Episode 2

Gwendolyn's voice sounded sad, but firm. "I will marry! If it saves your life. I will do whatever it takes to preserve our family."

Gwendolyn's words shocked Guinevere. She did not expect her sister to offer herself in her place. This aroused even greater anger in Guinevere, now that Gwendolyn would become the family's savior. With each passing day, Guinevere hated her more.

Their father held Gwendolyn's hand and said:

"Daughter, you have an engagement!" This attitude revolted Guinevere even more. Gwendolyn shook her head, trying to hide her tears.

"He broke up with me," tears streamed down Gwendolyn's face. Her father looked at her, not understanding anything.

"How? Who does he think he is to do that? I will talk to him!" he exclaimed indignantly, throwing the napkin on the table.

Gwendolyn wiped away her tears and said:

"There is no need, father."

"But what happened in this house in my absence?" the father said in a serious tone, looking at both of them.

"Gwen was clinging to an officer and he saw it. What a shame," Guinevere said, giving her sister a mocking look. Gwendolyn preferred to remain silent.

"I will soon be ready to go." Gwendolyn got up, determined, and went to her room to pack her things. The truth was that she would not be able to live near him, with all this love in her chest. She heads towards her room followed by her father.

"Explain this, Gwen," her father said, entering the room and sitting on the small sofa. Gwendolyn stopped what she was doing.

"An officer kissed me and he saw, so he rejected me. But father, it's not my fault!" she explained.

"What officer is this? I will have him arrested. How dare he touch you?" he said revolted. He would not accept that his daughter's honor was stained with impunity.

"Father, I don't want to talk about it anymore. Besides, I will go to the castle," Gwendolyn said, giving a shy smile. She was willing to do anything to help her father. Now it was her turn to reciprocate what he had done for her all her life.

"Are you sure you want to do this, my daughter?" asked her father.

"Yes, it will be better for me. Maybe I can forget him far from here," she replied, returning to pack her things.

"I will write a letter explaining everything, deliver it as soon as you arrive," her father said, getting up and leaving the room. Gwendolyn completed the task of packing her things and met with her father, who handed her a letter. A carriage was waiting, and the servants stored her luggage. She said goodbye to him, entered the carriage and left for a new life. Perhaps, who knows, she would find happiness.

The Iron Raven Castle stood imposingly, its gothic and somber architecture standing out against the sky. Surrounded by an imposing wall, it seemed to be an impenetrable fortress. Gwen admired every detail, from the tall, sharp towers to the windows covered in climbing plants, giving the place a mysterious air. As she watched, the huge access bridge began to move slowly, gradually descending to allow the passage of the carriage. Gwen felt a shiver run down her spine as the carriage crossed the bridge, entering the massive gates of the castle. She could hardly believe the course her life had taken.

Gwen followed the guide's steps, marveling at the colorful stained glass windows that portray ancient stories and noble figures. She was taken to a waiting room just after the entrance gates, a large space illuminated by chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were lined with dark wood panels, giving the environment an imposing and austere aspect.

"The young lady waits here" said the man placing her bags on the floor, leaving her alone, she walked observing everything around her with curiosity. A huge door opened and a tall man entered the room.

A tall man entered the room.

"Guinevere Windsor," called the man with a serious face.

"Gwendolyn Windsor, here is a letter from my lord explaining everything," she said, handing over the trembling paper. The man's eyes fell on the paper for a while before looking at her.

"Come, be ready to meet the king and your future husband," he said, guiding her through a corridor that stretched in several directions. He opened a huge door, placing himself aside.

"This is your room. Be prepared and only leave when you are called. Do we understand each other?" he asked, looking at her.

"Yes, sir. I will wait here," replied Gwendolyn, watching him close the door. She was delighted with the room, a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance. The high ceiling, richly ornamented with golden moldings and intricate frescoes, gave a sense of nobility. Gwen took a deep breath, confident that it was not what she had planned, but she was sure that her life would be different. If she was patient, maybe she could even be happy and, who knows, forget Galahad.

The door opened and a maid entered.

"Good afternoon, Miss Windsor. I will serve you," said the girl, standing next to the door.

"You can call me Gwendolyn," asked Gwendolyn, smiling at the maid, who appeared to be younger than her sister.

"I will unpack your bags and prepare your bath," said the maid, walking to the bags and starting to unpack them. Gwendolyn was amazed by the huge bed in the center of the room, adorned with velvet curtains around it. Noble wood furniture stood out, and an elaborate dressing table with an oval mirror and drawers adorned with gold handles housed fine perfume bottles and sparkling jewelry.

"Allow me to help," said Gwendolyn, going to the young woman who looked at her in disbelief, as if she had offended her.

"Miss, please, this is my job," replied the maid. Gwen approached the girl cautiously, not wanting to cause any kind of inconvenience.

"I don't want to interfere with your work, I just wanted to help and maybe we could be friends," said Gwendolyn. The young woman looked at her as if she had said something strange and returned to her work. After arranging things in the huge wardrobe, the maid prepared a bath for Gwendolyn. Then, she helped her choose an outfit.

"Be prepared at any moment, the king may arrive and want to see you," warned the maid before leaving, leaving Gwendolyn alone once again. The young woman walked to the window and looked at the immense gardens outside. She sighed, as her life would be different there, but she was confident that everything would work out on her new journey.

Gwendolyn went to the bed and lay down a little to relax. The mattress seemed to envelop her in its softness. Her mind wandered to her old relationship and tears streamed down her face. If only he had listened to her, she could have explained everything to him, but he just rejected her and left. With this thought, she fell asleep, dreaming of the possibilities that the future might bring. Soon she would meet the Prince.

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