The Bridge Not Taken: Choosing Myself Over You

With the Dowager Queen's birthday fast approaching, my sister was busier than ever, seldom in her chambers.

Seizing a moment of rare freedom, I decided to explore the Phoenix Wing grounds.

Although I wasn't allowed outside the Phoenix Wing, my sister had a maid shadow me whenever she was away.

I wandered to the front courtyard, drawn to a towering apple tree near the palace gates.

I smiled and asked the maid, "May I climb the tree?"

The maid bowed slightly, remaining silent, which I took as consent.

I climbed eagerly, gripping the thick trunk until I reached a sturdy branch.

My forehead was slick with sweat.

What a view from up here!

I dabbed at the sweat on my brow, plucked a few apple blossoms, and stashed them in my pouch.

The blossoms were in full fiery bloom, a sight to behold.

I leaned back against the trunk, letting the dappled sunlight warm my face, and squinted in contentment.

Could this be what they call a stolen moment of serenity?

Utter bliss!

I closed my eyes, feigning sleep, reveling in the brief respite.

"Who goes there?"

A sharp call jolted me, and I lost my balance, tumbling from the tree.

"Someone help her!"

A commanding voice came from beyond the walls, and the gates of Phoenix Wing swung open at once.

Sitting on the ground, cradling my throbbing leg, I found myself face-to-face with King Samuel for the first time.

His presence was magnified by his golden royal robes, adding to his already formidable stature.

He rushed over, his brow furrowed in concern, and immediately called for his physician.

As I tried to kneel, he gently held me down, "You're hurt—no need to move."

Head bowed, I rushed out an apology, "Your Majesty, I've alarmed you. I deserve punishment."

He didn't reply directly but instead inquired, "You are the Queen's half-sister, correct?"

I nodded, and he asked further, "What were you doing so high up in that tree?"

Ashamed, I lowered my gaze even more, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, I've always been a bit wild, sunning myself up in the trees."

He chuckled softly, "You certainly don't have the Queen's poise. Next time, don't climb so high—it's dangerous."

I whispered a quiet agreement.

Just then, the physician arrived in a hurry, allowing the King to step aside.

After examining my leg through a cloth, the physician concluded it was merely sprained, not broken, and prescribed a bruise ointment before departing.

By the time my sister returned in a flurry, the King had already left.

She burst into my room, landing a fierce slap across my face.

"You lowly wretch, what vile tricks are you playing at? Daring to entice the King—are you mad?"

I burst into tears, shaking my head desperately, "Your Majesty, I did nothing wrong! I followed your orders, and never left the palace. I was just sunbathing in the tree—I never expected the King to come by here!"

"Still lying," she slapped me again, her anger flaring. "The King passes by here every morning after court. How can you claim ignorance?"

Stunned, I looked up at her, my eyes filled with confusion, "Your Majesty, it's my first time here. Today was the first time I ever left your side."

She paused, taken aback by my reminder. It dawned on her that in her palace, I couldn't have known about the King's routines, nor would she discuss such matters in front of me.

Despite this revelation, her demeanor remained unforgiving.

She scoffed and continued to scold me, "Jennifer, remember, you were born to a nobody; the King is out of your league."

I quickly bowed, submitting to her words.

That subdued her for the moment, and she strode away with an air of superiority.

Before leaving, she turned back to the maid following me, "From now on, keep her within the sleeping quarters."

I bit my lip, trying to appear indifferent, yet the pain in my leg made me silently weep.