Fragile Desires (18+) (GxG)

Fifty-Eight | Dazed

I still recall my first nightmare as a child.

It wasn't the monsters under the bed that storytellers loved to frighten us with.

Instead, it was something far more insidious, a feeling that wormed its way into my dreams and left a bitter aftertaste upon waking.

I dreamt of touring the gardens, a real life painting of vibrant blooms bowing at my approach.

But as I reached for a particularly dazzling rose, its petals turned brittle, crumbling to dust in my grasp.

Panic clawed at my throat as the once-lush greenery withered, overtaken by a creeping tide of thorns.

The air itself grew heavy, thick with a sense of unease, not able to quite catch my breath.

Then, I woke.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, each beat echoing in the stillness of my room.

The familiar comfort of my plush toys offered little calmness.

The dream clung to me like cobwebs, leaving a cold, clammy residue on my skin.

It was the first flicker of a truth I wouldn't fully grasp for many years to come—that fairytales, like dreams, could hold hidden thorns.

- Azzy

♛Chapter Fifty-Eight: Dazed♛

"We wanted to be the first to tell you about the latest update on Marcela's case," my father's deep voice remained lowered among the empty hallways of the palace, standing by my mothers side with a tall posture.

I tilted my head, suddenly looking over to Alvaro when he said—

"It's confirmed that my daughter was never seen leaving Riva the night that she died."

I blinked a few times, processing the new information, but ultimately wondering how that could be.

"I wanted to inform you of this, Your Majesty, since this will be discussed in the media first thing tomorrow morning," Alvaro explained, looking between me and his daughter who remained by my side with her arm draped around my waist.

I only waved him off, "You shouldn't have to worry about the media," I said, hating that it had become a focal point among such a tragic situation.

I glanced over to Renata, running a gentle hand up her back, "You both deserve a chance to mourn," I said, holding her dark eyes with a reassuring smile.

Until something seemed to click inside my head.

Especially with the new information.

But it was only a sudden thought.

Yet it was enough to make my smile falter ever so slightly.

"Is everything well my dear?" my mother instinctively asked, knowing her only daughter well enough to notice the now forced smile.

I nodded before I could think it through, "Yes, I would really enjoy a moment alone with my fiancée if you don't mind?" I said, glancing between my parents and Alvaro who both nodded.

Meanwhile, the woman by my side seemed to appear slightly confused with furrowed brows, but followed me anyway as I led her further away from the event.