The night was solemn, a deep hush settling over the palace like a heavy velvet curtain. A crisp breeze whispered through the torch-lit corridors, rustling the banners hanging on the cold stone walls. The flickering candlelight in King Darius' chamber cast long, wavering shadows, adding to the coziness of the space.
Seated on a grand chair near his massive oak bookshelf, Darius held a worn romance novel in his hands, a rare indulgence that he kept hidden from prying eyes. The candle on his bedside table flickered warmly, casting a golden glow over the pages as he turned them with uncharacteristic eagerness. He was utterly immersed in the tale, a story of forbidden love, longing glances across grand halls, and a woman who dared to challenge a powerful man's authority. His lips curled into a soft smile as he read, a chuckle escaping him at a particularly witty exchange between the characters. He leaned back against his cushioned seat, allowing himself a moment of rare peace.
Then, the moment was ruined.
A loud knock rattled his chamber door, and before he could even react, one of the guards stationed outside called out, "Your Majesty, Princess Valerie is here to see you."
Darius' eyes widened in alarm. He sat upright and, in a swift motion, stuffed the book beneath a pile of documents on his desk. He cleared his throat, composing himself. "Let her in."
The door creaked open, and Princess Valerie stepped inside. She was young, just on the brink of womanhood, but her presence carried an elegance that made her seem older. Long, flowing black hair framed her delicate face, and though she was undeniably beautiful, there was something haunting about her appearance. The dark circles under her eyes had grown more pronounced in recent weeks, giving her an almost ghostly air.
She bowed before him, a formal gesture of reverence for his title. Darius sighed and immediately pulled her into an embrace instead, disregarding the unnecessary formality. "Enough of that. You are my sister, not one of my subjects," he said warmly.
Valerie let out a small chuckle, though it lacked its usual brightness. "Old habits."
He pulled back slightly and studied her face, concern clouding his sharp eyes. "Have you not been sleeping well?" he asked, brushing a gentle hand over her cheek, as if trying to smooth away the signs of exhaustion.
"I've been reading the books you've given me," she lied, attempting a reassuring smile. "They keep me up at night."
Darius narrowed his gaze. "Reading is good, but not at the expense of your health. If you need a doctor"
"I don't need a doctor, Darius." She cut him off gently, shaking her head. "I am fine, truly."
He wasn't convinced. His little sister had always been quiet, preferring to keep to herself, but lately, there was something… different. She was retreating even further, and her once bright eyes seemed burdened by something unseen.
"Come," he said, gesturing toward the fireplace where a small seating area was arranged. He took a seat first, and she followed, tucking her legs underneath her as she settled into the plush cushions. The fire crackled softly, filling the room with a comfortable warmth.
For a few moments, they simply sat there, enjoying the presence of one another. It wasn't often that they had the luxury of time to just talk as siblings, and Darius cherished these moments more than he let on.
After a while, he let out a deep breath. "Valerie… I think I'm in love."
Her head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. "You?"
He chuckled at her reaction. "Is it really that shocking?"
"Yes," she said bluntly, a teasing smile forming on her lips. "You, my dear brother, are not exactly known for affairs of the heart. So, who is the unfortunate soul that has captured the great King's heart?"
Darius smirked but then hesitated, his expression turning more serious. "Odi."
Valerie's smile faded slightly, and her fingers traced absent patterns on the cushion. "The girl you bought from the thief? It's the talk of the kingdom"
He flinched at the way she phrased it. He had never liked thinking of it that way, but that was the truth of it. "I bought her freedom," he corrected softly.
Valerie tilted her head, studying him. "No, you bought her to enslave her in your palace, for yourself because you love her"
Darius ran a hand through his hair, looking into the fire. "Is that how you see it?" he asked.
"Yes, I guess that's how she sees it too and it must be very discomforting for her"
"I don't know what this is," he admitted. "But I know I can't stop thinking about her. And it isn't because she is beautiful—though she is. It's something else. Something about her spirit, her defiance. She doesn't cower before me. Even when she hates me, she looks me straight in the eye."
Valerie observed him quietly. "She makes you feel human."
Darius looked at her, startled. "Yes," he whispered.
She smiled softly. "Then perhaps it is love."
A comfortable silence settled between them once more, but Valerie's gaze drifted back toward the fire, her expression clouding over. Darius noticed immediately.
"Valerie," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Is something troubling you?"
She hesitated for a long time before finally whispering, "Do you believe in destiny, brother?"
He frowned. "Destiny?"
She nodded. "That our lives are already set in stone. That no matter what we do, we can't change what is meant to be."
Darius considered her words. "I believe we shape our own fates," he said. "But I also know that some things feel… inevitable."
Valerie's grip on the cushion tightened. "And if our fate is cruel?"
Darius reached over, placing a comforting hand over hers. "Then we fight it."
For a moment, she looked as though she wanted to say more, but she merely nodded. "You should get some rest," he said after a pause, squeezing her hand. "And don't let those books keep you up all night again."
She let out a quiet laugh. "I make no promises."
Darius watched as she stood, adjusting the shawl draped over her shoulders. Before she left, she turned back and gave him a small, knowing smile. "And, brother?"
"Yes?"
"I think Odi is lucky," she said softly. "Even if she doesn't know it yet."
Then she was gone, leaving Darius alone with his thoughts, the fire crackling softly beside him. He let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting to the hidden book beneath his documents. Smiling to himself, he reached for it again, knowing full well that sleep would elude him tonight.
Not when thoughts of Odi and fate danced so vividly in his mind.