, he didn’t come home. I waited at the door, lantern in hand, until a town car pulled up. A sweet, practiced voice called out—a mansion attendant.

"Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter got drunk at the mansion. Please come get him."

I tightened my robe, nerves jangling. "My husband rarely drinks. Why now?"

He gave a sly smile. "I don’t know, ma’am. But if you don’t fetch him, he won’t be coming back."

He dangled Derek’s silver keychain in the porch light. I gripped my lantern tighter. There was no choice. I shoved on my sneakers and followed him, heart pounding.

Amanda waited, draped in pearls, cool as ice. She looked me over, unimpressed.

"You really are ordinary. I don’t know what Derek sees in you. Never mind, handle this quietly. Return the keychain, and don’t let Derek find out."

She waved me away like I was a stray dog. My mouth went dry, but I nodded, refusing to give her the satisfaction.

Then hands clamped over my mouth, rough and cold. My feet dragged on tile. The scent of bleach and cherry blossoms tangled in my nose. I kicked, but they just laughed.

"How do we get rid of her? It’s hard to get out of the mansion now."

"Just hold her under—make it quick. Nobody’s gonna look for her here."

"The old guest house is deserted. Dump her there."

My eyes widened. That was my old room. Why had I come full circle?

Every step echoed with memory. I bit my tongue, refusing to beg.

"Isn’t that place off-limits?"

"That’s why it’s perfect. Quit stalling. Let’s go!"

They dragged me until the scent of cherry blossoms hit me like a wave.

"We’re here!"

"Hurry up—just do it."

Water crashed over me. My survival instinct exploded. I thrashed, and the attendant’s grip slipped.

"Who’s there?"

A familiar voice made me pause, but I was shoved under again. My vision swam. I wanted to scream, but only bubbles escaped.

"Why is His Majesty here?"

"It’s fine. He’ll leave soon. Just hold her down and it’ll be done."

I hesitated between calling for help and staying silent. Until—

A memory—Caleb, his voice echoing. Did he know?

"Your Majesty, I’ve picked the finest cherry blossoms. Thank you for your favor!"

The words rattled me. Grief surged up. I struggled, desperate.

"Derek, help me!"

The world held its breath. I wasn’t sure if anyone would answer—or if this was the end.

Caleb’s body stiffened. He turned, eyes wide with disbelief.

For a moment, his mask slipped. He saw me—not the decoy, but the girl he’d once called sister.

I staggered past him, collapsing into Derek’s arms. He caught me, drenched and shaking.

"Derek, help me!"

Before Derek could comfort me, a hoarse voice sounded behind us: "Nat, is that you?"

The past and present collided. I clung to Derek, the scent of cherry blossoms and smoke swirling around us. The world held its breath, waiting for what came next.

Behind us, footsteps echoed. Someone else was coming. And this time, there’d be no place left to hide.