CHAPTER 14
Jul 11, 2025
Evangeline pushed open the heavy oak door, allowing Marcus and Adrian to rush inside ahead of her.
Their delighted laughter filled the air as they explored their new chambers.
The walls were painted a warm, regal shade of deep blue, decorated with intricate tapestries depicting noble hunting scenes and mythical creatures.
Two ornate beds with silk coverlets and velvet curtains sat against the far wall, adorned with carved wooden horses and knights that any young nobleman would treasure.
“Mama, look!” Adrian exclaimed, running to one of the beds and bouncing on the plush mattress. “It’s so soft! I love our chamber!”
Marcus was already exploring an elaborate toy chest carved from mahogany, discovering miniature castles, wooden swords, and painted soldiers neatly arranged inside. His face lit up with pure excitement. “We have such big beds! And toys! This is the finest room I’ve ever seen!”
Evangeline stood in the doorway, her lips curving into a soft smile as she watched her sons. Despite the upheaval of recent days and the overwhelming uncertainty of their situation, seeing their innocent joy filled her heart with a measure of peace.
“Remember your manners, boys. Thank Prince Maximilian for his generosity,” she reminded them gently.
“Thank you, Prince Maximilian!” the boys chimed in perfect unison, their voices bright and filled with gratitude.
Prince Maximilian of Astoria leaned casually against the doorframe, his handsome features warm with genuine affection.
He was everything the court whispers claimed—tall, distinguished, with kind brown eyes and an easy smile that seemed to put everyone at ease. “You are most welcome, young princes. I am delighted that you found the chambers to your liking.” He turned to Evangeline, his tone growing softer and more intimate. “The noon feast will be served in the great hall at the stroke of one. I shall allow you time to settle in, and I will personally escort you when the time comes. Does this arrangement suit you?”
Evangeline nodded gracefully, tucking a wayward strand of golden hair behind her ear. “That sounds perfectly acceptable. Thank you, Your Highness, for all of your kindness and hospitality.”
Prince Maximilian’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment longer than was perhaps proper, his smile deepening with obvious admiration. “Anything for you and your sons, my lady,” he said with heartfelt sincerity before turning to depart. “I shall return for you shortly.”
When the door closed with a soft click behind him, Evangeline exhaled slowly, feeling the full weight of her circumstances settling upon her shoulders like a heavy cloak.
She sat down carefully on the edge of one of the silk-covered chairs, running her fingers through her hair as the boys continued their enthusiastic exploration.
The chambers were truly magnificent, and Prince Maximilian had exceeded all expectations in his efforts to make them feel welcomed and honored.
Yet despite the luxurious surroundings and the prince’s obvious devotion, her mind inevitably drifted back to Sebastian.
She shook her head firmly, trying to banish such treacherous thoughts from her consciousness. Still, his piercing blue eyes haunted her like persistent shadows, as if they were still watching her every movement across the miles that separated them.
She could not forget the way he had looked at the boys during the Harvest Moon Festival, as though he had already discovered the truth she had fought so desperately to conceal.
That had prompted her to accept to come to the Court of Astoria. She was now in Prince Maximilian’s court, attempting to forge a secure future for her children.
But was such security truly possible? Could she trust this foreign prince with her heart and her sons’ wellbeing?
Prince Maximilian was undeniably everything a woman could desire in a husband—wealthy, powerful, kind, and genuinely devoted to her happiness.
He had made it abundantly clear that he would welcome Marcus and Adrian as his own sons, providing them with titles, lands, and all the advantages of noble birth. It was far more than she had dared hope for when she fled Sebastian’s kingdom five years ago.
Yet something deep within her heart remained unsettled, as if she were betraying not only her own past but some fundamental truth about her children’s heritage.
Her troubled thoughts were interrupted by Adrian tugging insistently at her silk sleeve. “Mama, do you think Papa would like this chamber?” he asked with heartbreaking innocence, holding up one of the carved wooden knights.
Evangeline’s chest constricted painfully, and she forced herself to maintain a composed expression. “I believe Papa would think it absolutely perfect, my darling,” she managed to say softly, her voice wavering despite her best efforts. “Now why don’t you and Marcus arrange your new toys while I prepare for the feast, hmm?”
Adrian nodded happily, racing back to join his brother at the toy chest. Evangeline watched them with a heavy heart, knowing that she was faced with an impossible choice.
Prince Maximilian offered them safety, security, and a chance at happiness. But accepting his proposal would mean forever severing the boys’ connection to their true father and their rightful inheritance.
A sharp knock at the chamber door interrupted her melancholy reflections. She rose gracefully, smoothing her skirts as she approached the entrance.
“Enter,” she called softly.
A young page in Prince Maximilian’s livery stepped inside, bowing respectfully. “Your Grace, forgive the intrusion. There is a gentleman who has arrived at court requesting an immediate audience with you. He claims the matter is of utmost urgency.”
Evangeline’s brow furrowed with curiosity and a hint of concern. “Did this gentleman provide his name or the nature of his business?”
“He did not offer his name, Your Grace, but he bears the bearing of high nobility. Prince Maximilian has granted him permission to wait in the solar.”
Intrigued despite her better judgment, Evangeline nodded. “Very well. Please inform the gentleman that I shall receive him momentarily.”
The page bowed again and departed. Evangeline quickly checked her appearance in the polished silver mirror, ensuring her hair was properly arranged and her gown presentable for receiving an unexpected visitor.
She made her way through the castle’s elegant corridors to the solar, her silk slippers whispering against the marble floors.
As she stepped into the sunlit chamber, her breath caught in her throat and her heart nearly stopped beating entirely.
There, standing with his back to her as he gazed out the tall windows, was the last person she ever expected to see.
Sebastian.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Summary & Review: Comrade
