The heavy iron door creaked open, and the guards bowed as Damien, the Crown Prince, stepped out of his confinement. Though he was free, the weight of his father's betrayal lingered on his shoulders. His first thought was of Miyaa, locked away in her chambers, trapped in a fate she never chose.
That night, under the dim glow of candlelight, he wrote to her.
"My dearest sister,
I regret that I cannot stand beside you as I should. Know that you are not alone in this. The world may be against you, but I will always fight for you.
Hold on, Miyaa. The storm will pass."
With careful hands, he sealed the letter and instructed one of his most trusted men to deliver it secretly to Miyaa.
...
Days blurred into nights, each moment stretching endlessly. I paced around my chamber, my heart heavy with hopelessness. No one had come for me. Not my mother, not Damien. I know my father must be stopping them from visiting me.
As a princess, I always knew my marriage would never be for love. I had prepared myself for that long ago. But this news… it came too suddenly. And to Prince Rex, of all people.
The rumors about him were endless. Some whispered that he had murdered most of his father's concubines. Others claimed his meals consisted of human flesh and blood.
I could only brace myself and pray that Prince Rex was not the monster the rumors made him out to be. But deep down, a cold shiver ran through me what if they were true?
---
Then, on a quiet evening, I overheard hushed voices outside my door.
The wedding is set for next month, a servant whispered.
So soon?. another voice replied, laced with unease.
The Princess barely leaves her chambers anymore.
The King has made up his mind. He believes this is the only way to secure peace.
My breath caught in my throat. A month. I had only a month left of freedom.
---
In the royal court, King Fredrick sat on his throne, his expression distant and troubled. His Queen knelt before him, her voice laced with quiet desperation.
Please, my King, reconsider. Miyaa is our daughter. How can we do this to her?
The King's hands clenched into fists. "I have no choice," he said, though the words rang hollow.
You always have a choice, the Queen insisted.
For a moment, doubt flickered in his eyes, but he shook it away. This is what must be done.
---
In the Western Empire, under the cover of darkness, Aldric met with his most trusted generals. Maps were sprawled across the table, each marking the locations of hidden camps, secret weapons, and the next phase of his attack.
Prince Rex grows stronger, one general said. We must strike before he gains the upper hand.
Aldric smirked. Why do you think my father chose him as Crown Prince? He is not to be underestimated. But no matter…" He leaned back, eyes gleaming with quiet menace.
We will strike when the time is right. No need to rush.
Have you linked the whereabouts of the secret army to Rex? Aldric asked, his tone calm yet calculating.
Yes, Prince, the guard replied with a bow.
A slow smirk curled on Aldric's lips. My little brother will be in a hurry to capture them. I only need to sit back and watch the show. When he arrives, plant one of our men as a spy without him suspecting a thing."
It will be done, Prince. The guard bowed again. "I will take my leave now."
Aldric waved him off, his smirk widening. "Let the game begin."
---
Prince Rex rode through the cold night air, his army at his back. After weeks of searching, he had finally located his brother's secret army.
But as they arrived, the camp was empty.
"They knew we were coming," one of his men muttered.
Rex's jaw tightened. Aldric is astep ahead this time.
"We keep moving," he commanded. "He won't escape me forever."
---
I sat by my window, tears stinging my eyes. I had hoped for help, but none came. Even my mother, the one person i thought would fight for me, had failed.
Then, a knock at mydoor.
A guard entered, placing a letter on my table before leaving.
My hands trembled as I opened it.
"Hold on, Miyaa. The storm will pass."
Damien.
I pressed the letter to my chest, clinging to the only sliver of hope i had left.