Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 506: Too Late For Regrets

Daphne couldn’t properly put into words the feelings she was experiencing right now. She held a white veil in her hands, placing it upon Cordelia’s head as the latter stared dead into the mirror, her gaze distant and far-off.

If this were any other occasion, Daphne would be delighted to help prepare for Cordelia’s wedding. Yet, in some wicked twist of fate, she was helping her best friend prepare for her marriage to Daphne’s own husband. freewёbnoνel.com

Even though this was nothing but an act, Daphne still felt her stomach turn. She didn’t even wish to think about the sort of backlash Cordelia might face from both her family and her people after the news leaked and she had to return to Nedour. Despite Cordelia’s reassurance, Daphne couldn’t help but be worried still.

"Have you found someone to help you yet?" Daphne asked, taking a step back so that Cordelia could stand.

The princess of Nedour stood to her full height, smoothening down her mermaid wedding dress as she examined her reflection in the mirror. The silk and lace piece was beautiful, something Cordelia would’ve definitely wanted to wear for her actual wedding day. What a shame it had to be wasted on this.

"I have something planned," Cordelia said. "Although, I am not sure if he would resent me for doing this."

"Are you talking about Jonah?" Daphne questioned. She resisted the urge to laugh. "Atticus will be furious when he finds out, and not for the reason others might think."

"Well, at least that means that his reaction would be genuine," Cordelia replied with a shrug. "Did your healer find a way to properly use the pearl yet?"

"Sirona wrote a letter to Prince Nathaniel a while back, even before you arrived at Vramid," Daphne said. "They’re discussing the properties of the pearl and how it would work as a kelpie’s eye. According to Atticus, they should be able to find a solution within the next few days."

"Good," Cordelia said. "I doubt my father will demand the pearl back, but in case he does, it’s better to have it used up before he can try anything."

Daphne nodded. She then bit down on her bottom lip. "Are you sure about this?"

"Still?" Cordelia questioned, huffing. "Daphne, we’re already too far deep into this to back out now. I am already wearing a wedding dress, and the guests have gathered in the hall."

"Your reputation..." Daphne trailed off with a sigh. "I know that it’s what you want, but I just want to make sure it’s not a decision made completely on impulse. It could ruin your image forever."

"Oh, come on," Cordelia said, playfully rolling my eyes. "You sound like my mother."

Daphne could only laugh in reply.

"I’ll leave you be, in that case," Daphne said. "He’s coming soon, isn’t he?"

"Yes," Cordelia affirmed, "if he doesn’t go back on his word, that is."

"Jonah is a smart man," Daphne said. "He probably already guessed your intentions, since you did outright ask him for his help when you first arrived."

"I just can’t wait to see the expression on King Atticus and my father’s faces when they catch us," Cordelia said, cackling a little at the end of her sentence. "It will be the entertainment of a century."

"Just don’t break any hearts," Daphne playfully chided. "Jonah is a good person."

Cordelia said nothing, simply mouthing the word ’mother’ soundlessly while Daphne laughed. They bade each other goodbye right after, each on their own mission. While Daphne’s role was to head down to the hall and eventually lead the crowd of guests over to Cordelia’s room after she failed to show up, Cordelia had a different guest to host in her chambers for the next hour or so.

She just hoped that he wouldn’t be late. Or worse, not show. Their plans would go straight into the gutter if that happened.

For a second, she wanted to kick herself for not finding a backup. Yet, when her ears picked up the sound of footsteps coming from outside her room, Cordelia smiled.

Why make do when she could have exactly what she wanted?

***

"You sure took your time," Atticus commented when Daphne finally showed up at his side. He leaned forward, holding her gently by her upper arm as he looked her over. A small frown appeared on his face. "Why aren’t you in white?"

Daphne scoffed. "I’m not the bride. Why would I be in white?"

"Hmm," Atticus hummed.

With one hand, he pulled Daphne a little closer by her waist. Her palms pressed against his chest to create some distance, though it barely made any difference.

"How strange," he said. "I seem to have only said I will take you as my wife. If you’re not my bride, who else could be?"

Those sweet sugary words quickly forced Daphne to roll her eyes, but there was an undeniable smile that curved her lips. She cast a glance at the crowd; most of the guests were already seated, with the chapel waiting for the ceremony to begin. She could even see King Calarian and Queen Lavinia among the guests, eager to see their niece walk down the aisle.

Daphne winced internally, feeling a tad bit guilty for wasting their time like this. Even though Atticus had used his magic to help lessen the royal couple’s traveling time, it would still be an empty, wasted trip to have them travel all the way to Vramid from Xahan, especially considering how far apart these two kingdoms were.

"I should return to my seat," Daphne said.

She hadn’t missed the curious — and occasionally pitiful — glances that were thrown her way. Daphne didn’t need the ability to read minds to know exactly what those people were thinking right now.

She continued, "Time for you to put on the performance of a lifetime."

"Where’s Jonah?" Atticus asked.

His grip hadn’t left Daphne’s waist, but he had started to look around the chapel for his best man. He could spot Sirona directing the guests to their seats, and King Marinus was engaged in conversation with King Calarian and Queen Lavinia. Yet, there was no sign of Jonah anywhere.

"He should be..." Atticus trailed off when the dots finally connected.

Daphne could practically hear a snap ringing through his brain when it finally clicked for him why his best friend wasn’t present for the wedding ceremony when he was supposed to help.

His gaze snapped back to meet Daphne’s sheepish expression, and she nodded slowly.

Atticus’s heart dropped as he muttered, "No..."

Daphne could only smile apologetically. "Yes."