From Substitute To Queen

Chapter 92: Caelan's POV

Blair strode ahead of me through the moonlit forest. I halted. "Blair, you've already disrupted our engagement. If you have something to say, speak now." She turned back, her eyes rimmed with red. "Please, Caelan. Your guards are everywhere. They will overhear us." "I am not leaving this spot." Blair shook her head vigorously. "Caelan, if you still consider me your sister, walk with me just a short distance. I promise—ten minutes, then we return." The desperation in her voice reminded me of the scared girl who had arrived at Blackwood Manor years ago. So, I followed.

Ten minutes deeper into the forest, she guided me to the cliff's edge where the trees parted to reveal the breathtaking drop to the lake below. The water lay like a dark mirror, reflecting stars and moonlight in shimmering patterns. Under different circumstances, it might have been a sight of beauty. My patience had worn thin. "Blair, what is it that you desire? How did you escape from the treatment center?" Her gaze flickered away. "That is not important now—" "Tell me. Who aided in your escape, Blair?" She drew closer, tears welling up. "I implore you, Caelan. Do not proceed with this engagement." "We are not having this conversation." "Sable does not love you! She spent three years loving another man. She returned to you only after Darrell broke her heart. She is using you as her safety net, a consolation prize when her true love failed." "Even if that were true - which it is not - it is none of your concern." "How can you say that?" Tears streamed down her face. "I have loved you since our childhood. I have waited for you, supported you through everything." "Stop. Sable is the woman I love. The woman I am going to marry. She is the most precious thing in my life, and I will not allow anyone, not even you, to disrespect her." Blair's face drained of color. "Do you truly believe she loves you?" "I know she does." Each word carried unwavering conviction.

And more importantly, I love her with all that I am. I took a step back toward the path. "Blair, I sincerely hope you can overcome this fixation. I would like to believe we can still have a strong relationship, but only if you accept reality." "No!" The scream echoed off the cliffs. "I will not be your sister! You cannot have my love!" I froze, staring at her in astonishment. "Blair, you must listen to yourself. This is not rational." She retreated toward the cliff's edge, her laughter chilling and wild. "You could have had me." "What in the world—" "If you go through with this engagement tonight, I will jump off this cliff!"

I studied her face, searching for any signs of deceit. "Blair, do you think that threatening suicide will alter my feelings? Do you believe you can manipulate me into betraying the woman I love?" Her eyes widened at my tone. "You are no longer a child. I am not accountable for your emotional choices." I turned toward the path. "Do as you see fit. I am returning to my wife." "Do you think I am joking?" she shrieked behind me. I did not look back. "I believe you are desperate enough to say anything." The noise reached me before I could fully comprehend the situation. The sound of fabric rushing through the air. A distant splash. Then silence. "Blair!" I whirled around and sprinted to the cliff's edge. Ripples marred the lake's surface where something had plunged through.

Moonlight illuminated the disturbance in the water, spreading outward in concentric circles. Without hesitation, I opened the mind-link. "Edward! Emergency at the cliff base—Blair jumped. Dispatch search teams to the lake immediately!" Edward responded promptly, "On our way, Your Majesty!" "Bring medical personnel and rope rescue equipment. Full emergency response!"

Sable's POV

Scarlett and I sat together on the velvet chairs arranged for the family during the ceremony. The ivory silk of my engagement dress felt burdensome against my legs as I shifted uneasily. "Blair seemed completely unstable," Scarlett whispered, her eyes still wide with disbelief. "Did you see her expression when she knelt? I have never witnessed such a sight." Peter and Leon dashed toward us, their expressions solemn. "Blair jumped off the cliff," Peter panted. "We must assist in the rescue efforts." "She did what?" Leon reiterated. "Blair jumped. Caelan is coordinating search teams at the lake." I gazed at them, struggling to comprehend what I had just heard. Blair had truly followed through with her threat. She would rather die than see us united.

Marcus and Katherine sprang to their feet. Katherine's complexion turned pallid, her hands trembling as she grasped Marcus' arm. "We must find her," Katherine insisted urgently. "She might be drowning, she might be—" "The rescue teams are already on the scene," Peter reassured her. But Caelan has requested all available aid. Marcus nodded grimly. "Let us go." They hurried toward the forest path, trailing after Peter and Leon into the darkness. I watched them vanish amidst the trees, my heart racing with a blend of astonishment and guilt.

Did our engagement truly drive her to this? Before I could dwell on these thoughts, Victoria's frantic voice pierced the night air. Victoria rushed over to Dad, panic etched on her face. "Rodrigo! I cannot locate Daisy anywhere!" I stood up immediately. "What do you mean she is missing?" "I have searched the entire ceremony area," Victoria's voice quivered. "She is not by the refreshment tables, not anywhere I can see." Dad inquired, "How long has she been gone?" "I do not know! I was conversing with Mrs. Henderson about the floral arrangements, and when I turned around, Daisy had vanished."

Dad took control at once. "We need to search systematically. Scarlett, inspect the refreshment area and behind the stage. Victoria, explore near the lake shore." "I will inquire with the guests if anyone has seen her," I stated, already heading toward the nearest group of individuals.